| Cutting, Splitting and Hewing at Historic Longstreet Farm |
Sunday, January 4, 2026
12:30-2:30 p.m.
| Come out to Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel, and get warmed up using a two-man saw and splitting wedge; learn how farmers used a froe to rive shingles or a broad ax to hew beams. Open to adults. FREE! |
| Casual Birder at Fisherman's Cove |
Tuesday, January 6, 2026
9 a.m.
| Join a Park System Naturalist for this laid-back morning bird walk in Fisherman's Cove Conservation Area, Manasquan. We’ll 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!
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| Winter Beach Walk at Fisherman’s Cove |
Saturday, January 10, 2026
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
| Take a Park System Naturalist guided walk along the beach at Fisherman’s Cove Conservation Area, Manasquan, collecting and identifying some of the ocean’s natural treasures. Dress in warm clothing and bring along something to carry shells in. FREE! |
| Parlor Games for Wintry Weather at Historic Longstreet Farm |
Saturday, January 10, 2026
12-2:30 p.m.
| Come out to Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel, and play two long-forgotten 1890s board games - Halma and Basilinda. We'll also have old-time favorites like Backgammon, Checkers and Reversi. FREE! |
| Under the Winter Stars at Dorbrook Recreation Area |
Saturday, January 10, 2026
7:30-8:30 p.m.
| Search for key objects and constellations in the night sky at the Dorbrook Recreation Area, Colts Neck. (Use the soccer field parking lot.) Bring a camp chair to sit on 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! |
| Make-and-Take Victorian Dolls at Historic Longstreet Farm |
Sunday, January 11, 2026
11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
| Drop in at Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel, for a quick lesson on crafting two styles of home-made Victorian dolls - corn husk dolls and rag dolls. FREE!
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| Wondrous Winter Walk at Clayton Park |
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
10-11:30 a.m.
| Toss on your winter gear and tag along with a Park System Naturalist as you explore Clayton Park, Upper Freehold. Meet in the Emley's Hill parking lot. Open to all ages; under 18 with adult. Please Note: Sturdy footwear recommended, trails used may have inclines or tree roots to step over. FREE! |
| Casual Birder at Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Center |
Tuesday, January 20, 2026
9 a.m.
| Join a Park System Naturalist for a laid-back morning bird walk at the Manasquan Reservoir, Howell. Meet in the Environmental Center parking lot. We’ll meander for about an hour and a half and see what birds we can find. No need to be an expert at identifying birds to enjoy this walk. A limited number of binoculars will be available on a first come basis. FREE!
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| Ropework on the Farm |
Sunday, January 25, 2026
12:30-2:30 p.m.
| Come out to Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel, and explore the fascinating world of knots and splices. With guidance from our instructors, you’ll gain the confidence to tie and use the same practical knots we rely on every day around the farm. FREE! |
| Nature Lecture: Brook Trout - The State Fish of New Jersey |
Sunday, January 25, 2026
12-1 p.m.
| Come to the Freneau Woods Park Visitor Center, Aberdeen, for a fascinating presentation about the life and times of the brook trout in one of the most developed states in the nation. FREE! |
| Wondrous Winter Walk at Freneau Woods Park |
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
10-11:30 a.m.
| Toss on your winter gear and tag along with a Park System Naturalist as you explore Freneau Woods Park, Aberdeen, in the wintertime. Meet in the Visitor Center parking lot. Open to all ages; under 18 with adult. Please Note: Sturdy footwear recommended, trails used may have inclines or tree roots to step over. FREE! |
| National Seed Swap Day |
Saturday, January 31, 2026
10:30-11:30 a.m.
| Join us for the Park System's Seed Swap at the Freneau Woods Park Visitor Center, Aberdeen. Place seeds in a sealed envelope or bag, labeled with the A) plant name, B) year collected, C) where it was obtained, and D) a photo of the plant (optional). 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! |