Historic Happenings Blog

Seashell Sunday Bayshore Waterfront Park Activity Center, Port Monmouth 719 Port Monmouth Rd, Port Monmouth, NJ 07758 Sunday, August 30, 2020, 1:00-2:00 PM Starting a shell collection this year? It’s the best way to get to know the Jersey Shore. Want to know where shells come from? Can’t figure out what you found on the beach? Bring it in and we will tell you all about seashells and how to collect them without harming the environment. Plus we will feature an assortment of mollusks, crustaceans, and other cool beach finds and artifacts to view.

Nature Impressions & Campfire Turkey Swamp Park  Shelter Building 200 Georgia Road, Freehold, NJ 07728  Sat, Aug 29, 2020, 7:00-8:30 PM (ages 5 and up, with adult) Gather a variety of leaves, flowers, twigs, or anything else found in nature as we take a short hike. Once we complete our hike, we will use our collected pieces from nature to create a wonderful masterpiece. See the beautiful impressions your collected nature pieces leave behind as you press them into your art form! Afterwards, reward yourself with a campfire and s’mores. One Session $8.50 Per Person

Canoe Rentals at Thompson Park Thompson Park, Marlu Lake 805 Newman Springs Rd, Lincroft, NJ 07738 Saturday and Sunday,  August 29 & August 30 , 2020, 10:00 AM-3:00 PM (ages 3 and up, under 18 with adult) Rent a canoe for a relaxing paddle on Marlu Lake. All equipment provided; a limited number of canoes available. Cost: $15 per boat for 1-3 people for 2 hours of canoeing (cash or check only). Rental Available from 10:00 AM-3:00 PM. All rentals must be returned by 3:00 PM.

Smocking Demonstration Historic Longstreet Farm 44 Longstreet Rd, Holmdel, NJ 07733 Saturday, August 29, 2020, 1:00-3:00 PM (all ages) View the lost art of smocking, a decorative embroidery or shirring, made by gathering cloth in regularly spaced round tucks. Years ago children’s clothing had this decorative embroidery.

Upper Freehold History Bus Tour Clayton Park Activity Center, Classroom 1 202 Davis Station Road, (Imlaystown) Upper Freehold, NJ 08514 Sat, Aug 29, 2020, 10:00 AM-1:00 PM (adults) Enjoy a mini-bus ride through Monmouth County’s history looking at some of its famous people and places, and led by a park system historian. This will be a fast-paced-3 hour journey through the Upper Freehold Historic Farmland Byway in Western Monmouth County. Let the Park System take care of the driving as you focus on the rich history of this scenic area. On this tour, we will start at the Clayton Park Activity Center and follow the 24 mile route running through the Allentown Historic District and Walnford with stops along the way! This picturesque drive will highlight some of the county’s finest preserved history. Participants are encouraged to bring their own snacks and water, as well as dress for the weather with comfortable walking shoes for short walks at some sites. One Session $32.00 Per Pe...

Enviro-Quest Dorbrook Recreation Area Basketball Court Parking Lot 353 Route 537, Colts Neck, NJ 07722 Thursday, August 27, 2020, 11:00 AM -12:00 PM (all ages) Don’t know what to do on a weekday this summer break? Why not seek out some nature fun. Follow the Enviro-Quest signs to where the Park System Naturalist is waiting. Once you are there you can join in a walk, activities, crafts, or games for 30-60 minutes of nature fun. Activities could include meeting a live animal, finding hidden treasure, discovering incredible parts of a flower, creating artwork with natural materials, or participating in a fun nature-themed game. You bring your sense of adventure and we’ll bring the rest! For additional details please call 732-751-9453.

Drop-In Kayak Tours @ Swimming River Park Swimming River Park, Red Bank 475 W Front St, Red Bank, NJ 07701 Wednesday, August 26, 2020, 2:00-3:00 PM (ages 12 and up, under 18 with participating adult) The Park System is offering kayak nature tours of both the beautiful Swimming River and Manasquan Reservoir. Novice paddlers welcome. All equipment is provided. Both single and tandem kayaks are available for use on a first-come, first-serve basis. The program is limited to only 12 participants. Wear appropriate clothing that can get wet. Weight limit 250 lbs. for singles; 450 lbs. for tandems. Fee: $20 per person (cash or check only; no pre-registration required). All tours depart on time.

