Poricy Park Announces Community Programs for January & February

Jan. 5, 2012 - PRLog -- Nature Pre-School Thursdays - Little Seeds
Explore the wonders of the winter wonderland in Poricy Park! You can bring your child ages 3 1/2 yrs through 6 yrs (must have turned 3 by July 1, 2011) to beautiful Poricy Park and our caring trained instructor will lead them on hikes, tell stories, and engage them in fun crafts and activities. Give your child the healthy gift of fresh air and sunshine with this ongoing weekly program! Class size is limited! Paid registration required with signed registration form.
Thursdays, Mornings 9:30am-11:30am
                  OR
Thursdays, Afternoons 12 pm-2pm
Sessions available:
January 12, 19, 26, February 2, 9, 16, 23
Fee: Members $15 per session; Non-members-$17 per session
Note: Registration required one week in advance.

Owl Moon
Discover the magic of owls against a winter background as we explore these unique creatures. Dress for the weather because we will take a short hike to look for these amazing birds! Appropriate for all ages. (Children must be accompanied & supervised by an adult). Please register in advance so we know you are coming! Meet at the Nature Center. Regular program fees apply.
Sunday, January 15th - 4:30pm-5:30pm

Snowy Day
Appropriate for children pre-K through 5th grade. “Snow on snow, Flakes gently falling, Like leaves from a tree” by James Hart. Join us for many activities, experiments & games crystallizing around the snow theme!
Extended care available
Monday, January 16th
Half Day 9:00am-12:00pm
OR Full Day 9:00am-3:00pm
Fee: Half Day: Members-$35; Non-members-$40
Full Day: Members-$55; Non-members-$60

Seasonal Hearth Cooking
Seasonal fare prepared over the open hearth will tempt your taste buds with “receipts” from colonial days. Mistress Gullman will demonstrate cooking artifacts, techniques and recipes typical of colonial times. Appropriate for ages 7 to 107 (Children must be accompanied & supervised by an adult). Please courteously register in advance. Meet at the Murray Farmhouse. Regular program fees apply.
Sunday, January 22nd - 1:30-3:30pm

Hot Topics In History!
Join us for some stimulating conversation and relaxing tea! January – (We will be meeting in the Nature Center.) “Courage, New Hampshire” In the winter of 1770, the township of courage lies on the raw edge of the frontier in western New Hampshire. Join us as we view and discuss this adventurous, heroic and exceptional story of America. February – (We will be meeting in our 1770 NJ State Historic Murray Farmhouse parlor!, weather permitting). Washington Who? Join us for historical queries surrounding one of our Nation’s founding fathers! Special guests from the reenacting group ‘Past Muster’ as well as others will participate! Not necessary to commit to all sessions. - Must pre-register at least one week prior to each session. Donations welcomed and  appreciated! They support ongoing programs at Poricy Park Conservancy.
Tuesdays – Jan 24th & Feb 28th - 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Winter Hearth Stories
Enjoy a variety of enchanting tales while being warmed by our crackling fireplace! Bring your mug and we’ll fill it with warm cider or hot chocolate! Don’t miss this event that’s sure to warm you inside and out! Appropriate for all ages (Children need to be accompanied & supervised by an adult). Advanced registration is appreciated. Meet at the Nature Center. Regular program fees apply
Sunday, January 29th - 3pm - 4pm

Bird Survival
Join us as we watch, listen & chat about the amazing David Attenborough video showing how birds manage to survive hostile environments and coexisting with humans! Perfect way to prepare for the upcoming Great Backyard Bird Count! Appropriate for all ages interested watching this BBC video. (Children must be supervised by an adult).  Please courteously register in advance. Meet at the Nature Center. Regular program fees apply.
Sunday, February 12th - 3pm-4:15pm

The Great Backyard Bird Count!! Free Event
Participate in the 2012 GBBC! We will tally on the third day of this annual four-day event that engages bird watchers of all ages across the continent. Participants may also send in photos for fun or as part of the GBBC Photo Contest! Why do this? Scientists need our help to document the distribution and movements.  Plus, bird watching is one of the fastest growing hobbies, anyone can participate, and it’s fun! Appropriate for all! (Children must be accompanied & supervised by an adult).
Meet at the Nature Center
Sunday, February 19th - 2pm-4pm

Bird Friends
Appropriate for children pre-K through 5th grade.
1, 2, 3, 4 How many birds? How many more? Don’t miss this fun day off from school as we find our bird friends in Poricy Park and discover what they like to do and eat at this time of year through exciting activities, games and crafts! Extended care available.
Monday, February 20th
9:00am-12:00pm OR 9:00am-3:00pm
Fee: Half Day: Members-$35; Non-members-$40
Full Day: Members-$55; Non-members-$60

George & Martha Tea
Experience a colonial tea party in our historic 1770’s Murray farmhouse. You will sample various refreshments peppered with conversation relating to George & Martha.  Appropriate for adults and children interested in sitting at a tea (Children must be supervised & accompanied by adult). Please courteously register in advance. Limited seating available. Meet at the Murray Farmhouse. Regular program fees apply.
Sunday, February 26th - 2pm-3:30pm

Poricy Park Conservancy strives to provide quality programs at a reasonable cost to our visitors.  Your generous contributions assist us in sustaining our operation. Unless otherwise noted, recommended program donations are
$5 for members and $7 for non-members; maximum per family $20 members and $25 non-members.

Pre-Registration is requested for all programs unless noted otherwise, allowing us to plan supplies and instructor coverage accordingly.  Although walk-in registration the day of program is available with some programs, a program will be cancelled if the pre-registration minimums are not met.

PROGRAMS ARE HELD RAIN OR SHINE SO PLEASE DRESS ACCORDINGLY.

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Poricy Park Conservancy is a non-profit, 501 (c) (3) organization located in Middletown Township. With exceptional ecological resources, the 250 acre historical and nature site makes it one of the largest nature preserves in Monmouth County. The Park offers recreational activities such as magnificent wooded hiking trails, bird watching, pristine pond settings, fishing, and a one-of-a-kind 70 million year-old Cretaceous fossil bed. It is home to the Historic Murray Farmhouse and Barn. The Park is located at 345 Oak Hill Road, off Route 35 South; (for GPS directions enter Red Bank for the town). For more information please visit www.PoricyPark.org, or call 732-842-5966.