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.

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 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.

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

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

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.

Drop-In Local Nature Lecture Series (adults): Dolphins Facts & Tales Bayshore Waterfront Park Activity Center, Port Monmouth 719 Port Monmouth Rd, Port Monmouth, NJ 07758 Thursday, July 16, 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.

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

Ice Cream Sundae and Boat Tour Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Center     331 Georgia Tavern Road, Howell 07731 Fri, Jul 10, 2020, 6:00-7:00 PM Fri, Jul 10, 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

WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON

WEEKENDS AND HOLIDAYS

Fridays from June 22 through August 28 Seining Along Sandy Hook Bay Bayshore Waterfront Park 719 Port Monmouth Road, Port Monmouth, NJ 07758  Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays from June 22 through August 28 from 11:00 AM-12:00 PM (all ages, under 18 with adult) Discover a variety of fish, crabs, and other sea creatures as we pull a long seine net along the edge of Sandy Hook Bay. It will be a fun time for everyone as we find out what lives and swims in Sandy Hook Bay. Closed-toe shoes are required. Meet on the beach near the park entrance. The program will not run during inclement weather. All ages, under 18 with an adult. 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; not groups. Groups can reserve a date by calling 732-872-7369. For more information about this event, please call 732-264-7277, ext. 1.

FRIDAY EVENING

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

Mondays from June 22 through August 28 Seining Along Sandy Hook Bay Bayshore Waterfront Park 719 Port Monmouth Road, Port Monmouth, NJ 07758  Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays from June 22 through August 28 from 11:00 AM-12:00 PM (all ages, under 18 with adult) Discover a variety of fish, crabs, and other sea creatures as we pull a long seine net along the edge of Sandy Hook Bay. It will be a fun time for everyone as we find out what lives and swims in Sandy Hook Bay. Closed-toe shoes are required. Meet on the beach near the park entrance. The program will not run during inclement weather. All ages, under 18 with adult. 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; not groups. Groups can reserve a date by calling 732-872-7369. For more information about this event, please call 732-264-7277, ext. 1.

Wednesdays from June 22 through August 28 Seining Along Sandy Hook Bay Bayshore Waterfront Park 719 Port Monmouth Road, Port Monmouth, NJ 07758  Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays from June 22 through August 28 from 11:00 AM-12:00 PM (all ages, under 18 with adult) Discover a variety of fish, crabs, and other sea creatures as we pull a long seine net along the edge of Sandy Hook Bay. It will be a fun time for everyone as we find out what lives and swims in Sandy Hook Bay. Closed-toe shoes are required. Meet on the beach near the park entrance. The program will not run during inclement weather. All ages, under 18 with an adult. 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; not groups. Groups can reserve a date by calling 732-872-7369. For more information about this event, please call 732-264-7277, ext. 1.

Ever wondered why the goldfinch became the State Bird of New Jersey? Or why there is a borough in South Jersey called Audubon? Or why the city of Trenton gained a worldwide reputation for birds? Join Nicholas Ciotola of the New Jersey State Museum for short videos about the social, cultural and natural history of birds tied to the exhibition,  Fine Feathered Friends: Birds as Mainstay and Muse . To view the video,  please click here .

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.