Everything Planned This January In Monmouth County Parks

LINCROFT, NJ — Resolve to spend more time in your county parks in the new year! It’s never been easier thanks to all the great offerings offered by the Monmouth County Park System. Here’s what is planned for January:

Cutting, Splitting and Hewing

Sunday, January 5 from 12-2:30 p.m.

Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel

Get warmed up using a two-man saw and splitting wedge, and learn how farmers used a froe to rive shingles or a broad ax to hew beams. Open to adults. FREE!

Wondrous Winter Walks

Wednesday, January 8 from 10-11:30 a.m.

Freneau Woods Park, Aberdeen - Meet in the Visitor Center Parking Lot.

Wednesday, January 22 from 10-11:30 a.m.

Hartshorne Woods Park - Meet in the Rocky Point Parking Lot in Highlands.

Toss on your winter gear and tag along with a Park System Naturalist as you explore the serenity that is nature in the wintertime. Open to all ages; under 18 with adult. Please note that sturdy footwear is recommended; trails used may have inclines or tree roots to step over. FREE!

Winter Beach Walk

Sunday, January 12 from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Fisherman’s Cove Conservation Area, Manasquan

Take a guided walk with a Park System Naturalist along the beach collecting and identifying some of the ocean’s natural treasures. Make sure you dress in warm clothing and bring along something to carry shells. FREE!

Parlor Games for Wintry Weather

Sunday, January 12 from 12-2:30 p.m.

Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel

Play two long-forgotten 1890s board games - Halma and Basilinda. We'll also have old-time favorites like Backgammon, Checkers and Reversi. FREE!

Nature Lecture: Cold Water Sharks of New Jersey

Sunday, January 12 from 3-4 p.m.

Freneau Woods Park Visitor Center, Aberdeen

Learn about the sharks that can be found near the Jersey Shore this time of year during this talk by a Park System Naturalist. FREE!

Pine Barren Bonfires

Monday, January 13 from 6-8 p.m.

Turkey Swamp Park, Freehold

Enjoy a winter evening around a bonfire with games, s'mores, and a full moon. Please dress appropriately for the weather. Open to all ages; under 18 with adult. The cost is $15 per family of four; cash or check only.

Casual Birder

Tuesday, January 14 at 9 a.m.

Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park, Long Branch - Meet at the Pavilion.

Tuesday, January 28 at 9 a.m.

Manasquan Reservoir, Howell - Meet at the Environmental Center.

Join a Park System Naturalist for a laid-back morning bird walk and meander through the park for about an hour and a half to see what birds we can find. No need to be an expert at identifying birds to enjoy. A limited number of binoculars will be available to borrow if needed. FREE!

National Seed Swap Day

Saturday, January 18 from 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Freneau Woods Park Visitor Center, Aberdeen

Bring seeds in an envelope labeled with the plant name, year collected, and where it was purchased or collected. Vegetable/annual/perennial/native seeds are all welcome (no invasive species). Throughout January, if possible, please deliver your seed submissions to Huber Woods Park Environmental Center, Middletown. FREE!

What to Do with Wildlife

Sunday, January 26 from 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Thompson Park Visitor Center, Lincroft

Learn about local fauna, how to identify signs of an animal in distress, and what to do to help them during this presentation. FREE!

Under the Winter Stars

Wednesday, January 29 from 7:30-8:30 p.m.

Dorbrook Recreation Area, Colts Neck - Use the soccer field parking lot.

Join our guide and look for key objects and constellations in the night sky. Bring a camp chair to rest on as we star search and a flashlight to light your way in the dark. Program may be cancelled due to overcast skies or inclement weather. Open to all ages; under 18 with adult. FREE!

To learn more about these Park System activities, please visit www.MonmouthCountyParks.com or call the Park System at 732-842-4000. For persons with hearing impairment, the Park System TTY/TDD number is 711. The Monmouth County Park System, created in 1960 by the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners, is Monmouth County’s Open Space, Parks, and Recreation agency.