Poricy Park Conservancy Programs for January and February

MIDDLETOWN, N.J. - Jan. 22, 2014 - PRLog -- Poricy Park Conservancy announces community programs for January and February 2014. PoricyPark is located at 345 Oak Hill Road, Middletown, NJ.

Thursday Explorations - Nature's Classroom
For children aged 3 1/2 to 6 years old. Explore nature’s magical winter secrets in Poricy Park! Nurturing naturalist will lead children on hikes, captivate them with nature stories, and engage them in fun crafts and activities.  This is an ongoing weekly session; you may sign up for multiple weeks or individual weeks that meet your schedule. Class size is limited and program payment is required with signed registration form! Thursdays, Mornings 9:30am-11:30am OR Afternoons 12 pm-2pm. Fee: Multiple session & sibling discounts available. Members $18 per session; Non-members-$20 per session. Note: Registration required one week in advance.

Seasonal Hearth Cooking
Rich aromas will envelope you as you step into the open hearth kitchen in the NJ State historic Murray Farmhouse! Mistress Gullman will be using cooking artifacts, techniques and recipes typical of colonial times. Appropriate for ages 7 to 107 (children must be accompanied by their adult). Registrations limited due to size of room - please courteously register in advance. Meet at the Murray Farmhouse. Sunday, January 26th, 1:30pm-3:30pm. Regular program fees apply.

Hot Topics In History!
Enjoy stimulating conversation and relaxing tea! January & February – (Meet in the Nature Center and split the film between the two dates.) “American Experience – A Midwife’s Tale” This film brings to life the “ordinary” daily chores of 18th century women. However, you will begin to see that those lives are never ordinary, but are riddled with constant obstacles. View and discuss this adventurous, heroic and exceptional story. Appropriate for all who are interested in chatting or listening to chatterers of history! Donations gratefully accepted and will help support continuing educational programming at Poricy Park Conservancy and are tax deductible! Mondays – Jan 27th & Feb 24th, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Traditional Yoga “Now, the teachings of yoga” – Yoga sutra 1.1
Begin a new year on this positive note! Certified instructor, Julee Csuri, will lead gently and tailor exercises to suit the specific needs of each participant. Perfect opportunity to start a healthier you!!  – wear comfortable clothing, bring a mat if you have one. Advance paid registration required. Meet at the Nature Center. Saturdays, Beginning February 1st, 10am-11am for Teens & Adults. Fee: $12 members; $15 non-members

Collage Valentines!
Show your creative/sparkly side while transforming ordinary items into treasured Valentine’s! The supplies will be provided and you will take home one-of-a-kind cards to give to the special loved ones in your life!! Appropriate for children ages 4-10. (Children must be supervised by an adult).  Please courteously register in advance. Meet at the Nature Center. Sunday, February 9th, 2pm-3pm. Regular program fees apply.

“Scherenschnitte” (translation – scissor cuts)
Transform plain paper into eye-catching designs of birds, animals, flowers, trees and more! Using this unique art tradition from 16th century Switzerland and Germany brought to Colonial America in the 18th century! Instruction and tools will be provided. You take home a new skill and a special work of art!  Appropriate for ages 10 through 110! (Children must be supervised by an adult). Please courteously register in advance. Meet at the Nature Center. Sunday, Feb 9th, 3:30pm- 4:30pm. Regular program fees apply.

The Great Backyard Bird Count!!
Participate in the 2014 GBBC! Participants will tally on the third day of this annual four-day event that engages bird watchers of all ages across the continent.  You may also send in photos for fun or as part of the GBBC Photo Contest! Why do this? Scientists need the community's help to document bird 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.) Binoculars and field guides available for rental. Meet at the Nature Center. Free. Sunday, February 16th, 2pm-4pm

Colonial Children’s Tea
Participate in a colonial tea party inside the historic 1770’s Murray Farmhouse. You will sample various refreshments and practice colonial manners! Appropriate for ages 4 through 10 (Children must be supervised & accompanied by adult). Please courteously register in advance. Limited seating available. Meet at the Murray Farmhouse. Fee: One child with accompanying adult - $10, each additional child with adult - $5. Saturday, Feb 22nd, 4pm-5pm OR Sunday, February 23rd, 4pm-5pm

George & Martha Tea
Experience a colonial tea party in the historic 1770’s Murray farmhouse. You will sample various refreshments peppered with conversation relating to George & Martha.  Appropriate for adults and older 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. Sunday, February 23rd, 2pm-3:30pm. Regular program fees apply.

PROGRAMS ARE HELD RAIN OR SHINE SO PLEASE DRESS ACCORDINGLY. Program fees are $5 for members and $7 for non-members. Maximum per family household is $20 members with PPC Family Membership or higher, and $25 non-members; (one discount per household).

Poricy Park Conservancy is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization located at 345 Oak Hill Road, Middletown Township, NJ. All community and summer camp programs are run by Poricy Park Conservancy. With exceptional ecological resources, the 250 acre historical and nature site makes it one of the largest parks 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. Poricy Park is home to the 1770 NJ Historic Murray Farmhouse and Barn. The Nature Center is open Monday-Friday, 9:00am-4:00pm; weekend hours generally are 11:00am - 4:00pm but may fluctuate based on pre-scheduled birthday parties, group and community programs. For additional information, call the Nature Center at 732-842-5966 or visit www.poricypark.org.