Working to Get Back on Track

The Monmouth County Park System family extends its heartfelt compassion and support to residents who suffered damage or other disruptions from the recent storm. We join with the entire Monmouth County community as we start the long but hopeful journey of rebuilding our homes and businesses.

We also extend a warm “thank you” to those who assisted with the storm relief supply center at Thompson Park, Lincroft. More than 1,000 volunteers assisted in sorting the goods that arrived, from non-perishable food to baby items, clothing and blankets to cleaning supplies. Each and every volunteer came ready to work, smiles on their faces. And to those who donated much needed supplies, you can be assured that you made a positive difference for your neighbors in their time of need.

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Fishing Pier at Bayshore Waterfront Park

Henry Hudson Trail near Atlantic Highlands Marin

After Hurricane Sandy there was much to do within the Park System. During the week following the storm, our Rangers were in the parks evaluating the damage and beginning clean up. Lack of power was the least of our worries. Most of our parks fared well, but some areas took on quite a bit of damage like the SkatePlex at Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park, the marina at Monmouth Cove, and the fishing pier at Bayshore Waterfront Park. There were many trees and large tree limbs down all over the parks, especially on our trails. And the winter storm that followed only a week later just made things more difficult and brought more of a mess. Even as of today, quite a few park trails remain closed due to safety issues from damaged and fallen trees. These include a large portion of the Henry Hudson Trail northern extension (Keyport to Highlands) and those at Huber Woods Park.

But the Park System is working hard to get back to normal. We want everyone to be able to enjoy the parks again, to have a place to de-stress and wind down. Most of our programs are back to normal again, and we've even gotten our Winter Program Directory out. All of our playgrounds have reopened, giving families a great place to visit and let loose. Many other park facilities have reopened, including our off-leash dog areas at Thompson Park and Wolf Hill Recreation Area, as well as our Environmental Centers at the Manasquan Reservoir and Huber Woods.

If you're looking to go for a run or a bike ride to let off some steam, there are trails open within Hartshorne Woods Park, Locust (paved trails at Rocky Point and some at Claypit); Shark River Park, Wall; Tatum Park, Middletown (Holly Grove and Dogwood Hollow); Manasquan Reservoir, Howell; and Thompson Park, Lincroft, to name a few. For the most up to date information on reopenings, please click here. 

We wish everyone well and hope for a hasty recovery during this holiday season. 

Osprey Platform Raised at the Reservoir!

Since the Manasquan Reservoir was completed in 1990, Osprey were always a big part of the seasonal rhythm at the park, arriving in early March (around St. Patrick’s Day) and leaving in late August or September. Before the Bald Eagle’s arrival in 2001 the Osprey, and their nests, were a mainstay of our public boat tours. We could normally count on between five to six nests during the season. The Osprey are masterful nest builders (the males build the nests) utilizing the dead trees and, in one case, a wooden tree stand.

About six or seven years ago a platform was built behind the main dam. This platform was not visible from the trail, but was not considered an issue. The Osprey had plenty of dead trees to pick from and seemed able to build their nests even, in one case, on a short stump. However, the number of Osprey having successful nests began to drop yearly. Although Naturalist staff noticed the trend, we all hoped it was just the normal ebb and flow of life; the veteran adults dying off and being replaced by much less practiced pairs who found building on the increasingly fragile dead trees an impossible challenge. It was sad to see them attempt to build a nest only to have the first spring storm destroy it before they had even finished.

For the past two years, it proved to be an impossible challenge and no Osprey nested directly on the reservoir. They visited and we would see them now and again, but for the first time in 20 years we had no visible nesting pairs on the reservoir. The Naturalist staff determined that a platform would be needed and with the generous support of Monmouth County Audubon the Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey was contacted and agreed to install a nest at the reservoir.

On September 19, staff and volunteers from the Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey joined with Park System Naturalists to erect a platform near the Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Center. The installation needed to take place when the reservoir was at its lowest level, which this year ended up being only around three feet below full capacity. Installing the nest in deeper water was felt to be impossible and even installing it in a foot of water proved a challenge. Luckily all went well and our hope is that a pair will find the location and platform to their liking. Now it is up to the Osprey and we will be awaiting their return next March with a mixture of hope and apprehension. Visit the Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Center, Howell, to learn more about the Osprey and our new platform!

Staff Contributor: Christopher Lanza, Senior Park Naturalist

Make Harvest Home Festival an Annual Family Tradition

Nothing stirs nostalgic sentiment like the traditions centered on autumn and harvest time. Many area families count Longstreet Farm’s Harvest Home Festival as one of their favorite fall destinations. You’re invited to come to Longstreet Farm between 11am-5pm on Sunday, September 30 to enjoy a full schedule of harvest fun with an historic twist. 

