LINCROFT–  Resolve to spend more time in the parks in 2023!  It’s never been easier thanks to all the great family-friendly activities the Monmouth County Park System has planned for the month.   Here’s the schedule: 

Wondrous Winter Walks

Wednesday, January 4 at 10 a.m.
Hartshorne Woods Park - Meet in the Rocky Point parking lot in Highlands.
Wednesday, January 18 at 10 a.m.
Manasquan Reservoir, Howell - Meet in the Environmental Center parking lot.
Toss on your winter gear and tag along with a Park System Naturalist as you explore the park in the wintertime. Open to all ages; under 18 with adult. Please note that sturdy footwear is recommended, trails used may have inclines or tree roots to step over. FREE! 

Cutting, Splitting and Hewing

Sunday, January 8 from 12-2:30 p.m.
Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel  
Get warmed up using a two-man saw and splitting wedge, and learn how farmers used a froe to rive shingles or a broad ax to hew beams. Open to adults. FREE!  

The Casual Birder

Tuesday, January 17 at 9 a.m.   
Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Center, Howell  
Tuesday, January 31 at 9 a.m.  
Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park, Long Branch - Meet at the pavilion. 
Join a Park System Naturalist for a laid-back morning bird walk and meander for about an hour and a half and see what birds we can find. No need to be an expert at identifying birds to enjoy this walk. A limited number of binoculars will be available on a first come basis. FREE!

Nature Lecture Series: All About Brook Trout – The State Fish of New Jersey

Friday, January 20 from 7-8 p.m.
Freneau Woods Park Visitor Center, Aberdeen   
Come to this talk by a Park System Naturalist and learn about the history and ecology of brook trout as well as the issues they face. FREE!  

National Seed Swap Day 

Saturday, January 28 from 10-11 a.m.
Freneau Woods Park Visitor Center, Aberdeen  
Bring seeds (at least five) in an envelope labeled with the plant name, year collected, and where it was purchased or collected. No invasive species. Seeds can be dropped off in advance at the Huber Woods Environmental Center, Middletown.  FREE! 

Seashore Open House

Sunday, January 29 from 1-4 p.m.
Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park Activity Center, Long Branch
Stop by for our annual Open House and enjoy seashore fun. Engaging hands-on activities will entertain and educate you and your family about the shore and the sea. Speak with a Park System Naturalist about your own shell collection or the aquatic animals on display. You can even create a beach keepsake to take with you. FREE!  

To learn more about these Park System activities, please visit www.MonmouthCountyParks.com or call the Park System at 732-842-4000. For persons with hearing impairment, the Park System TTY/TDD number is 711. The Monmouth County Park System, created in 1960 by the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners, is Monmouth County’s Open Space, Parks, and Recreation agency.