Earth Day is one of the best times of the year to head outside and into nature either by yourself or with family and friends. Join Monmouth County Park System Naturalists as we celebrate Earth Day at several parks throughout the county. All activities are free; however, Introduction to Saltwater Fishing requires pre-registration (see below). All other activities are first come, first served.
Please check in with Park System staff upon arrival to get your name on the attendance list.
10:30 a.m. - Registration is required and starts February 8; program code: PIK83A
Join an experienced angler for an informative talk about what you may catch along the Jersey Shore as well as discuss bait, tackle and other gear. Whether you’re an experienced angler or just getting started, this program has the information you need to help you become a more adaptable angler. Pre-registration is required. Children over age 12 are welcome with a registered adult participant.
11 a.m. & 1 p.m.
Spring has sprung and the ponds are teeming with life. Stroll along the ponds and waterways of Freneau Woods with a Park System Naturalist searching for fish, frogs and other freshwater life, perhaps even a turtle or two. Please wear appropriate footwear as trails might be muddy. Program is approximately one hour; meet at the Visitor Center.
9-11 a.m. & 1-3 p.m.
Help us remove invasive plant species and pesky pests while learning about which invasive plants are affecting Monmouth County. During this program you will go on a walk to identify and learn about invasive plants with a removal to follow. Please make sure to bring gloves, wear a long-sleeved shirt, and long pants. Plus, the reptile house will be open for tours to see snakes and turtles.
10 a.m., 12 p.m. & 2 p.m.
Explore the woods and wetlands around the Manasquan Reservoir as a Park System Naturalist guides us on a short walk near the Environmental Center. Observe local flora and fauna during this outdoor exploration. Walks last about an hour. Meet at the entrance to the Environmental Center.
10 a.m., 12 p.m. & 2 p.m.
Have you ever wondered what types of shells wash up on our shores? Accompany a Park System Naturalist as we comb the beach and discover what we can find along our local shorelines. During our walk we will also participate in a small beach cleanup. Join us as we strive to maintain the health of our coastal ecosystems! Walks are approximately one hour; meet at the Activity Center.
1-4 p.m.
See the Park System’s eye-catching new nature van that comes filled with hands-on tabletop activities and displays sure to educate and engage everyone. Join one of our Park System Naturalists for a hands-on interactive program.
7 a.m. & 9 a.m.
Experience the best of morning bird activity with a Park System Naturalist. Monmouth County hosts a wide variety of wildlife year-round and is also home to some important “stopover” sites for migratory birds in eastern North America. Join us on this casual walk as we look for birds and other unique wildlife. Walks last about an hour. Meet at the Activity Center located at 270 Southard Avenue in Howell.