Welcome spring in a county park!  It’s never been easier thanks to all the great activities offered by the Monmouth County Park System during the month of March.  Here’s what is planned:

Splendid Spring Strolls
Thursday, March 2 from 10-11:30 a.m.  
Hartshorne Woods Park - Meet in the Rocky Point parking lot, Highlands.
Thursday, March 16 from 10-11:30 a.m.  
Big Brook Park, Marlboro - Meet in the lower pond parking lot.
Thursday, March 30 from 10-11:30 a.m.  
Thompson Park, Lincroft - Meet in the Old Orchard parking lot.
Say farewell to the frosty weather as you join a Park System Naturalist on a peaceful trail. Sturdy footwear is recommended as trails used may have inclines or tree roots to step over. FREE!

Cookstove Demonstration

Saturdays, March 4 & 18 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 

Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel

See what's cooking on the woodstove and discover how recipes, cooking techniques and kitchens have changed since the 1890s. FREE!

Summer Job Fair

Saturday, March 11 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Fort Monmouth Recreation Center, Tinton Falls

Discover exciting summer job opportunities available within the Monmouth County Park System. Positions include lifeguards, camp counselors, park and golf course maintenance workers, and more.    

Open Shoot Archery

Saturday, March 11 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Thompson Park Activity Barn, Lincroft

All equipment is provided for this open shoot. No outside equipment permitted. This is not an instructional clinic and NOT designed for beginners. If you are new to archery, register for one of our instructional classes prior to attending. Open to ages 10 and up; under 18 with adult. The cost is $10 per person; cash or check only. 

Opening Reception for The Art of War

Saturday, March 11 from 3-6 p.m. 

Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold

This exhibit explores the role of art in uniting the country during World War I. Propaganda posters, uniforms, medals and music will be on display to illustrate the involvement of artists in the war effort. Light refreshments will be served. The exhibition will run from March 3, 2023-March 9, 2025. FREE! 

E. Murray Todd Half-Marathon

Sunday, March 12 - 8:30 a.m. start

Brookdale Community College, Lincroft

This 13.1-mile race takes runners through Lincroft, Holmdel and Colts Neck. Race-day registration begins at 7 a.m. and costs $60 per runner; cash or check only. 

Casual Birder 

Tuesday, March 14 at 9 a.m.   

Crosswicks Creek Park, Upper Freehold - Meet in the Province Line Road parking lot.

Tuesday, March 28 at 9 a.m. 

Big Brook Park, Marlboro - Meet in the pond parking lot.   

Join a Park System Naturalist for a laid-back morning bird walk and meander through the park for about an hour and a half to see what birds we can find. Participants should expect to walk 2-4 miles on possibly uneven or muddy terrain. No need to be an expert at identifying birds to enjoy. A limited number of binoculars will be available to borrow if needed. FREE!

Accordion Melodies of the 1890s

Saturday, March 18 from 1-3 p.m.

Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel

Hear melodies of the 1890s played on the accordion. FREE!

Nature Lecture Series: Red Foxes of Monmouth County

Friday, March 24 from 7-8 p.m.

Freneau Woods Park Visitor Center, Aberdeen

Learn about these solitary hunters that roam our fields and forests from dusk to dawn during this talk by a Park System Naturalist. FREE! 

19th Century Woodworking Demonstration

Saturday, March 25 from 12-3 p.m.

Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel

See how a woodworker studies his materials, plies his tools, and crafts beautiful and functional items. FREE!

Piano Ballads from the Turn of the Century

Saturday, March 25 from 1-3 p.m.

Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel

Tap your feet, dance a one-step, or sing along to popular turn-of-the-19th-century ballads as they are played inside the farmhouse. FREE!

Fish Hawk Frenzy

Wednesday, March 29 from 10-11 a.m.

Bayshore Waterfront Park, Port Monmouth

Take a casual stroll along the beach and search for ospreys (also called fish hawks), as well as other early returning migrants. A limited number of binoculars will be available to borrow. Please dress for the weather and wear closed-toe shoes. Open to adults.  Please note that this program is limited to 15 people, so arrive early to ensure you have a spot. 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.