It may be the dead of winter, but the Monmouth County Park System is heating things up with fun this February. So come with a friend or ready to make one and enjoy the following:
The Casual Birder
Thursday, February 1 at 9 a.m.
Manasquan Reservoir, Howell -Meet at the Environmental Center.
Thursday, February 22 at 9 a.m.
Hominy Hill Golf Course, Colts Neck – Meet in the Matthews Road parking lot.
Join a Park System Naturalist for this laid-back morning bird walk. We’ll meander for about an hour 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 to borrow if needed. FREE!
Co-Ed Open Basketball – 20 & Up
Thursdays, February 1, 8, 15 & 22 from 8-10 p.m.
Fort Monmouth Recreation Center, Tinton Falls
This basketball program is open to ages 20 and over. Emphasis of this program is exercise and fun. The cost is $5 per person per session; cash or check only.
Open Ceramics
Sunday, February 4 from 12:30-4:30 p.m.
Thompson Park Creative Arts Center, Lincroft
Choose from a large selection of bisque fired pottery pieces to glaze and make your own. Children age 12 and under are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult. The cost is $6 per hour plus price of bisque ware; cash or check only. Pieces will be fired in about a week.
Men’s Open Gym Basketball
Sundays, February 4, 11, 18 & 25 from 8-10 a.m.
Fort Monmouth Recreation Center, Tinton Falls
Shoot some hoops in the Rec Center’s full court gym. The cost is $5 per person per session; cash or check only.
Lunch with a Master Gardener – Seeds Have Needs
Thursday, February 8 from 12-1:30 p.m.
Big Brook Park Elsa’s Lodge, Marlboro
Bring a brown bag lunch and join members of the Monmouth County Master Gardeners for a discussion on seeds. We’ll discuss how seeds harbor the secrets of plant life, and as such, all life on the planet. You will learn how to start plants from seeds both indoors and in the garden. FREE!
Wondrous Winter Walk
Friday, February 9 from 10-11:30 a.m.
Hartshorne Woods Park – Meet in the Rocky Point section, Highlands.
Friday, February 23 from 10-11:30 a.m.
Clayton Park, Upper Freehold – Meet in the Emley’s Hill parking lot.
Tag along with a Park System Naturalist as you explore the serenity that is nature in the wintertime. FREE!
Roving Naturalist
Saturday, February 10 at 9 a.m.
Freneau Woods Park, Aberdeen
We’ll discuss seasonal points of interest, search for signs of wildlife, and identify a bird or two. This is a 1.5-2 hour program, but feel free to join in or drop out at any point. Dress for the weather as light rain and snow are not deterrents. FREE!
Seashore Scientist
Saturday, February 10 from 1-2 p.m.
Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park Activity Center, Long Branch
Explore different aspects of oceanography through interactive discussions and hands-on experiments. FREE!
Handmade and Heartfelt
Saturday & Sunday, February 10 & 11 from 1-4 p.m.
Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold
See historical examples of valentines and make one of your own. FREE!
Cookstove Demonstration
Saturdays, February 10 & 24 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel
Visit the out kitchen and see what’s cooking on the woodstove. FREE!
Winter Beach Walk
Monday, February 12 from 12-1:30 p.m.
Fisherman’s Cove Conservation Area, Manasquan- Meet on the beach.
Collect and identify some of the ocean’s natural treasures during this guided beach walk. Make sure you dress in warm clothing and bring along something to carry shells. FREE!
School’s Out Drop-In Days
Monday, February 19 from 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Fort Monmouth Recreation Center, Tinton Falls
Enjoy Science Exploration Stations, Take Home Kids Creations and Building Fun during this self-guided program open to ages 5-10 with adult. The cost is $5 per child; cash or check only.
Lunch with a Master Gardener – Advice from a Green Thumb
Thursday, February 22 from 12-1:30 p.m.
Big Brook Park Elsa’s Lodge, Marlboro
Bring a brown bag lunch and join members of the Monmouth County Master Gardeners for a discussion on a few common sense rules of thumb for the home gardener. Topics include lawn care, general gardening practices, plant health, pests, wildlife in the garden, planting, pruning, soil, fertilizer, maintenance, landscaping, and house plants. FREE!
Nature Lecture Series: Snowy Owls of Monmouth County
Thursday, February 22 from 7-8 p.m.
Bayshore Waterfront Park Activity Center, Port Monmouth
Wing yourself over to this slide presentation and discover where these fascinating creatures come from, where they go, what they eat, and why they are so mysterious. FREE!
Lantern-Lit Night Hike in Freneau Woods
Saturday, February 24 from 7-8 p.m.
Freneau Woods Park, Aberdeen
Bring a flashlight and discover what goes bump in the night while exploring the park during this guided hike. FREE!
Cabin Fever? 19th Century Maps of Monmouth
Saturday & Sunday, February 24 & 25 from 1-4 p.m.
Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold
Find local landmarks and see familiar names on our reproduction 19th century maps. 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 Chosen Freeholders, is Monmouth County’s Open Space, Parks, and Recreation agency.
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