All The March Activities In Monmouth County Parks

LINCROFT, NJ — March marks the official arrival of spring and brings with it plenty of opportunities to enjoy the Monmouth County Park System. Here’s what’s planned for the month:

Victorian Fashions, Sunday, March 1 from 12-2 p.m.

Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel

Get all gussied up in the “latest” styles when you visit the farmhouse. From petticoats to parasols and trousers to top hats, we have what you need to transform yourself into a true Victorian. Open to all ages; under 18 with adult. FREE!

Open Ceramics, Sunday, March 1 from 12:30-4:30 p.m.

Thompson Park Creative Arts Center, Lincroft

Choose from a large selection of bisque-fired pottery pieces to glaze and make your own. Children age 12 and under are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult. The cost is $6 per hour plus price of bisque ware; cash or check only. Pieces will be fired in about a week.

Splendid Spring Stroll: Three dates

Wednesday, March 4 from 10-11:30 a.m.

Huber Woods Park, Middletown

Wednesday, March 18 from 10-11:30 a.m.

Freneau Woods Park, Aberdeen

Wednesday, March 25 from 10-11:30 a.m.

Clayton Park, Upper Freehold

Say “farewell” to the frosty weather as you join a Park System Naturalist on a peaceful trail walk. Sturdy footwear is recommended as trails used may have inclines or tree roots to step over. FREE!

History on Tap - American Heiresses of the Gilded Age: New Jersey's Dollar Princesses

Thursday, March 5 at 6 p.m.

Bayshore Waterfront Park Activity Center, Port Monmouth

Join Monmouth University’s Specialist Professor of Public History Melissa Ziobro for this discussion on the history of transatlantic marriages that occurred between “new” money and cash-poor “titled” families during the Gilded Age. Followed by an optional trip to a local brewery. Lecture is free.

Cookstove Demonstration, Saturdays, March 7 & 21 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!

Yarn Bee, Sunday, March 8 from 12-2:30 p.m.

Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel

Whether starting a new hobby or working on an old project, all are welcome to this gathering. Participants are invited to knit or crochet at their own pace. Farm staff will be on hand to assist those learning. Bring your own supplies, or borrow ours for the session. Open to ages 10 and up; under 18 with adult. The cost is $5 per person; cash or check only.

E. Murray Todd Half-Marathon, Sunday, March 8 - 8:30 a.m. start

Brookdale Community College, Lincroft

Race-day registration for this 13.1-mile race starts at 7 a.m. On-site registration is $60 per runner; cash or check only.

Functional and Fanciful, the History of Aprons, Sunday, March 8 from 1:30-3 p.m.

Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold

Explore the historic and sociological implications of this item of everyday wear. Attendees are encouraged to bring a favorite apron and share its story in this informal yet informative program. FREE!

Roving Naturalist, Saturday, March 14 at 9 a.m.

Turkey Swamp Park, Freehold - Meet in the main parking lot.

Join our Roving Naturalist for a leisurely walk on well-maintained trails and discuss seasonal points of interest, search for signs of wildlife, and identify a bird or two. This is a 1.5-2 hour program, but feel free to join in or drop out at any point. Dress for the weather as light rain is not a deterrent. FREE!

Find Your Path in Volunteering, Saturday, March 14 from 1-3 p.m.

Thompson Park Visitor Center, Lincroft

Discover the many volunteer opportunities the Park System has to offer during this information session. Open to ages 14 & up.

WWII Women on the Home Front, Sunday, March 14 from 1:30-3 p.m.

Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold

Discover the important and varied roles women filled during World War II and learn how this period in history began an era of change we still experience today. FREE!

The Casual Birder, Thursday, March 19 at 9 a.m.

Huber Woods Park, Middletown - Meet in the Environmental Center parking lot.

Adults are invited to join a Park System Naturalist for this laid-back morning bird walk and meander for about 1.5 hours and see what birds we can find. No need to be an expert at identifying birds to enjoy this walk. A limited number of binoculars will be available to borrow if needed. FREE!

Nature Wildlife Talk: The Life History of Brook Trout, Thursday, March 19 from 7-8 p.m.

Freneau Woods Park Visitor Center, Aberdeen

Join a Park System Naturalist for a photographic presentation about Brook Trout – the state fish of New Jersey. Find out what happened and what is being done to help revive the Brook Trout population in the Northeast. Open to ages 10 and up; under 18 with adult. FREE!

Open Shoot Archery, Saturday, March 21 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Thompson Park Activity Barn, Lincroft

All equipment is provided for this open shoot. This is not an instructional clinic and NOT designed for beginners. Open to ages 10 and up; under 18 with adult. The cost is $10 per person; cash or check only.

Accordion Melodies of the 1890s, Saturday, March 21 from 1-3 p.m.

Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel

Hear music from yesteryear played on an accordion. FREE!

Saturday Night Walk in the Woods, Saturday, March 21 from 8-9 p.m.

Freneau Woods Park, Aberdeen

Explore the woods and wetlands of Freneau Woods with a Park System Naturalist and listen and look for owls, foxes, spring peepers and other nocturnal creatures. We’ll also look for animal tracks down by the water. Participants should dress for the weather. Trails are usually muddy in the spring. Don’t forget to bring a flashlight. Open to ages 8 and up; under 18 with adult. FREE!

Celebrating Agriculture Day, Saturday, March 28 from 12-3 p.m.

Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel

Celebrate agriculture and its important role in our everyday life with activities and demonstrations. FREE!

Open Mic Poetry Night - Women’s History Month, Monday, March 30 from 7-8:30 p.m.

Thompson Park Theater Barn, Lincroft

Read your original or a favorite poet's works aloud. Registration recommended; drop-ins accepted. Presenters must be age 18 and up. All are welcome. 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 Chosen Freeholders, is Monmouth County’s Open Space, Parks, and Recreation agency.