The Monmouth County Park System invites individuals and families to visit its parks for relaxing and refreshing activities all summer long.
This August there are a number of free events planned in parks across the county.
During the “Penny Rug Demonstration” from 1-3 p.m. Aug. 1 at Historic Longstreet Farm, Longstreet Road, Holmdel, visitors will see how these decorative coverings were made.
“The Indoor Bird Scavenger Hunt” from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Aug. 7-8 at Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Center, Georgia Tavern Road, Howell, will have visitors trying to find and name all of the birds inside the environmental center.
The New Jersey Mycological Association invites the public to join its annual “Mushroom Foray” at 10 a.m. Aug. 8 in the Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Center, Georgia Tavern Road, Howell. After searching for various local mushrooms, members will identify their finds and answer any questions. Bring a lunch to eat at the outdoor picnic tables.
Come see what the blacksmith is making in his workshop at the “Blacksmith Demonstration” 1-3 p.m. Aug. 8 at Historic Longstreet Farm, Longstreet Road, Holmdel.
Historic Walnford, Walnford Road, Upper Freehold will host “Ice Cream!” 3-4 p.m. Aug. 8 when visitors can help crank and consume a canister of vanilla ice cream.
“Bees are Buzzin’” from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Aug. 14-15 at the Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Center, Georgia Tavern Road, Howell, will show visitors how bees provide honey and help flowers and vegetables grow.
During “What Skull is That?” from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Aug. 21-22 at the Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Center, Georgia Tavern Road, Howell, guests will learn about skulls of different species of animals.
Learn how potatoes are grown and handled and about the machinery used for this important crop during “Potato Harvest” from noon to 2 p.m. Aug. 21-22 at Historic Longstreet Farm, Longstreet Road, Holmdel.
Hear history come alive through music as Rich Marzec plays tunes from the turn of the century from 1-3 p.m. Aug. 22 at Historic Longstreet Farm, Longstreet Road, Holmdel.
The Eco-Elephant Family Flea Market from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 28 at Dorbrook Recreation Area, County Road Route 537 East, Colts Neck, will offer one-of-a-kind and “green” items.
During “Reservoir Resident” at 11 a.m. Aug. 28-29 at the Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Center, Georgia Tavern Road, Howell, visitors can meet live animals.
Help cooperatively construct a timber frame building during “Raise the Rafters” from 2:30-3:30 p.m. Aug. 29 at Historic Walnford, Walnford Road, Upper Freehold. Historic Walnford will also host “Oh Freedom!” from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through Aug. 30. This traveling exhibit from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection captures the stories of African American soldiers who fought during the Revolutionary War.
To learn more about these park activities, visit www.monmouthcountyparks.com or call 732-842-4000. For persons with hearing impairment, the TTY/TDD number is 711.
The park system directory, which includes the complete lineup of autumn recreational programs, will be available at most county parks, as well as online at www.monmouthcountyparks.com. Aug. 5.
The Monmouth County Park System is celebrating its golden anniversary of keeping the county green and livable, since the Board of Chosen Freeholders created the first county park in 1960. Today, the Park System has grown to over 30 sites, totaling more than 14,500 acres and offers approximately 4,000 recreation programs and activities.