All The February Events In Monmouth County Parks

LINCROFT, NJ – Think things are quiet in New Jersey parks this time of year? Think again! The Monmouth County Park System is filling February with fun, family-friendly activities. (You do not have to be a resident of Monmouth County to participate in any of these activities.)

Here’s what's planned:

Winter Beach Walk

Friday, February 4 from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Fisherman's Cove Conservation Area, Manasquan

Take a guided walk with a Park System Naturalist along the beach collecting and identifying some of the ocean’s natural treasures. Make sure you dress in warm clothing and bring along something to carry shells. FREE!

Cutting, Splitting and Hewing

Sunday, February 6 from 12-2:30 p.m.

Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel

Join the farm staff as they use a two-man saw and splitting wedge. FREE!

The Casual Birder

Tuesday, February 8 at 9 a.m.

Dorbrook Recreation Area, Colts Neck - Meet in the soccer field parking lot.

Tuesday, February 22 at 9 a.m.

Crosswicks Creek Park - Meet in the Province Line Road parking lot in Allentown.

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. No need to be an expert at identifying birds to enjoy. A limited number of binoculars will be available to borrow if needed. Open to all ages; under 18 with adult. FREE!

Wondrous Winter Walk

Wednesday, February 9 from 10-11:30 a.m.

Manasquan Reservoir, Howell - Meet in the Environmental Center parking lot.

Wednesday, February 23 from 10-11:30 a.m.

Clayton Park, Upper Freehold - Meet in the Emley’s Hill Road parking lot.

Toss on your winter gear and tag along with a Park System Naturalist as you explore nature in the wintertime. Open to all ages; under 18 with adult. Please Note: Sturdy footwear recommended, trails used may have inclines or tree roots to step over. FREE!

Yarn Bee

Saturday, February 12 from 12-2:30 p.m.

Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel

Whether just starting a new hobby or working on an old project, all are welcome to this gathering! The relaxed atmosphere means no pressure - you can knit or crochet at your own pace, and farm staff will be on hand to assist those needing a little extra help. Bring your own supplies. Open to ages 10 and up; under 18 with adult. The cost is $5 per person; cash or check only.

Historical Valentines

Saturday & Sunday, February 12 & 13 from 12-3 p.m.

Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold

View samples of historical 19th century valentines and make your own. Open to ages 10 and up. FREE!

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

Thursday, February 17 from 7-8 p.m.

Freneau Woods Park Activity Center, Aberdeen

Join a Park System Naturalist for this talk and learn about the history and ecology of brook trout as well as the issues they face. FREE!

Nature on the Move - Winter Days: Migration - Do All Birds Fly South for the Winter?

Friday, February 18 at 3 p.m.

Shark River Park, Wall – Main parking lot

Look for our colorful Nature on the Move van and join one of our Park System Naturalists for a 45-60-minute hands-on interactive program. Keep warm with some hot cocoa while exploring how nature survives the colder weather through fun games and activities. FREE!

Backyard Bird Count

Friday, February 18 from 9-10 a.m.

Manasquan Reservoir, Howell - Meet at the Environmental Center.

Saturday, February 19 from 9-10 a.m.

Freneau Woods Park, Aberdeen - Meet at the Visitor Center.

Sunday, February 20 from 9-10 a.m.

Huber Woods Park, Middletown - Meet at the Environmental Center.

Join a Park System Naturalist as we explore our county parks in celebration of the Great American Backyard Bird Count. We’ll start by looking at what winter birds are at our local feeders and will take a small walk to see what birds we can identify. It's a great way to get started in birding and explore local parks. A limited number of binoculars will be available to borrow if needed. FREE!

Open Shoot Archery

Saturday, February 26 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.

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.