Earth Day in the Parks

On April 22, 1970, the first Earth Day was celebrated by over 20 million Americans. Today, more than one billion people around the world participate in various Earth Day activities. At the Park System, we believe in the importance of giving residents the opportunity to educate themselves about the environment, nature and the significance of the world around us through exhibits and programs at the Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Center, Howell, and the Huber Woods Environmental Center, Middletown. But, for Earth Day, we kick things up a notch by offering a variety of free events that are educational and fun for the entire family. Join us for some or all of the following events:

Saturday, April 26
11am-5pm
Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Center, Howell

• Activities: Pond Study, Pollinator Flower - Find the Scent, and Butterfly Lifecycle
• Crafts: Grass heads (subject to change), Butterfly Craft, and Pollinator Craft
• Outdoor Fun: Animal Shows at 12pm, 2pm & 4pm; Pollinator Talk at 1pm & 3pm; Short Eco-Boat Tours
• Exhibitors: AmeriCorps Watershed Ambassador, 4-H Reptile Club, Monmouth County Master Gardeners, New Jersey Water Association, Monmouth County Audubon, Monmouth County Health Department, and New Jersey Mycological Association

Sunday, April 27
11am-5pm

• Celebrate the Shore
  Bayshore Waterfront Park Activity Center, Port Monmouth   
  Discover cool coastal animals such as whales, dolphins, crabs, and even tiny plankton during this interactive show and tell program. Tours will be given of the historic Seabrook-Wilson House, which dates back to the early 1700s. Tours will begin at 11am, 12noon, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm.
• Spring Plant Walks
  Deep Cut Gardens, Middletown  
  The flowers are back in bloom. Discover the park’s floral beauty, hidden places, and native plants. Find out how to become an earth-friendly gardener and ways to compost. Walks will begin at 11am, 12noon, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm.
• Nature Walks  
  Holmdel Park Shelter Building, Holmdel   
  Returning birds, emergent buds, and blooming wildflowers are just some of the sights we may enjoy while wandering with the Park System’s Roving Naturalist. Binoculars provided. Walks will begin at 11am, 12noon, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm.
• Bio-Blitz 2014    
  Huber Woods Environmental Center, Middletown   
  Nature fun for all ages! Nature enthusiasts big and small can take the identification challenge and hardcore naturalists can survey their own Bio-Blitz plot. Take part in a group project to catalogue nature within our park. All equipment provided.
• Snakes & Reptiles  
  Huber Woods Environmental Center, Middletown  
  This family-oriented show gives you the chance to see live snakes and reptiles found in New Jersey. There will also be freshwater pond creatures on view and a chance to identify animal scat. Shows will begin at 11am, 12noon, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm.
• Eco-Fashion Fun!     
  Thompson Park Visitor Center, Lincroft   
  Need to spruce up an old outfit? Join us while we help people look fabulous this spring by creating eco-friendly fashion jewelry and accessories from recycled materials.

 Do you have questions about these events? Email us or visit our website for more information.