Spring 2020 Outdoor Walks With Friends of Holmdel Open Space

HOLMDEL, NJ — The Friends of Holmdel Open Space (FOHOS) have several outdoor walks planned for spring 2020, and anyone in the area is welcome to join them.

Friends of Holmdel Open Space is a nonprofit organization that has been active with the Township in preserving, developing and maintaining open space in Holmdel. In the past, the group has helped with such important acquisitions as the Chase Tract (now the Ramanessin section of Holmdel Park), the Neil Waackaack Preserve (adjacent to Allocco Park) and the Callan Farm. They also have supported the maintenance of the Harding House, the barns and the trails at Bayonet Farm.

Here are their upcoming walks. The pace will be moderate and most will be for just a few hours. All are welcome: couples, singles, families, seniors, dogs on leashes …

Daffodil Walk

Saturday, April 11, 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.: Meet at 1:00 p.m. at Bayonet Farm (off Middletown Road) at the Red Trail trailhead (by the kiosk) for this 2.5-mile walk to see a host of golden daffodils. First, visit the Daffodil Memorial Beds planted by volunteers at Holmdel's Town’s Bayonet Farm. Then, wander into the Ramanessin section of Holmdel Park and see other early wildflowers (trout lilies, spring beauties, violets…) and the extensive daffodils planted over 60 years ago along the brook’s edge. Return to Bayonet Farm.

Earth Day Celebration at Bayonet Farm

Sunday, April 26: Springtime is here at last, and everyone is ready to welcome warmer days and enjoy the annual celebration of Earth Day. All are invited to join family, friends and neighbors at the 22nd Annual Holmdel Greenway Walk & Bayonet Farm Festival! The celebration will begin with the traditional Earth Day Greenway Walk through the Ramanessin Section of Holmdel Park for about 2.5-3 miles, beginning at 10:00 a.m. and continuing to Bayonet Farm arriving about noon in time for the festivities. Suitable for walkers of all ages, the hike will follow the scenic bridle paths and old farm roads of the former Chase Tract. Meet at the small parking lot on Roberts Road across from the Holmdel Park Arboretum. Car shuttles back to the starting point will be arranged.

The Festival will take place at Bayonet Farm on Middletown Road in Holmdel from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. As in past years, there will be a variety of activities and presentations planned for young and old alike, including nature crafts, music, refreshments, and sales of homemade baked goods. Many local community groups will be present, offering useful and important information on recycling, composting, backyard gardening, conservation and tours of the Harding house. For those who can’t take part in the morning greenway walk, there will be shorter walks around the Bayonet Farm woods and fields during the Earth Day Festival.

National Trails Day — Ramanessin Brook Greenway Hike

Saturday, June 6, 10:00 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Celebrate National Trails Day with us and hike a portion of the Ramanessin Brook Greenway. Meet at 10:00 a.m. in the Holmdel High School Parking Lot near the Duncan Smith Theatre. Walk along sections of the Ramanessin Brook Greenway to Village School. We will be using the new Bell Works-Bayonet Farm connector trail! Bring a day-pack with lunch and rain gear. The overall distance will be about 4-5 miles and we’ll go at a moderate pace. Shuttles will be used so that this can be a one-way hike. *Please note: You can help us plan the shuttles by registering for this hike (not mandatory). Please call Ralph, one of the trip leaders, at: 732-264-8482.

Fossil Hunt: Good for kids! Saturday, June 20 from 10:00.m – noon.

Meet at the Village School front parking lot and hunt for fossils in the Ramanessin Brook, which was part of an inland sea during the last ice age. Ancient shark’s teeth are frequently found in our brook. See if you can find one! This short walk is especially suited for children who must be accompanied by a parent/guardian at all times. As we’ll be wandering in the brook, wear water shoes and clothes that can get wet. The walk is approximately 0.25 miles and will be guided by a fossil expert from Poricy Park.

All FOHOS walks are free and open to the public and are "Show and Go." Registration not required. However, if you will need shuttle transportation or have any questions contact Ralph Blumenthal at 732-264-8482 or ralph@blumenthal.com.

Tax deductible donations are greatly appreciated and can be made by check and mailed to: FOHOS c/o Janet Jackel, President, 31 Stoney Brook Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733.