Manalapan Parks and Recreation Dept. slates ‘Trails 2003’ programs

Manalapan Parks and Recreation Dept. slates ‘Trails 2003’ programs

MANALAPAN — The Manalapan Parks and Recreation Department has announced the schedule of its "Trails 2003" programs. Additional programs may be scheduled later in the season. Preregistration is required for all events.

"Plant Pounding" will be held May 3 at 10 a.m. at the Manalapan Recreation Center, Route 522, in the Kuschick Pavilion. Pat Eisemann of Dove Hill Weavers will lead a walk through the woods to gather leaves and flowers. Participants will transfer the plants’ pigment onto muslin to take home as a memento of the day. The cost is $5 for materials.

A "Pet Walk" is slated for May 17 from 9:30-11 a.m. at Battlefield Orchard (not the store). Dr. Kelly O’Connor will present a clinic describing poisonous plants and discuss how to keep pets safe outdoors. Participants are invited to bring their pets (on leash), along with a plastic bag to pick up after their dog. There is no charge. Call Recreation for directions.

"Make a Birdhouse Out of Your Own Back Yard" will be presented June 14 from 9:30-11 a.m. at the Kuschick Pavilion. Pat Eisemann will lead a walk through the woods, where participants will collect natural vines and grasses to create a birdhouse, appropriate for a Father’s Day gift. Eisemann teaches the academic enrichment program in math and science for gifted students in the Freehold Town­ship school district. The cost is $5 for materials.

A "Mountain Bike Ride and Mainte­nance Clinic" will be offered Aug. 17 at 12:30 p.m. at Monmouth Battlefield State Park in the main building. Wally Tunison of The Bicycle Hub of Marlboro will con­duct a beginner basic mountain bike clinic, which will include a bicycle ride along the park’s trails. Participants must bring their own bicycles and wear ap­proved bike helmets. The program is open to adults and children accompanied by adults; no training wheels. No repairs will be performed at the event; bikes must be in safe working condition. There is no charge. Participants may stop by The Bi­cycle Hub for a free safety inspection be­fore Aug. 11.

"Take a Better Photograph Walk and Clinic" will be held Oct. 19 at 11 a.m. at the Kuschick Pavilion. Michael Johnson, staff photographer for CoStar Information Service of Maryland and an adjunct pro­fessor at Brookdale Community College, Lincroft, will conduct a teaching clinic, which will include a walk along the fitness trail to take photos. Ninth-graders and younger must be accompanied by an adult. There is no charge.

For more information or to register, call (732) 446-8355.