Historic Happenings Blog

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.

Climb Time @ Thompson Park Sunday, August 9, 2020, 12:00-4:00 PM Freneau Woods Park, Aberdeen 360 Monastery Ln, Aberdeen Township, NJ 07747 (ages 8 and up, with adult) Catch a glimpse of your county’s parks from a whole new angle. Climbers will get to experience the thrill of rock climbing as they make their way to the top of our 25’ portable climbing wall.  You must be at least 8 years old AND 42” or taller to climb.

Hunters of the Sky: Live Owl and Raptor Presentation Freneau Woods Park 360 Monastary Lane, Aberdeen Township, NJ 07747 Fri, Jul 31, 2020, 7:00-8:00 PM (all ages) Enjoy an up-close view into the fascinating lives of raptors. Meet a live owl and raptors common to New Jersey brought to us from Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge. Don't miss this opportunity to learn about the behaviors and adaptations that make owls different from other raptors. One Session $12.00 Per Person

Drop-In Local Nature Lecture Series (adults): Toads of Monmouth County Freneau Woods Park 360 Monastary Lane, Aberdeen Township, NJ 07747    Thursday, July 30, 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. Toads tend to be reclusive little creatures, often lurking unnoticed for much of the year. As a result, most people have a poor understanding of the life of these amazing amphibians, from tadpoles to toads. Join us as we learn more about the livelihood of these apprehensive amphibians, warts and all.

Enviro-Quest Freneau Woods Park Vis Ctr Parking Lot 360 Monastary Lane, Aberdeen Township, NJ 07747     Thursday, July 23, 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 Local Nature Lecture Series (adults): What’s Happening to Lightning Bugs or Fireflies? Freneau Woods Park 360 Monastary Lane, Aberdeen Township, NJ 07747    Thursday, June 18, 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. Have you noticed fewer fireflies in your backyard over the years? Find out why and other interesting bits of information about the fascinating life of these flies, which are actually beetles. Not to be missed by anyone who remembers how much fun it was collecting lightning bugs in the summertime.

Superb Summer Saunters Freneau Woods Park Visitors Center Parking Area 360 Monastery Ln, Aberdeen Township, NJ 07747 Wednesday, June 10, 2020, from 10:00-11:30 AM (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. 

Wondrous Winter Walks @ Freneau Woods Freneau Woods Activity Center Parking Lot 360 Monastery Ln, Aberdeen, NJ 07747 Thursday, February 19, 2020, from 10:00-11:30 AM (all ages, under 18 with adult)   Nature walks are like snowflakes, each one is unique in its own way. Tag along with a Park Naturalist as you explore the serenity that is nature in the wintertime. Please wear appropriate Winter clothes and sturdy footwear.

What Bird is That at My Feeder? Freneau Woods Park Vis Ctr Prog Rm 1 360 Monastary Lane, Aberdeen Township, NJ 07747    Sat, Feb 15, 2020, 2:00-4:00 PM (adults) Many people put out bird feeders in the winter. They fill it with seeds and the birds discover it. They are coming every day and in many shapes, colors and sizes. They are beautiful and you want to share your enjoyment with your friends, but what bird is it? A Park System Naturalist will identify the many winter residents and visitors that flock to feeders throughout Monmouth County. Learn what characteristics to look for and which field guides can turn you into an excellent feeder “birder.” There will be a short PowerPoint presentation on winter birds and we will discuss field guides and binoculars. Then we will take a look at the local feeders and identify the birds that are enjoying our offerings. One Session $10.00 Per Person

Roving Naturalist @ Freneau Woods Park Saturday, February 15, at 9:00 AM Freneau Woods Park Visitor Center Parking Lot 360 Monastery Ln, Aberdeen Township, NJ 07747 (all ages, under 18 with adult) 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. Meet us on the following Saturday mornings at 9:00 AM

Moonlight Meander Freneau Woods Pk Vis Ctr Parking Area 360 Monastary Lane, Aberdeen Township, NJ 07747   Sun, Feb 9, 2020, 7:30-8:30 PM (approx) (adults) Tis’ the season to enjoy the stars and a full snow moon at night. Join a Park System Naturalist as we enjoy an evening walk in the woods, wetlands and meadows of Freneau Woods in the light of a full moon. This guided walk is not to be missed. Bring a friend, bring a date, or just bring yourself for a fun night in the dark. Please take along a flashlight, wear shoes that can get wet or muddy, and dress accordingly for the weather. The program will begin at the Visitor Center. One Session $7.50 Per Person

Owl Prowl at Freneau Woods Park Freneau Woods Park Vis Ctr Parking Area,  360 Monastery Ln, Aberdeen Township, NJ 07747 Sat, Feb 8, 2020, 7:30-9:00 PM (approx) (ages 8 and up, with adult) Bundle up and head to the woods for an evening of fun learning about the owls of Monmouth County. Your guide will call for different species of owls as you travel through mixed woods and meadows. While we never know if we’ll actually get to hear or see an owl, participants will be sure to learn a lot and have a great night hike. Wear shoes that can get dirty and dress warmly. Bring a flashlight. The hike will be canceled in the event of inclement weather or icy trails. One Session $9.00 Per Person

Presentation: An Introduction to Lenape People Thursday, January 16, 2020 - 7:00-8:00 PM Freneau Woods Park Visitor Center,  360 Monastery Ln, Aberdeen Township, NJ 07747 (adults) Join a Park System Naturalist as we learn via a PowerPoint presentation about our local native people. We will discover the daily life, beliefs, and history of a people that once lived in New Jersey, southeastern New York, eastern Pennsylvania, and northern Delaware at the time of European exploration and colonization. Along the way, we will also discuss some of the myths that people often attribute to the Lenape.

