Manalapan Nature Fest and Native Plant Sale A Resounding Success

MANALAPAN NATURE FEST AND NATIVE PLANT SALE A RESOUNDING SUCCESS

Manalapan, NJ May 31, 2026.

The Manalapan Environmental Commission hosted its annual Nature Fest & Native Plant Sale on May 31 at the Eco Patio at the Manalapan Recreation Center, bringing together residents of all ages for a fun-filled day celebrating nature, wildlife, gardening, and environmental stewardship. Jenine Tankoos, Chairperson of the Environmental Commission, said: “This year’s festival was bigger and better than ever. It was a rewarding day of learning, discovery, and community connection.”

Visitors shopped for native plants from three vendors with guidance from knowledgeable plant experts and explored more than 30 educational exhibits and activities. One of the day's most memorable moments occurred at the Monarch Teacher Network exhibit, where a monarch caterpillar emerged from its tiny egg while visitors watched through a microscope.

Guests learned how outdoor lighting impacts wildlife from DarkSky NJ, discovered environmentally friendly landscaping practices from Jersey-Friendly Yards, safely observed a live beehive (glass enclosed for safety), and watched a costumed historian demonstrate how wool was spun and how fibers were dyed naturally in the 1770s. Children enjoyed a wide variety of hands-on activities, including planting oak trees and flowers to take home, creating leaf rubbings and nature crafts, playing the Alien Invasive Species game, and participating in activities led by Monmouth County naturalists. Adding to the festive atmosphere, a volunteer dressed as a monarch butterfly posed for photos throughout the event. Several lucky participants also went home with free native plants and bluebird nesting boxes.

Nature Fest benefited from the generous support of numerous businesses, including JCP&L, Home Depot, Pantano Outdoor Supply, Trader Joes and Wegmans. These community partners donated plants, food, and other supplies that helped make the event a success. Their contributions supported engaging activities for attendees and refreshments for volunteers throughout the day, and demonstrated the community's strong commitment to environmental education and stewardship.

This year’s Nature Fest and Native Plant Sale was dedicated to the memory of the late Dr. Jane Goodall who worked tirelessly to empower and inspire the next generation to take action for the planet.

Facebook page tour of the Nature Festival and Native Plant Sale: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1EDx46DBnC/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Participating Groups and Vendors:

Plant vendors

Good Earth Nursery

Steven Kristoph Nursery

Toadshade Wild Flower Farm

Exhibitors

Beekeeper & bees from Da Farm

Bird Naturalist Nano Mardones

Cooper’s Fox Den - Wildlife Rehabilitator

C & T Nature Photography

Dark Sky NJ

Flower to the People

Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore

Jersey Friendly Yards

Little Explorers

Manalapan Environmental Commission

Manalapan Historical Committee

Master Gardeners Composting Demo

Master Gardeners Help Desk

Monarch Teacher Network – fireflies & monarchs

Monmouth Conservation Foundation Conservation Wagon

Monmouth County Bluebird Society

Monmouth County Historical Association

Monmouth County Office of Mosquito & Tick Control

Monmouth County Nature on the Move Van

Native Plant Society of Monmouth County

NJDEP and NJ Fish & Wildlife

NJ Watershed Ambassador – macroinvertebrates

Nature Activities led by Manalapan Environmental Commission

Planting Oak Trees

Planting Red, white, & blue Flowers for the 250^th

Nature’s Crayons

Leaf Rubbing

Invasive Species Game

Monarch caterpillar and flower crafts

Entertainment

Antony Costa aka Astronaut Jones Acoustic Guitar

About The Manalapan Environmental Commission

The Manalapan Environmental Commission is made up of residents appointed by the Mayor who volunteer to help the municipal government protect the environment and natural resources in the town.