The Weekend: Architecture, Environmentalism and More

Spring is such a lovely time to be outdoors. Many events happening locally this weekend will take advantage of the (hopefully) nice spring weather, from bird watching to Arbor Day plantings. Several happenings focus on wellness, such as Healthy Kids Day at the YMCA, and the Jack and Jill Health and Wellness Day.  Read on for the details of these events and others, and be sure to check the Patch calendar for even more events. Enjoy!

Anyone interested in birds will enjoy this morning of bird watching in the expansive habitats of .  The program is suitable for beginners, as well as experienced birders.  Bring your binoculars, bird guides and walking shoes. $10; Saturday 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.; Short Hills

Maplewood takes environmentalism seriously, and Green Day at Memorial Park promises to be a BIG event!  With more than 100 green vendors and exhibits, live bands all day, a kids’ environmental show, organic and local foods from 10 restaurants, the events promises something for everyone.  Planet-friendly fun activities include a giant 25-foot tall rock-climbing wall, a petting zoo, face painting, kid's environmental games, and demonstrations including backyard composting, local food cooking, rain gardens/rain barrels and fitness demos. Free bike parking, and free  PUR20 filtered was for anyone bringing a refillable water bottle.  Free; Saturday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Maplewood

Healthy Kids Day at YMCA

Bring the entire family to the YMCA for a day full of fun activities that promote healthy lifestyles.  Games, inflatables, local vendors and more!  Free; Saturday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Livingston

The South Mountain Conservancy will celebrate Arbor Day with a planting of seedlings at the Reservation.  All ages are welcome.  Tools, gloves and water are provided. On Saturday morning, meet at the Turtle Back Picnic area; on Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning, meet at the Forest Preserve/ Dog Park off Crest Drive.  Free; Saturday 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; South Orange

Junior Rangers are kids who explore, learn and protect national parks.  The invites all Junior Rangers, and anyone who would like to become one, to a special tour of Thomas Edison's laboratory complex.  Learn about Mr. Edison's work with the telegraph, learn about Morse Code, and send telegraph messages throughout the day. Free; Saturday at 11 a.m. or 2 p.m.; West Orange

James Betelle: Maplewood's Master Civic Architect Rediscovered

For years after his graduation from Columbia High School, speaker Steve Weintraub could not get images of the school out of his head. He wondered who had designed the building. His dogged quest for an answer led him to create an innovative web site, "James Betelle — Where Are You? The Search for a Lost Architect." It serves as a treasure house of information about Betelle, who designed the 1927 Columbia High School, a national model, seven of the district’s distinctive elementary schools, as well as Maplewood’s finest public structure, the 1931 Municipal Building (Town Hall), which was recently certified eligible for the National Register. In his slide talk, starting at 2:00 p.m., Mr. Weintraub will tell the story of the intriguing architect who he has helped bring back into the public eye along with his memorable buildings. 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. Visitors can also see the exciting new exhibit, "After the Hickories: Roosevelt Park" and visit the Country Store for unique gifts and souvenirs. For more information, call 973-763-7712. Durand-Hedden is located at 523 Ridgewood Road in Maplewood.

Prepare to be amazed by performances by the pros from "Dancing with the Stars" and "So You Think You Can Dance", together with soloists from "American Idol". This critically acclaimed show at the boasts stunning costumes, fabulous music, and breath-taking dance. $87; Saturday at 8 p.m.; Millburn

Jack and Jill of America, Inc. is hosting a health and wellness day at in South Orange.  Activities will include a fun run, yoga and zumba, music, health screenings, door prizes and more.  Free; Sunday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; South Orange

Break out your Members Only jacket and tease up your hair really big, and get down to the for a night of dancing to the hits of the 80’s!  Our friends at Studio B bring us music from Michael Jackson, Chaka Khan, Men at Work, Pogo and more.  So bad, it’s good again!  $10; Saturday 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Maplewood

will be the site of the WOHS Music Booster’s Flea Market and Crafts Fair.  Spend the day shopping and enjoying music by the school’s talented musicians. Members of the color guard will provide face painting for the kids, and other fun activities.  Free; Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; West Orange