What would a harvest festival be without a celebration of the bounty of the land? Longstreet Farm staff have been busy through the summer tending to the crops. You can be help with the harvest by digging potatoes and taking home what you gather! Come early because the crop is limited. Other farming activities include plowing and beekeeping demonstrations throughout the afternoon.

Is your pumpkin the biggest in the county? Is your homemade jam the talk of the town? Gardeners and crafters are encouraged to display their produce and home goods in a friendly competition in categories that include vegetables, baked goods, canning, condiments, needlework, quilting, and rug hooking. Ribbons will be awarded for the best selections in each category. Entry is free but the registration deadline is September 26, all entries (except baked goods) must be dropped off to the farm by this date. Baked goods should be dropped off on the morning of the event between 9-10am. Click here for an entry form and detailed category listing.

Another popular event is the pie eating contest, with three divisions for children ages 8 and under, ages 9-14, and adults. There is no fee to enter, but visitors must register with farm staff upon arrival. Competitors will surely want to wash down their pie with a cold cup of apple cider, freshly made on an antique cider press.

Children of all ages will enjoy old-fashioned lawn games, rides on our horse-drawn wagons, and hands-on craft demonstrations including weaving, embroidery, and rug hooking.  Entertainment includes the Chorus of the Atlantic, the Jugtown Mountain Band, Music Man Rich Marzec, and banjo player Chuck Winch.

For a full schedule of the day’s activities and directions to Longstreet Farm visit our Harvest Home Festival page, or call (732) 842-4000, ext. 4312.

Autumn in the Parks...

"Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower." 
- Albert Camus

Labor Day has passed and children are heading back to school. Autumn is falling upon us, and with that comes shorter, cooler days, colorful foliage, and approaching holidays. And as your schedule becomes busier, don't forget that your Monmouth County parks await you seven days a week. Don't miss out on all the wonderful things in the parks this autumn!

Harvest Home Festival

Sunday, September 30 from 11am-5pm
Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel
Take a step back in time with this charming country fair reminiscent to those held in the late 1890s. Family friendly activities and demonstrations include old-fashioned games, wagon rides, demonstrations, live entertainment, pie eating contest, and corn husking competition. Our annual Harvest Home Festival Competition returns, inviting visitors to enter their best baked goods, canning, condiments, needlework, and vegetables. For a competition application, click here. Free!

Walnford Day
Sunday, October 7 from 11am-5pm
Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold
The sights and sounds of the past come alive as families experience hands-on history during this annual anniversary celebration of Historic Walnford. Visitors will enjoy wagon rides, trying a quill pen, old-fashioned games, demonstrations, dressing up in period garments, and exhibits about how homes were lighted before electricity and life at Walnford in 1862. Free!

Thompson Park Day

Sunday, October 14 from 11am-5pm
Thompson Park, Lincroft
This annual family festival is filled with even more fun than ever this year! Don't miss out on the corn maze, kids races, pumpkin painting, Meet the Mustangs, Zany Zombies, Pond Exploration, canoeing, and SO MUCH MORE! And don't miss the Friends of the Monmouth County Park System annual Strut Your Mutt Dog Costume Contest. Entrance and parking are free; some activities require tickets and/or registration.

Open Ceramics
12:30-4:30pm on September 9, October 7, November 4, November 8, November 9 & November 25
Thompson Park Creative Arts Center, Lincroft
Choose from our selection of bisque fired pottery to glaze and make your own. Cost is $6 per hour plus cost of bisque ware (cash or check only).

Stroll the Gardens
Deep Cut Gardens, Middletown
Head to Deep Cut to view seasonal plants that are native to our area. This 52-acre site also hosts some wonderful events this fall:

• Jersey Shore Rose Society Rose Show on Saturday, September 8
• Bonsai Day on September 16
• Great Fall Perennial Plant Swap on September 22

For more information on these Deep Cut Gardens events, visit our website. 

Visit Our Historic Locations
Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel
Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold
Take a step back in time to learn about life in our county many years ago. Both locations are open year round, but they also offer free drop-in demonstrations throughout the season. Visit the specific park link above for a list of upcoming historic events.

Enjoy Some Outdoor Adventures
Our Outdoor Adventures staff always has some fun lined up:

• Canoe Rentals
• Enjoy a calming paddle on picturesque Marlu Lake at Thompson Park on September 8 & 9 from 9am-3pm. Cost is $15 per boat for 1-3 people for 2 hours (cash or check only). All equipment is provided.
• Climb Time
• Enjoy a free chance to try our 25-foot rock climbing wall on Sunday, September 9 from 10am-2pm at Thompson Park, Lincroft and on Sunday, October 28 from 1-5pm at Dorbrook Recreation Area, Colts Neck. Climbers must be 42 inches or taller and between 40-250 lbs.
• Open Shoot Archery 

• Ages 8 and up (under 18 with adult) can try their hands at archery on Monday, September 10 from 4:30-7:30pm; Saturday, November 3 from 12-3pm; and Saturday, December 15 from 12-3pm at the Thompson Park Activity Barn, Lincroft. Cost is $5 per person (cash or check only). 

