Spring 2022 Outdoor Walks With Friends of Holmdel Open Space

HOLMDEL, NJ — The Friends of Holmdel Open Space (FOHOS) planned several outdoor walks for spring 2022, and anyone in the area is welcome to join them.

FOHOS is a non-profit organization that works with the Township to preserve, develop, and maintain open space in Holmdel. They have previously assisted with the acquisitions of the Chase Tract, the Neil Waackaack Preserve, and the Callan Farm, as well as the upkeep of the Harding House, the barns, and the trails at Bayonet Farm.

Eagle Scout candidates, Scout groups, and citizen volunteers make up the FOHOS group.

Here is a list of their upcoming walks. The pace will be moderate and most will be a few hours long. All are welcome: couples, singles, families, seniors, dogs on leashes, etc.

All guests must be fully vaccinated.

Daffodil Walk

Saturday, April 9, 1 p.m.- 3 p.m.: Meet at 1:00 p.m. at Bayonet Farm (off Middletown Road) at the Red Trail trailhead for the 2.5-mile walk. Along the trail, guests will be able to see a host of golden daffodils. First, all guests will visit the Daffodil Memorial Beds planted by volunteers at the town’s Bayonet Farm. Then they will wander into the Ramanessin Section of Holmdel Park and see other early wildflowers planted over 60 years ago along the brook's edge.

Earth Day Celebration at Bayonet Farm

Sunday, May 1, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.: Spring has finally arrived, and everyone is excited to welcome warmer weather and celebrate Earth Day. Meet in the parking lot on Roberts Road, across from the Holmdel Park Arboretum. 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 around noon in time for the festivities. The hike, which is suitable for walkers of all ages, will follow the scenic bridle paths and old farm roads of the former Chase Tract.

The festival will be held at Bayonet Farm on Middletown Road in Holmdel from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. There will be a variety of activities and presentations planned for both children and adults, including nature crafts, music, refreshments, and sales of homemade baked goods.

For those who can’t take part in the morning greenway walk, there may be shorter walks around the Bayonet Farm woods and fields during the Earth Day Festival.

National Trails Day — Ramanessin Brook Greenway Hike

Saturday, June 4, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Celebrate National Trails Day with us and hike a portion of the Ramanessin Brook Greenway. All parties will meet at 10 a.m. in the Holmdel High School parking lot near the Duncan Smith Theatre. Walk along sections of the Ramanessin Brook Greenway to the Village School. They will be using the new Bell Works-Bayonet Farm connector trail. Make sure to bring a daypack with lunch and rain gear. The overall distance will be about 4-5 miles, and we’ll go at a moderate pace. If needed, 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.

All FOHOS walks are free and open to the public and are "Show and Go." Registration is not required.