Owl Prowl at Freneau Woods Park Freneau Woods Park Vis Ctr Parking Area,  360 Monastery Ln, Aberdeen Township, NJ 07747 Sat, Jan 11, 2020, 7:30-9:00 PM (approx) (ages 8 and up, with adult) Bundle up and head to the woods for an evening of fun learning about the owls of Monmouth County. Your guide will call for different species of owls as you travel through mixed woods and meadows. While we never know if we’ll actually get to hear or see an owl, participants will be sure to learn a lot and have a great night hike. Wear shoes that can get dirty and dress warmly. Bring a flashlight. The hike will be canceled in the event of inclement weather or icy trails. One Session $9.00 Per Person

CLIMB TIME Sunday, November 3, 2019, 12:00-4:00 PM Freneau Woods Park, Aberdeen 360 Monastery Ln, Aberdeen Township, NJ 07747 (ages 8 and up, with adult) Catch a glimpse of your county’s parks from a whole new angle. Climbers will get to experience the thrill of rock climbing as they make their way to the top of our 25’ portable climbing wall. You must be at least 8 years old AND 42” or taller to climb. Cost: $2.00 for 3 attempts or climbs, unless otherwise noted (cash or check only)

Nighttime Nature Walk in Freneau Woods Saturday, November 2, 7:00-8:00 PM Freneau Woods Park (meet in the Activity Center parking area) 360 Monastery Ln, Aberdeen Township, NJ 07747 (all ages, under 18 with adult) Ever wonder what goes on at night in nature? The Monmouth County Park System is offering a special night hike this month to explore the thrilling sights, smells, and sounds of night in Freneau Woods Park, a 196-acre woodland and wetland park. Night hikers will be encouraged to sharpen their senses to be able to spot signs of animal life and learn more about the inhabitants of the night. Please don’t forget a flashlight or headlamp. Participants will be outdoors for an hour. The night walk will include varied and possibly muddy terrain. Please dress for the weather and trail conditions.

Roving Naturalist @ Freneau Woods Park Saturday, November 2, 20019, at 9:00 AM Freneau Woods Park (meet in the Activity Center parking area) 360 Monastery Ln, Aberdeen Township, NJ 07747 (all ages, under 18 with adult) 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 1.5 to 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 is not a deterrent. Explore nature with us on Saturdays at 9:00 AM.

Fall Walking/Hiking Series (adults) 9/20 - Thompson Pk Three Barns Parking Lot 9/27 - Holmdel Pk Pond View Parking Lot 10/4 - Huber Woods Env Ctr Lot Parking Area 10/11 - Freneau Woods Pk Vis Ctr Parking Area 10/18 - Tatum Pk Red Hill Act Ctrt Ctr Parking Area 10/25 - Hartshorne Woods Rocky Point Parking Area Fri, Sep 20-Oct 25 10:00 AM-12:00 PM (approx.). Need some motivation to get you moving? Be inspired by getting to know your beautiful county parks with this hiking mini-series. We’ll explore the trails with an easy pace hike at a different park each week. Over the course of the six weeks we will observe changes in the season as well as in ourselves. The forest is good for the soul. All that is needed is a positive attitude and a good pair of walking shoes. Six Sessions $65.00 Per Person

Full Moon Walk with Dessert Freneau Woods Park Vis Ctr Prog Rm 1 360 Monastary Lane, Aberdeen Township, NJ 07747  Sun, Oct 13, 2019, 7:00-8:00 PM. (ages 8 and up, with adult) Enjoy the rise of the Full Hunter’s Moon while we explore the darker side of Freneau Woods Park, a 196-acre park of woods and wetlands that is home to the headwaters of Matawan Creek. Everything changes after dark, the trails, the trees, and even the sounds! You might hear the hooty call of an owl or the growl of a distant fox. Best of all, after the walk, we will enjoy some tasty treats inside the Visitor Center while we watch a program about the Moon. Be sure to dress for the weather, bring a flashlight and let us know if you have any food allergies when you register. One Session $9.00 Per Person

Awesome Autumn Amble  Wednesday, October 9, 2019, 10-11:30 AM Freneau Woods Visitor Center Parking Area 360 Monastary Lane, Aberdeen Township, NJ 07747  (all ages, under 18 with adult) Autumn is the time of year our parks become a kaleidoscope of color! Explore our trails with a Park System Naturalist as we discuss all manners of plant and animal phenomenon. Please Note: Sturdy footwear is recommended, trails used may have inclines or tree roots to step over.