FREE Things to do in your Ocean County Parks:

Scales and Tales:
July 16 & 17
Join a park naturalist as they dispel the myths and fears of native snakes. You will see some of our live snakes up close and personal. Learn what makes these native species so special, and why they are such an important part of the ecosystem. This program is sure to inspire all young nature lovers.
*No registration required.
LOCATION: Cooper Environmental Center, Cattus Island County Park, Toms River
TIME: 11:00 -11:30 am AGE: All

Turtle, Tortoise, or Terrapin:
July 16 & 17
Are you curious about the habitats and habits of some of Ocean County’s many tur-tles?Join a park naturalist as they discuss the differences between these reptiles.
*No registration required.
LOCATION: Cooper Environmental Center, Cattus Island County Park, Toms River
DATE: Saturdays and Sundays
TIME: 1:30 - 2:00 pm AGE: All

Cattus Island Nature Walks
July 16 & 17
Butterfly and Bog Garden Stroll. Be a part of a 40-year Ocean County tradition! Join a park naturalist and follow in the footsteps of such legendary local environmentalists as A. Morton and Betty Cooper, Dorothy Hale and Pete McLain.
Be prepared to discover the fascinating and diverse wonders of the natural world.
*No registration required.
LOCATION: Cooper Environmental Center, Cattus Island County Park, Toms River
DATE: Saturdays & Sundays
TIME: 2:00 – 3:00pm FEE: FREE AGE: All

Discovery Backpacks at Cattus Island:
Every day
Cattus Island County Park has discovery backpacks that may be borrowed for FREE*. The packs include: a pair of binoculars, field guides, an audio guide to bird sounds, a dip net, tools for catching and observing insects, and a list of suggested activities and games. The packs are appropriate for groups of children on any age. *A member of the group must provide a driver’s license for the staff to hold until the pack is returned.

Tour Cattus Island by Bike:
Every day
Cattus Island has a small amount of bikes to loan out for use within the park. The bicycles are FREE* to use. Twenty-six inch adult bikes and twenty inch children’s bikes and hel¬mets are available. Helmets are required. You may borrow a bike for 2 hours, seven days a week between 10:00am and 2:00pm.
Bicycles may not be taken out of the park. No baby/toddler seats are permitted. * A mem¬ber of the group must provide a driver’s license for the staff to hold until the bike is returned.

Monthly Bird Walks:
July 16
Learn how Cloverdale Farm County Park’s bird population changes month by month. This informative two-hour bird walk is perfect for all levels of birders. Please be prepared to walk a mile, wear comfortable sneakers or boots, dress for the weather, and bring a pair of binoculars. If inclement weather, the program will be canceled.
LOCATION: Program Room, Cloverdale Farm County Park, Barnegat
DATES: Saturday, July 16 and August 20
TIME: 8:00 - 10:00 am AGE: 9 years - Adult

Family Scavenger Hunt:
July 16
Join our park’s staff as we lead you on scavenger hunt to explore the natural world around us. This program will take place outdoors so please dress for the weather and wear comfortable sneakers or boots. If inclement weather, the program will be canceled.
LOCATION: Visitor Center, Cloverdale Farm County Park, Barnegat
DATES/TIMES:
Saturday, July 16 2:00 - 3:00 pm
Saturday, August 6 9:00 - 10:00 am
AGE: All ages, parent/guardian must accompany child

Live Animal Talks:
July 17
Come in and meet the animals of Jakes Branch County Park. Visitors will get an up-close look at the parks inhabitants and learn about each species.
**Talks will last approximately 20 minutes**
LOCATION: Nature Center, Jakes Branch County Park, Beachwood
DATES: Sundays, July 3 – September 18
TIME: 1:30pm AGE: All

Discovery Nature Walks at Jakes Branch:
July 17
Join a park naturalist on these brief but informative nature walks through Jakes Branch. *Weather permitting* walks will not exceed 30 minutes.
LOCATION: Nature Center, Jakes Branch County Park, Beachwood
DATES: Sundays, July 3 – September 18
TIME: 2:00 pm AGE: All

Drop In and Discover:
July 16
What will you discover about nature when you drop by and join us for a FREE activity and craft? **No registration required**
LOCATION: Nature Center, Jakes Branch County Park, Beachwood
DATE: Saturdays, beginning July 2 – September 17
TIME: 1:30 – 3:00 pm, ongoing AGE: 3 to 5 years