The Monmouth County Park System will host a weekend-long celebration of Earth Day.
Events begin on Saturday, April 21, when the Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Center, Georgia Tavern Road, Howell, hosts an Earth Day celebration. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., the center will offer crafts, boat taxis, exhibitors and themed nature walks around the park. Staff from the Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge will present three halfhour programs with live animals throughout the afternoon. Admission and parking are free; some activities require a small fee.
The festivities spread to other parts of the county on April 22, with small events planned at various county parks:
Celebrate the Shore, Sunday, April 22, 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m. and 4 p.m., at Bayshore Waterfront Park Activity Center, Port Monmouth. Discover coastal animals like whales, dolphins, crabs and even tiny plankton during this interactive show-and-tell program. Tours will also be given of the historic Seabrook-Wilson House, which dates back to the early 1700s.
Spring Plant Walks, Sunday, April 22, at noon, 1, 2, 3 and 4 p.m. at Deep Cut Gardens, Middletown. The flowers are back in bloom. Discover the park’s floral beauty, hidden places and native plants. Find out how to become an earth-friendly gardener and ways to compost.
Eco-Fashion Fun!, Sunday, April 22, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Holmdel Park Shelter Building. Create eco-friendly fashion jewelry and accessories from organic or recycled materials.
Snakes & Reptiles, Sunday, April 22, at 11:30 a.m., 12:30, 1:30, 2:3, 3:30 and 4:30 p.m. at Huber Woods Environmental Center, Middletown. This family-oriented show features snakes and reptiles found in New Jersey. There will also be freshwater pond creatures on view and a chance to identify animal scat.
Boat Tours, Sunday, April 22, at 11 a.m., 1, 2, 3 and 4 p.m. at the Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Center, Howell. Enjoy a tour of the Manasquan Reservoir and learn about its history, use as a water source and wildlife habitat.
Nature Walks, Thompson Park Visitor Center, Lincroft, Sunday, April 22, at 11 a.m., 1, 2, 3 and 4 p.m. Returning birds, emergent buds and blooming wildflowers are just some of the sights to enjoy while wandering with the park system’s roving naturalist. Binoculars will be provided.
For more information about any of these events, visit www.monmouthcountyparks.com or call 732-842-4000.