Drop-In Kayak Tours @ Manasquan Reservoir   Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Center 331 Georgia Tavern Road, Howell 07731 Wednesday, August 26, 2020, 11:00 AM-12:00 PM (ages 12 and up, under 18 with participating adult) The Park System is offering kayak nature tours of both the beautiful Swimming River and Manasquan Reservoir. Novice paddlers welcome. All equipment is provided. Both single and tandem kayaks are available for use on a first-come, first-serve basis. The program is limited to only 12 participants. Wear appropriate clothing that can get wet. Weight limit 250 lbs. for singles; 450 lbs. for tandems. Fee: $20 per person (cash or check only; no pre-registration required). All tours depart on time.

Superb Summer Saunters Wednesday, August 26, 2020, from 10:00-11:30 AM Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Center     331 Georgia Tavern Road, Howell 07731 (all ages, under 18 with adult) With summer rearing to go, our parks are teeming with all sorts of animal and plant life. Engage your curiosity as you explore the trails with a Park System Naturalist! Meet on Wednesday from 10:00-11:30 AM. 

Drop-In Kayak Tours @ Swimming River Park Swimming River Park, Red Bank 475 W Front St, Red Bank, NJ 07701 Tuesday, August 25, 2020, 1:00-2:00 PM (ages 12 and up, under 18 with participating adult) The Park System is offering kayak nature tours of both the beautiful Swimming River and Manasquan Reservoir. Novice paddlers welcome. All equipment is provided. Both single and tandem kayaks are available for use on a first-come, first-serve basis. The program is limited to only 12 participants. Wear appropriate clothing that can get wet. Weight limit 250 lbs. for singles; 450 lbs. for tandems. Fee: $20 per person (cash or check only; no pre-registration required). All tours depart on time.

Tidal Tuesdays - Seine the Cove Fisherman’s Cove Conservation Area, Manasquan 383 3rd Ave, Manasquan, NJ 08736 Tue, Aug 25, 2020, 11:00 AM -12:00 PM (all ages, under 18 with adult) Looking for some Tuesday fun by the shore? Stop by Fisherman’s Cove and join a Park System Naturalist and take part in a free seining program to see what creatures may be found swimming along Fisherman’s Cove. Discover a variety of fish, crabs, and other sea creatures as we pull in our seine net. Seining portion runs for approximately 30-45 minutes. Please Note: • Closed-toe shoes are required. • The program will not run during inclement weather. • Parents or guardians are required to stay with and supervise their children. • No swimming during the event. • This program is designed for individuals and families. No large groups, please. Additional Tidal Tuesday Activities Discover exciting things about nature and our coastal habitats with a fun nature activity before our drop-in seining begins!...

Wines and Pines Clayton Park 161 Emley's Hill Rd, Imlaystown, NJ 08526 Sun, Aug 23, 2020, 1:00-2:30 PM (approx.) (ages 21 and up) Come explore Monmouth County as we combine two activities which complement each other excellently, hiking and wine tasting! Take a 90-minute hike with a Park Naturalist, where we will explore and learn about the nature of Clayton Park. Then to celebrate our hard-work, participants can drive a quick five minutes down the road and join us for an optional picnic and wine tasting at Cream Ridge Winery ($5 pay on your own). One Session $10.00 Per Person

Summer Campfire - Night Fliers Turkey Swamp Park  Council Ring 200 Georgia Road, Freehold, NJ 07728  Sat, Aug 22, 2020, 7:00-9:00 PM (approx.) (all ages, under 18 with adult) While gathered around the summer evening campfire at Turkey Swamp, roasting s’mores and telling stories, you might be surprised at what could be flying. Birds, bats and bugs if we are lucky! Join Park System Naturalists as they look and listen for night flying forest friends. You never know what might fly in! One Session $7.00 Per Person

Ales and Trails Clayton Park 161 Emley's Hill Rd, Imlaystown, NJ 08526 Sat, Aug 22, 2020, 1:15-2:45 PM (approx.) (ages 21 and up) Something new is “brewing” as this program pairs two local treasures into one great experience! Tag along with a Park Naturalist on an exciting 90-minute hike, where we will explore any and all things nature, from the smallest of critters to the grandest of views. Then to celebrate after the program, participants can drive a quick three minutes down the road and join us for an optional picnic and beer tasting at Screamin’ Hill Brewery ($11 pay on your own). One Session $10 Per Person

Cookstove Demonstration Historic Longstreet Farm 44 Longstreet Road, Holmdel 07733 Saturday, August 22, 2020, 11:00 AM-3:00 PM (all ages) Stop by the out kitchen to see what’s cooking on the wood-fired stove. Discover how recipes, cooking techniques, and kitchens have changed since the 1890s.

