LINCROFT — From animal shows to nature walks, the Monmouth County Park System will celebrate Earth Day with activities from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. April 24 throughout Monmouth County. Admission and parking for the following activities are free.
- Bayshore Waterfront Park Activity Center, Port Monmouth: Discover coastal animals, such as whales, sea turtles, fish, crabs and even tiny plankton, during an interactive show-and-tell program. Tours will also be given of the historic Seabrook-Wilson House, locally known as the “Spy House,” which dates back to the early 1700s.
- Deep Cut Gardens, Middletown: Find out how to become an Earth-friendly gardener and learn to compost while discovering the park’s floral beauty, hidden places and native plants.
- Huber Woods Environmental Center, Middletown: See snakes and reptiles during family-oriented shows. After the show, view freshwater pond creatures on display and explore child-friendly interactive exhibits inside the Environmental Center.
- Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Center, Howell: Enjoy live animal shows featuring reptiles and amphibians and short naturalist-led walks. Be sure to explore the Environmental Center. The animal shows will be presented at 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Nature walks will take place at 12 p.m. and 4 p.m.
- Thompson Park Visitor Center, Lincroft: Have fun designing some eco-fashion items from recycled materials while discovering the future of green, sustainable and ethical fashion design.
- Turkey Swamp Park Oak Point Shelter Building, Freehold: Join a Park System Naturalist and look for returning birds, wandering wildlife, emergent buds, blooming wildflowers and other signs of spring. Binoculars will be provided. Tours depart at approximately 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.
The Park System will also host an Earth Day Environmental Cleanup along the Henry Hudson Trail from 10 a.m.-noon April 24. All ages (14 and under with adult) are welcome. Dress for the weather and bring work gloves. Participants should meet at one of the following parking areas: 76 Church St. in Matawan, 221 Morningside Ave. in Union Beach, behind Union Beach Memorial School or 115 Dutch Lane Road in Freehold.
For more information, visit www.monmouthcountyparks.com or call 732-842-4000. For persons with hearing impairment, the TTY/TDD number is 711.