Everything Planned This March In Monmouth County Parks

LINCROFT — March brings St. Patrick’s Day, the first signs of spring and lots of opportunities to head to the parks, thanks to all the great family-friendly activities the Monmouth County Park System has planned for the month.

Here’s the schedule:

Cookstove Demonstrations

Saturdays, March 2, 16 & 30 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!

Horsing Around with Horseradish

Sunday, March 3 from 12-2 p.m.

Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel

Join the farm staff as they dig this perennial root vegetable and prepare the bed for next year. FREE!

Casual Birder

Tuesday, March 5 at 9 a.m.

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

Tuesday, March 26 at 9 a.m.

Big Brook Park, Marlboro - Meet in the lower pond parking lot.

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. Participants should expect to be walking a few miles (2-4) on sometimes uneven or muddy terrain. No need to be an expert at identifying birds to enjoy. A limited number of binoculars will be available to borrow if needed. FREE!

Splendid Spring Strolls

Thursday, March 7 from 10-11:30 a.m.

Huber Woods Environmental Center, Middletown - Meet in the courtyard.

Thursday, March 21 from 10-11:30 a.m.

Hartshorne Woods Park, Highlands - Meet in the Rocky Point parking lot.

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

Summer Job Fair

Saturday, March 9 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Fort Monmouth Recreation Center, Tinton Falls

Discover exciting summer job opportunities available within the Monmouth County Park System during this event. Admission and parking are free.

Open Shoot Archery

Saturday, March 9 from 10 a.m.-1 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.

E. Murray Todd Half-Marathon

Sunday, March 10 - 8:30 a.m. start

Brookdale Community College, Lincroft

This 13.1-mile race takes runners through Lincroft, Holmdel and Colts Neck. Race-day registration begins at 7 a.m. and costs $60 per runner; cash or check only.

Accordion Melodies of the 1890s

Saturday, March 16 from 1-3 p.m.

Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel

Hear melodies of the 1890s played on the accordion during your visit. FREE!

Celtic Folklore Spoken Word Event

Sunday, March 17 from 3-6 p.m.

Thompson Park Visitor Center, Lincroft

Delve into the rich tapestry of Celtic myths, legends and folklore as performance readers recite works by Irish poets. FREE!

Nature Lecture Series: Spring Peepers of Monmouth County

Wednesday, March 20 from 7-8 p.m.

Freneau Woods Park Visitor Center, Aberdeen

Learn about these curious and cute amphibians of the forests including some fun facts and threats to their long-term survival during this talk by a Park System Naturalist. FREE!

Story Time in the Waln House

Sunday, March 24 from 11-11:45 a.m.

Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold

Join us as we read a story in front of the hearth in the Waln House. Children are welcome to bring a snack and a mat, blanket or towel to sit on. Open to ages 2-7, with adult. 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 County Commissioners, is Monmouth County’s Open Space, Parks, and Recreation agency.