Open Shoot Archery Saturday, August 22, 2020, from 10:00 AM-2:00 PM Thompson Park Activity Barn, Lincroft 805 Newman Springs Rd, Lincroft, NJ 07738 (ages 10 and up, under 18 with adult) Stop in to improve your archery skills at our indoor range. This is NOT a beginner instructional program. If you are new to archery, register for one of our instructional classes prior to attending. Please dress for the weather as the Activity Barn is not heated or air-conditioned. All equipment is provided. Cost: $10 per person (cash or check only) For more information, call 732-842-4000, ext. 4236, or email doug.kalucki@monmouthcountyparks.com.

Strollin’ Round the Pond Holmdel Park 44 Longstreet Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733 Sat, Aug 22, 2020, 10:00-11:00 AM (all ages, under 18 with adult) Ponds are teeming with life, sometimes you gotta slow down to really see what’s there! Stroll along the shore of Holmdel Pond with a Park Naturalist, searching for wildflowers in bloom, dragonflies in flight, or even a turtle out on a log. One Session $5.00 Per Person

When Women Lost the Vote: A Revolutionary Story, 1776 – 1807 August 22, 2020 – March 28, 2021 Included with regular Museum admission Millions of American women were granted the right to vote with the ratification of the 19th Amendment in 1920, which marks its centennial in 2020. But more than a century earlier, women legally voted in New Jersey from 1776 – 1807. In a groundbreaking new exhibition, the Museum of the American Revolution will explore the little-known history of the nation’s first women voters—and examine how and why this right was ripped away in 1807. Featuring original objects including textiles, manuscripts, furniture, and art, as well as interactive elements and scenic environments, the exhibition will bring to life the forgotten stories of the women who first pioneered the vote.  When Women Lost the Vote is an inspiring story that will encourage visitors to reconsider their understanding of the timeline of women’s history in America, but it is also a cautionary ta...

Drop-In Kayak Tours @ Swimming River Park Swimming River Park, Red Bank 475 W Front St, Red Bank, NJ 07701 Friday, August 21, 2020, 11:00 AM-12:00 PM (ages 12 and up, under 18 with participating adult) The Park System is offering kayak nature tours of both the beautiful Swimming River and Manasquan Reservoir. Novice paddlers welcome. All equipment is provided. Both single and tandem kayaks are available for use on a first-come, first-serve basis. The program is limited to only 12 participants. Wear appropriate clothing that can get wet. Weight limit 250 lbs. for singles; 450 lbs. for tandems. Fee: $20 per person (cash or check only; no pre-registration required). All tours depart on time.

Drop-In Local Nature Lecture Series (adults): The Life of Eels Along the Jersey Shore Bayshore Waterfront Park Activity Center, Port Monmouth 719 Port Monmouth Rd, Port Monmouth, NJ 07758 Thursday, August 20, 2020, 7:00-8:00 PM Join us for a series of eye-opening talks by Park System Naturalists to discover what’s lurking in the coastal waters of Monmouth County. The presentations are designed to inform the public of current issues, ecology, and science research, and to inspire an appreciation for the local natural world. There are varieties of beautiful dolphins that can be found swimming along the shores of Monmouth County. Come join a park naturalist to find out the ecology associated with these delightful marine mammals. This presentation is a great opportunity to learn about the dolphins found in area waters. The talk will address the importance of dolphins to the local marine ecosystem, the factors which are affecting their survival, and ways you can help.

Enviro-Quest Holmdel Park Rammanessin Parking Lot Ramanessin Section -Trail Access Roberts Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733 Thursday, August 20, 2020, 11:00 AM -12:00 PM (all ages) Don’t know what to do on a weekday this summer break? Why not seek out some nature fun. Follow the Enviro-Quest signs to where the Park System Naturalist is waiting. Once you are there you can join in a walk, activities, crafts, or games for 30-60 minutes of nature fun. Activities could include meeting a live animal, finding hidden treasure, discovering incredible parts of a flower, creating artwork with natural materials, or participating in a fun nature-themed game. You bring your sense of adventure and we’ll bring the rest! For additional details please call 732-751-9453.

