Spring Walks, Earth Day Festival Mark A New Season In Holmdel

HOLMDEL, NJ — Friends of Holmdel Open Space doesn't just work to preserve open space, it likes to get out and enjoy open space.

And it's inviting the public to do just that on some upcoming spring walks. And the organization is also reminding the public about the upcoming Earth Day Celebration at Bayonet Farm on April 30.

All the walks are free and open to the public and are "show and go" - no need to register. Severe weather may result in a cancellation.

The organization sponsors trail walks/hikes so that Holmdel residents may become better acquainted with Holmdel parks and trails, the organization says.

Here are some walks that might pique your interest:

Daffodil Walk: Saturday, April 1, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Meet at 1 p.m. at Bayonet Farm, 41 Middletown Road, at the Red Trail trailhead (by the kiosk) for this 2.5-mile walk to see a host of golden daffodils.

First, visit the Daffodil Memorial Beds planted by volunteers at Bayonet Farm. Then, wander into the Ramanessin Section of Holmdel Park and see other early wildflowers (trout lilies, spring beauties, violets and the extensive daffodils planted over 60 years ago along the brook’s edge. Return to Bayonet Farm.

Earth Day Celebration at Bayonet Farm: Sunday, April 30, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Springtime is here, and everyone is ready to welcome warmer days and enjoy the annual celebration of Earth Day.

All are invited to join family, friends, and neighbors at the 24th Annual Holmdel Greenway Walk & Bayonet Farm Festival. The celebration will begin with the Earth Day Greenway Walk through some of the trails on Bayonet Farm and the Ramanessin Section of Holmdel Park for about 1.5 to 2 miles, beginning at 11 a.m.

Park in the main festival parking area (grass field) on the left side of the Bayonet Farm entrance driveway. Then walk up to the Harding House porch for the start.

Suitable for walkers of all ages, the hike will be a loop ending at Bayonet Farm where the festival will have started. The Festival will take place at Bayonet Farm on Middletown Road in Holmdel starting at noon.

As in past years, there will be a variety of activities and presentations music, refreshments, and sales of homemade baked goods. Many local community groups will be present, offering useful and important information on recycling, composting, backyard gardening, conservation and tours of the Harding house.

National Trails Day/Ramanessin Brook Greenway Hike: Saturday, June 3, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Celebrate National Trails Day with us and hike a portion of the Ramanessin Brook Greenway.

Meet at 10 a.m. in the Holmdel High School Parking Lot near the Duncan Smith Theater. Walk along sections of the Ramanessin Brook Greenway to Village School. The walk will follow the new Bell Works-Bayonet Farm connector trail.

Bring day-pack with lunch and rain gear. The overall distance will be about 4 to 5 miles and we’ll go at a moderate pace. Shuttles will be used so that this can be a one-way hike. Note: You can help plan the shuttles by registering for this hike (not mandatory). Please call Ralph Blumenthal, one of the trip leaders, at 732-264-8482.

Friends of Holmdel Open Space is a nonprofit organization that has been active with the Township in preserving, developing and maintaining open space in Holmdel.

It has helped with the acquisitions of the Chase Tract (now the Ramanessin Section of Holmdel Park), the Neil Waackaack Preserve (adjacent to Allocco Park), and the Callan Farm. It has supported the maintenance of the Harding House, the barns, and the trails at Bayonet Farm.

All are welcome to the events: Couples, singles, families, seniors - and dogs on leashes.