Get Ready for Halloween!
Sick of buying pricey Halloween costumes just to wear them once? Save the planet and your budget during Re-Spook, Re-Wear, Re-Scare! Upcycle gently used kids', adults', and even pet costumes for a spooktacular new-to-you ensemble.

• Costume drop offs can be done October 1-5 from 10am-4pm and October 6 from 9am-12pm at Huber Woods Environmental Center, Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Center, Thompson Park Visitor Center, and Dorbrook Recreation Area Visitor Center & Activity Center. For each costume dropped off you will receive a token to get a "new" costume the day of the swap. 
• Then find a new costume during our swap on October 7 from 1-5pm at Huber Woods Park Lodge, Manasquan Environmental Center, or Thompson Park Visitor Center. During the swap you can also enjoy snake and turtle shows as well as recycled craft activities!
• For more information, please call (732) 542-1642, ext. 30.

Enroll in a Fall Program

This year's Fall Directory is filled to the brim with old favorites and new fun! Here's just a sampling of what's available:

• Walnford Harvest Barn Dance - Put on your dancing shoes as we Swing, Do-Si-Do, and Sashay the afternoon away on Saturday, September 15. Enjoy dancing, old-fashioned fun and games, and ice cream making! A great family-friendly program!
• Early Fall BBQ - Just because it's fall doesn't mean you can't grill! Join us for this popular cooking class on Tuesday, October 9.
• History Alive!: Haunted History of New Jersey - Just in time for Halloween, learn about local legends, hauntings, ghost stories, folklore, and more on Saturday, October 20.

But that's not all! This fall there are hundreds of programs for you and your family to enjoy! Check out our Fall Directory for a full list of programs happening now until December.

Turtles, Snakes, and Eagles, Oh My!

"In all things of nature there is something of the marvelous." - Aristotle

Ever wanted to see just how big some of our local snakes are? Or see our national bird in its natural environment? Or learn about Native Americans who once lived in our area? There is so much to learn within the walls of the Monmouth County Park System's two environmental centers.

Huber Woods Environmental Center

25 Brown's Dock Road, Locust
(732) 872-2670
Hours: Weekdays from 10am-4pm; Weekends from 10am-5pm

Once the estate of Hans and Catherine Huber, the Huber Woods Environmental Center overlooks the beautiful hills and meadows of Huber Woods Park. It is a place for visitors to come and explore the wonders of nature through hands-on displays featuring plants and animals, programs offered throughout the year, and educational activities offered for schools and community groups.

The most unique display at the Huber Woods Environmental Center teaches visitors about the Native Americans that once lived in our area. Learn more about Native Americans through trying instruments, viewing recordings of dancing and singing, trying your hands at basket weaving, playing games, and discovering archaeology that has brought their past into our present.

Nature takes center stage with kids as they learn more about the environment at the Junior Naturalist Station. And the most popular exhibit at the Huber Woods Environmental Center? The reptile house where live turtles and snakes await our visitors to give them an up close and personal chance to experience these wonderful creatures.

Plus, don't miss out on a great opportunity to discover nature as a family. Borrow one of our Safari Backpacks for a day of discovery. Each backpack contains all you need to make your self-guided nature walk filled with adventure and exploration. Visitors can pick one of the following packs: Pre-K, Forest, Meadow, or Pond. Use of the backpacks are free, but a valid NJ drivers license must be left with the docent before heading out for adventure.

Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Center

331 Georgia Tavern Road, Howell
(732) 751-9453
Hours: 10am-4:30pm (open on Fridays until 8:30pm from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend)

One of our most popular locations, the Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Center is dedicated to teaching visitors about wetlands ecology and wildlife and habitat protection. Through interactive exhibits, multi-media presentations, educational activities for schools and community groups, and wildlife observation areas, visitors gain an understanding of the importance of water in our world.

Each exhibit in the Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Center shows the connect of water into our lives. One exhibit features fish found in the Reservoir right outside. Another traces the journey of a raindrop as it travels through the watershed to the Manasquan River and, eventually, to the ocean. Some exhibits reveal what is not readily visible, such as nocturnal animals that call the Reservoir home. And another compares the effects of a town with unmanaged growth to one that has chosen to protect the environment.

This location is also well-known for the chance to take a glimpse at the Reservoir's resident Bald Eagles. From a television set up in the hallway, visitors can view exactly what's happening in the nest right at that moment. You may even get a glimpse of newly hatched babies depending on the time of year (normally sometime toward the end of April or early May).

There's always something happening at the Manasquan Reservoir! Be sure to check out the many programs held at this location as well as frequent weekend drop-in programs that are great for families!