Drop-In Kayak Tours @ Swimming River Park Swimming River Park, Red Bank 475 W Front St, Red Bank, NJ 07701 Thursday, August 20, 2020, 11:00 AM-12:00 PM (ages 12 and up, under 18 with participating adult) The Park System is offering kayak nature tours of both the beautiful Swimming River and Manasquan Reservoir. Novice paddlers welcome. All equipment is provided. Both single and tandem kayaks are available for use on a first-come, first-serve basis. The program is limited to only 12 participants. Wear appropriate clothing that can get wet. Weight limit 250 lbs. for singles; 450 lbs. for tandems. Fee: $20 per person (cash or check only; no pre-registration required). All tours depart on time.

Casual Birder @ Dorbrook Recreation Area Thursday, August 20, 2020, at 9:00 AM at Dorbrook Recreation Area 353 Route 537, Colts Neck, NJ 07722 (adults) Join a Park System Naturalist for a leisurely walk on well-maintained trails in our parks. We will explore a different park each session as we discuss seasonal points of interest, search for signs of wildlife and identify a bird or two. This is a free 1 1/2-2 hour program, but feel free to join in or drop out at any point during the walk. Dress for the weather as light rain and snow are not deterrents. Hit the trails with us at 9:00 AM

Drop-In Kayak Tours @ Swimming River Park Swimming River Park, Red Bank 475 W Front St, Red Bank, NJ 07701 Wednesday, August 19, 2020, 11:00 AM-12:00 PM (ages 12 and up, under 18 with participating adult) The Park System is offering kayak nature tours of both the beautiful Swimming River and Manasquan Reservoir. Novice paddlers welcome. All equipment is provided. Both single and tandem kayaks are available for use on a first-come, first-serve basis. The program is limited to only 12 participants. Wear appropriate clothing that can get wet. Weight limit 250 lbs. for singles; 450 lbs. for tandems. Fee: $20 per person (cash or check only; no pre-registration required). All tours depart on time.

Tidal Tuesdays - Seine the Cove Fisherman’s Cove Conservation Area, Manasquan 383 3rd Ave, Manasquan, NJ 08736 Tue, Aug 18, 2020, 11:00 AM -12:00 PM (all ages, under 18 with adult) Looking for some Tuesday fun by the shore? Stop by Fisherman’s Cove and join a Park System Naturalist and take part in a free seining program to see what creatures may be found swimming along Fisherman’s Cove. Discover a variety of fish, crabs, and other sea creatures as we pull in our seine net. Seining portion runs for approximately 30-45 minutes. Please Note: • Closed-toe shoes are required. • The program will not run during inclement weather. • Parents or guardians are required to stay with and supervise their children. • No swimming during the event. • This program is designed for individuals and families. No large groups, please. Additional Tidal Tuesday Activities Discover exciting things about nature and our coastal habitats with a fun nature activity before our drop-in seining begins!...

Drop-In Kayak Tours @ Swimming River Park Swimming River Park, Red Bank 475 W Front St, Red Bank, NJ 07701 Tuesday, August 18, 2020, 11:00 AM-12:00 PM (ages 12 and up, under 18 with participating adult) The Park System is offering kayak nature tours of both the beautiful Swimming River and Manasquan Reservoir. Novice paddlers welcome. All equipment is provided. Both single and tandem kayaks are available for use on a first-come, first-serve basis. The program is limited to only 12 participants. Wear appropriate clothing that can get wet. Weight limit 250 lbs. for singles; 450 lbs. for tandems. Fee: $20 per person (cash or check only; no pre-registration required). All tours depart on time.

Sunset Kayak Tour of the Navesink Hartshorne Woods Claypit Creek Parking Lot 239 Locust Ave, Locust, NJ 07760 Sun, Aug 16, 2020, 6:00-8:00 PM (ages 10 and up, under 18 with adult) Enjoy the sunset from the water on this leisurely, naturalist-guided kayak tour of the Navesink River. While on the water we will keep an eye out for herons, egrets, and osprey while discussing local history and ecology. Be sure to wear clothes that can get wet, and don’t forget insect repellent and water! One Session $35 Per Person

Cold-blooded Campfire Turkey Swamp Park  Shelter Building 200 Georgia Road, Freehold, NJ 07728  Sat, Aug 15, 2020, 7:00-8:30 PM (all ages) Warm up to cold-blooded critters. Meet turtles, toads and snakes at Turkey Swamp Park. After seeing native reptiles and amphibians, enjoy toasted marshmallows and s’mores. One Session $8.00 Per Person

Accordion Melodies of the 1890s at Longstreet Farm Monmouth County Park System 44 Longstreet Rd Holmdel 07733 Saturday, August 15, 2020, 1:00-3:00 PM REGISTRATION NOT REQUIRED AGE RANGE:  All Ages FREE CALL:   WEBSITE MORE DETAILS:   n the mid-19th century, the accordion became a favorite of folk musicians. Enjoy the melodies as you visit the farmhouse. FREE! In the mid-19th century, the accordion became a favorite of folk musicians. Enjoy the melodies as you visit the farmhouse. FREE!

