Historic Happenings Blog

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. 

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

Casual Birder @ Crosswicks Creek Park  Crosswicks Creek Park (meet in the parking area across from 4 Polhemustown Rd.) 4 Polhemustown Road, Allentown, NJ 08501 Thursday, July 16, 2020, at 9:00 AM (ages 8 and up, 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. Hit the trails with us at 9:00 AM

Half-Day Hike and Paddle Huber Woods Park - Environmental Center Parking Lot 25 Brown's Dock Road, Locust (Middletown Twp.), NJ 07760  Tue, Jun 30, 2020, 2:00-6:00 PM (adults) Join a Park System Naturalist for a challenging half-day experience full of hiking and kayaking. We will hike two miles through Huber Woods Park towards Claypit Creek. Along the way, we will discuss the plants and animals that live in our park. Upon arrival at Claypit Creek, we will use “sit-on-top” kayaks and paddle into the Navesink River to observe an active bald eagle nest, osprey flying overhead, and search for herons, egrets, and a host of other critters that depend on our waterways. We will return to Claypit Creek, where participants will be bused back to the Huber Woods Environmental Center. Be sure to bring water and a snack, dress to get wet, and wear comfortable shoes! One Session $45.00 Per Person

Casual Birder @ Manasquan Reservoir Thursday, June 25, 2020, at 9:00 AM at Manasquan Reservoir (Environmental Center Park Lot) 331 Georgia Tavern Road, Howell 07731 (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

Casual Birder @ Big Brook Park Big Brook Park 521 Route 520, Marlboro, NJ 07746 Thursday, June 11, 2020, at 9:00 AM at Big Brook Park (ages 8 and up, 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. Hit the trails with us at 9:00 AM

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. 

Morris Canal Greenway in Bloomfield Hike SATURDAY,  MAY 2  2020 10:00 AM   —  2:30 PM 180 Baldwin Place, Bloomfield, NJ 07003 This three-mile hike, conducted by Ron Rice and Councilman Rich Rockwell will explore the path of the Morris Canal through Bloomfield using historic maps and photos. A bus ride is included for an additional two miles, stopping at two newly reclaimed sections of canal and returning to Wrights Field. Space is limited. Advanced ticket purchase is required. The ticket price includes a handout of historical photos and maps.  Rain date: Sunday, May 3.

Splendid Spring Strolls Huber Woods Park 25 Brown's Dock Road, Locust (Middletown Twp.), NJ 07760  Wednesday, March 4, 2020, from 10:00 am-11:30 am (all ages, under 18 with adult) What better time is there to get out on a trail than in spring? Say “farewell” to the frosty weather as you join a Park System Naturalist on a peaceful trail walk. Trees are in blossom, birds are returning from migration, and there are tons of topics to discuss! Please Note: Sturdy footwear is recommended as trails used may have inclines or tree roots to step over.

Casual Birder @ Crosswicks Creek Park  Thursday, February 27, 2020, at 9:00 AM at Crosswicks Creek Park Province Line Road Parking Area 350 Province Line Rd, Wrightstown, NJ 08562 (ages 8 and up, 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. Hit the trails with us at 9:00 AM

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

Casual Birder @ Dorbrook Recreation Area Thursday, February 6, 2020, at 9:00 AM at Dorbrook Recreation Area 353 Route 537, Colts Neck, NJ 07722 (Old street address - 209 Route 537 East, Colts Neck, NJ 07722) (ages 8 and up, 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. Hit the trails with us at 9:00 AM

Roving Naturalist @ Big Brook Park Saturday, February 1, 2020, at 9:00 AM Big Brook Park Main Parking Lot 521 County Rd 520, Marlboro Township, NJ 07746 (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

Roving Naturalist @ Turkey Swamp Park Saturday, January 4, 2020, at 9:00 AM Turkey Swamp Park Main Parking Lot 200 Georgia Road, Freehold, NJ 07728 (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

“Clear the House” Stroll Deep Cut Gardens ,  152 Red Hill Road, Middletown, NJ 07748 Tuesday, December 24, 2019, 10:00-11:30 AM It is Christmas Eve and there is still so much to do. To top it off, you have a house full of guests. Here is the perfect solution! Send them to Deep Cut Gardens for a one hour “Clear the House” stroll! Explore the gardens on this special holiday with a Park System Naturalist. This stroll takes place on even paths and at a slow pace, perfect for enjoying Deep Cut’s winter splendor. Finish the experience back at the Horticulture Center with a cup of hot chocolate.

Roving Naturalist @ Shark River Park Saturday, December 14, 2019, at 9:00 AM Shark River Park Main Parking Lot 1101 Schoolhouse Road, Wall, NJ 07753 (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

Casual Birder @ Fisherman’s Cove Activity Center Thursday, December 5, 2019, at 9:00 AM at Fisherman’s Cove Activity Center 383 Third Avenue, Manasquan, NJ 08736 (ages 8 and up, 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. Hit the trails with us at 9:00 AM

Roving Naturalist @ Perrineville Lake Park Saturday, November 23, 20019, at 9:00 AM Perrineville Lake Park (meet in the Agress Rd. parking area) 21 or 23 Agress Road, Millstone, NJ 08535 (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.

Awesome Autumn Amble  Wednesday, November 20, 2019, 10-11:30 AM Clayton Park Emley’s Hill Rd. Parking Area 161 Emley's Hill Road, (Imlaystown) Upper Freehold, NJ 08526 (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.

Thursday Trekkers: Iris Trail WHEN: November 14, 2019 @ 10:30 am – 12:30 pm WHERE: High Point State Park 1480 NJ-23 Sussex, NJ 07461 USA COST: Suggested Donation of $5 per Participant CONTACT: Friends of High Point State Park 973-875-1471 The Friends of High Point State Park invites you to join Volunteer April Oleksy to hike & explore the Iris Trail. The trail itself is approximately 4.5 miles long down and back, but we will be hiking to Lake Rutherford and back making it approximately a 3 1/2 mile hike that will take about 2 hours. The trail consists of rocky uneven ground and is a multi-use trail. Hike may be cancelled in the event of inclement weather. Parking is available at the Appalachian Trail parking lot. Meet at the trail head and don’t forget to bring water. If you have any questions please call the park office @ 973-875-4800. This hike is Sponsored by the Friends of High Point State Park *Suggested Donation of $5 per Participant Appreciated