(LINCROFT, NJ) -- Looking to keep your family happy and active this January? Look no further than the Monmouth County Park System and all the activities it has planned for the month.
Winter Beach Walk - Thursday, January 6 from 11:00am-12:30pm; Fisherman's Cove Conservation Area, Manasquan. Take a guided walk with a Park System Naturalist along the beach collecting and identifying some of the ocean’s natural treasures. Make sure you dress in warm clothing and bring along something to carry shells. FREE!
Yarn Bee - Saturday, January 8 from 12:00pm-2:30pm; Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel. Whether just starting a new hobby or working on an old project, all are welcome to this gathering! The relaxed atmosphere means no pressure - you can knit or crochet at your own pace, and farm staff will be on hand to assist those needing a little extra help. Bring your own supplies. Open to ages 10 and up; under 18 with adult. The cost is $5 per person; cash or check only.
Cutting, Splitting and Hewing - Sunday, January 9 from 12:00pm-2:30pm; Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel. Get warmed up using a two-man saw and splitting wedge; learn how farmers used a froe to rive shingles or a broad ax to hew beams. Open to adults. FREE!
The Casual Birder - Tuesday, January 11 at 9:00am; Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Center, Howell. Tuesday, January 25 at 9:00am; Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park, Long Branch - Meet at the pavilion. Join a Park System Naturalist for a laid-back morning bird walk and meander for about an hour and a half and see what birds we can find. No need to be an expert at identifying birds to enjoy this walk. A limited number of binoculars will be available on a first come basis. Open all ages; under 18 with adult. FREE!
Wondrous Winter Walk - Wednesday, January 19 from 10:00am-11:30am; Thompson Park, Lincroft - Meet in the Old Orchard parking lot. Wednesday, January 26 from 10:00am-11:30am;
Hartshorne Woods Park - Meet in the Rocky Point parking lot in Highlands. Toss on your winter gear and tag along with a Park System Naturalist as you explore nature in the wintertime. Open to all ages; under 18 with adult. Please Note: Sturdy footwear recommended, trails used may have inclines or tree roots to step over. FREE!
Nature Lecture Series: Chickadees of Monmouth County - Thursday, January 20 from 7:00pm-8:00pm; Freneau Woods Park Activity Center, Aberdeen. Come to this talk by a Park System Naturalist and learn about these adorable birds, how to identify them, and how to attract them to your bird feeders. FREE!
Nature on the Move - Winter Days: Adaptations - How Do Animals Stay Warm in the Winter? - Saturday, January 22 at 3:00pm; Turkey Swamp Park, Freehold – Meet in the Shelter Building parking area. Look for our colorful Nature on the Move van and join one of our Park System Naturalists for a 45-60-minute hands-on interactive program. Keep warm with some hot cocoa while exploring how nature survives the colder weather through fun games and activities. FREE!
Wallpaper in Early America - Saturday & Sunday, January 22 & 23 from 1:00pm-4:00pm; Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold. View samples of early American wallpaper designs including several patterns that decorated walls in the Walns’ elegant home. FREE!
Seashore Open House - Sunday, January 30 from 1:00pm-4:00pm; Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park Activity Center, Long Branch. Stop by this annual Open House and enjoy seashore fun. Engaging hands-on activities will entertain and educate you and your family about the shore and the sea. Speak with a Park System Naturalist about your own shell collection or the aquatic animals on display. You can even create a beach keepsake to take with you. FREE!
To learn more about these Park System activities, please visit www.MonmouthCountyParks.com or call the Park System at 732-842-4000. For persons with hearing impairment, the Park System TTY/TDD number is 711. The Monmouth County Park System, created in 1960 by the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners, is Monmouth County’s Open Space, Parks, and Recreation agency.
