In County Parks, Attempts to Bring Back the American Chestnut Tree

A volunteer is working with the county Park's Dept. to replant the once-ubiquitous, now lamentably rare, American Chestnut.

Tony Rosati of Middletown admires the legendary 100-foot tall American Chestnut trees that once dominated forests here, until they were decimated by a devastating blight in the early 1900s.  Now, as a volunteer with the Monmouth County Parks System, Rosati is trying to revive the American Chestnuts species in Middletown parks like Deep Cut Gardens, Thompson Park,Hartshorne Woods Park and Huber Woods. He is also sending nuts from the trees to a breeding program run by the American Chestnut Foundation, which is trying to produce a disease-resistant hybrid.  "We've been able to plant 60 or 70 of the American Chestnut in Monmouth County, the pure kind," said Rosati, who works as an engineer by day. "We've been working with the NJ Forestry …

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Sheep Shearing and Dog Herding at Longstreet Farm

Join Longstreet Farmers on April 27 and 28 to learn colonial sheep shearing and see dog herding in action.

Longstreet Farm is inviting Monmouth County residents to learn about sheep shearing on April 27 and 28. The weekend's events include dog herding demonstrations, sheep shearing, and wagon rides to the Holmes-Hendrickson House. At the Holmes-Hendrickson House, a Monmouth County historical site, where spinning and weaving activities from the staff will demonstrate the way wool was used in Colonial America. All activities are free, and run from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, visit the Monmouth County Parks website or call the Park System at (732) 842-4000. 

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Spring Craft Show and Perennial Plant Swap

The first Spring craft sale, just in time for Mother's Day. The Craft Sale will be joined with the Perennial Plant Swap across the street at Deep Cut Gardens from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Monmouth Parks System Looking for Gardening Volunteers

County residents with a green thumb are invited to join the Pruning Team.

Were you born with a green thumb, or were you born with regular thumbs and an interest in gardening?  Either way, the Monmouth County Parks System is inviting residents to join the Pruning Team. The group is made up of volunteers to maintain county parks and trails, which included pruning and trimming vegetation. Those interested in learning more are invited to attend a free workshop on Pruning Trees and Shrubs at the Thompson Park Visitor Center, 805 Newman Springs Road, Lincroft. The workshop will cover correct pruning techniques, tools and safety. Open to ages 14 and up, sessions will be held on Tuesday, April 9 and Thursday, April 18 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Volunteers are also welcome to drop-in volunteer days, when they can show up at …

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Wake Up With the Chickens at Longstreet Farm

Monmouth County Parks April activities include morning chores at Holmdel's Longstreet Farm.

Below are the scheduled activities around the county for the whole family. Summer camp registration for the Monmouth County Parks system is underway, more information is available at the parks website.  For more April Activities, visit the parks website.  Parent/Child Morning Chores at Longstreet Farm April 6 at 8 a.m. 62 Longstreet Rd, Holmdel  Help the Longstreet Farm staff with morning chores. Intended for ages 4 and up. Learn to milk a cow, collect eggs, and feed the animals. The cost is $15 per pair; $5 per additional person. Cash or check only. Drop-In Surprise Story Time Saturdays, April 6 and 20 from 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Deep Cut Gardens, Red Hill Road, Middletown  Look for the clue at the Horticultural Center entrance that leads …

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Monmouth County Golf Courses Open March 4

Purchase the Park System Golf Card for discounts and tee time reservations.

Golf season is upon us, as all six county golf courses get set to open on Monday, March 4. But in order to get the most of this season, the county is offering the Park System Golf Card, which offers discounted rates and access to the tee time reservation system. According to a county news release, county and non-county golfers can choose between a one-year golf card for $44 or a discounted two-year golf card for $75. Cards will be honored one or two years from the date of purchase. Non-resident golfers can also choose a full privilege card for $350.  Junior cards for those under the age of 21 are available for $19, valid for one year. County golf courses: To purchase your card, bring a photo license and one of the following: Non-county …

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Bridge, Trail Connects Huber Woods to Hartshorne Woods Park in Middletown

The bridge, located on the Claypit Creek Run, allows a traveler to walk, bike or ride horseback on trails all the way from Locust to Highlands.

A new trail with a wooden bridge and boardwalk has been installed in Claypit Creek section of Hartshorne Park in Middletown, which means a person can now travel all the way from Huber Woods Park in Locust to Rocky Point in Highlands along nature trails.  The long-planned link by the Monmouth County Park System eliminates the need for hikers, horseback riders and cyclists to travel a distance along Hartshorne Road when traveling between Huber and Hartshorne.  "You can go from one side, Huber, and walk all day through Hartshorne," said Parks Planning Manager Ken Thoman. "This has been in anticipation -- since forever."  The Claypit Creek was acquired in 2005, and the connection was initiated in 2009. It was accomplished with a NJ …

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Fun Winter Activities to Break Your Family's Cabin Fever in Monmouth County

From skiing and ice skating to game nights, here is a list of fun activities to do with your family in Monmouth County.

Most families are exhibiting signs of cabin fever this time of year. The sibling sniping is at record levels, the toddler whining is incessant and tweens and teens are fixated on their electronic devices. Time to cure your family of cabin fever with these ten fun ideas for activities the whole family will enjoy. 1. Get outside and play. Check out Holmdel Park for ski rentals and sledding. Cross-country trails are open at, conditions permitting. Ice skating is permitted at Holmdel Park, Shark River and Turkey Swamp Park if "skating today" signs are up near the ice. The Monmouth County Parks website has rental prices, park hours and more. 2. Family film festival. Celebrate the upcoming Academy Awards with a marathon of your family’s favorite…

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