Forest Eats and Wild Treats Thompson Park - Old Orchard Parking Lot 805 Newman Springs Rd, Lincroft, NJ 07738 Sat, Aug 15, 2020, 10:00-11:30 AM (adults) Explore what’s on the menu in Monmouth County as we forage for a variety of native and edible plants. Join a Park System Naturalist as we learn to identify common wild edibles, their medicinal properties, and the uses of a number of other common plants that can be found right here in Monmouth County. Be sure to dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes. One Session $10 Per Person

Canoe Rentals at Thompson Park Thompson Park, Marlu Lake 805 Newman Springs Rd, Lincroft, NJ 07738 Saturday and Sunday,  August 15 & 16 , 2020, 10:00 AM-3:00 PM (ages 3 and up, under 18 with adult) Rent a canoe for a relaxing paddle on Marlu Lake. All equipment provided; a limited number of canoes available. Cost: $15 per boat for 1-3 people for 2 hours of canoeing (cash or check only). Rental Available from 10:00 AM-3:00 PM. All rentals must be returned by 3:00 PM.

Ice Cream Sundae and Boat Tour Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Center     331 Georgia Tavern Road, Howell 07731 Fri, Aug 14, 2020, 6:00-7:00 PM Fri, Aug 14, 2020, 7:00-8:00 PM (all ages, under 18 with adult) What better way to start the weekend than with a sunset cruise on the reservoir followed by an ice cream sundae?! Please arrive 15 minutes early as the boat will embark on our evening adventure promptly at the program starting time. After seeing all the sights nature has to offer around the reservoir, satisfy your sweet tooth by making yourself an ice cream sundae with whipped cream and a cherry on top! All aboard! Please Note: Meet at the Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Center boat dock. Life-jackets are provided and must be worn by all passengers. One Session $10.00 Per Person

Twilight Firefly Hike Freneau Woods Park 360 Monastary Lane, Aberdeen Township, NJ 07747 Tuesday, August 13, 2020 (all ages, under 18 with adult) The twinkling lights of summer nights invite us to explore the magic around us. Join us for a family-friendly adventure along easy trails. We will use all our senses to search for fireflies and other creatures that make their homes in our parks. Bring your own flashlight to help light your way.

Enviro-Quest Deep Cut Gardens near the All American Garden 152 Red Hill Road, Middletown, NJ 07748 Thursday, August 13, 2020, 11:00 AM -12:00 PM (all ages) Don’t know what to do on a weekday this summer break? Why not seek out some nature fun. Follow the Enviro-Quest signs to where the Park System Naturalist is waiting. Once you are there you can join in a walk, activities, crafts, or games for 30-60 minutes of nature fun. Activities could include meeting a live animal, finding hidden treasure, discovering incredible parts of a flower, creating artwork with natural materials, or participating in a fun nature-themed game. You bring your sense of adventure and we’ll bring the rest! For additional details please call 732-751-9453.

Strollin’ Round the Pond Holmdel Park 44 Longstreet Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733 Tue, Aug 11, 2020, 4:15-5:15 PM (all ages, under 18 with adult) Ponds are teeming with life, sometimes you gotta slow down to really see what’s there! Stroll along the shore of Holmdel Pond with a Park Naturalist, searching for wildflowers in bloom, dragonflies in flight, or even a turtle out on a log. One Session $5.00 Per Person

Eco-Kayak Tour of the Manasquan Reservoir Manasquan Reservoir Env Ctr 331 Georgia Tavern Road, Howell 07731 Tue, Aug 11, 2020, 1:00-2:30 PM (ages 10 and up, under 18 with adult) Tour the Manasquan Reservoir with a Park System Naturalist guide and experience nature close up. If lucky, we’ll glimpse bald eagles resting, great blue herons stalking prey or turtles basking in the sun. No experience is needed. Basic paddling instruction will be given before the trip begins. Each trip’s course will vary according to the water level, weather, and ability of the group. Single and tandem kayaks are available on a first-come-first-serve basis. Weight limits are 250 lbs. for single kayaks and 400 lbs. for tandems. One Session $25.00 Per Person