Poricy Park Conservancy Programs for March & April 2015

MIDDLETOWN, N.J. - March 3, 2015 - PRLog -- Maple Syrup Day - Mmm Mmm Good - Multiple Sessions Available.
It’s Time! Make sure you come to this favorite program and see how syrup gets to your table. A Park naturalist will give a brief info session and then lead a short hike to “collect” the star ingredient. Next you will be challenged to a taste test upon your return to the Nature Center. Do you prefer real or imitation syrup? Reserve your session by Friday, March 6^th!  Appropriate for all ages (children must be supervised by their adult). Scout groups welcome. Note: Maximum of 20 participants per session. Please secure your place with your paid registration by calling the Nature Center. Meet at the Nature Center.
Sunday, March 8^th, 1pm-2pm OR 2:30pm-3:30pm OR 4pm-5pm
Fee for all attending: $8 per Member; $25 per Family Membership (one household); $10 per Non-member; $30 per Non-Member individual household

Psyanky Egg Creations- Fancy Eggs - Multiple Sessions Available By Skill Level. Engage in this unique opportunity to decorate your own egg using techniques from the ‘old world’ and some newer ones picked up along the way. Park expert Juleé Csuri will guide you and share the history of this most amazing skill that has endured the test of time. Appropriate for ages 10 through 110. Due to use of candles and hot wax, this program is not appropriate for younger children (this is not a typical Easter egg dying activity). (Children must be supervised by their adult). Advance registration by Friday, March 13^th in order to prepare needed materials. Limit of 8 participants per session. Please secure your place with your paid registration by contacting us at the Nature Center 732-842-5966 Mon-Fri 9am-4pm. Meet at the Nature Center.
Sunday, March 15^th
Beginner sessions (children age 10+ and adults): 12pm-2pm OR 2:30pm-4:30pm
Adults only session (all skill levels): 5pm-7pm
Fee includes all materials to decorate one egg: ($4 for each additional egg)
Single Session: $10 Members; $15 Non-members

Nature’s Natural Eggs - Simply Beautiful
Discover natural dyes with berries, beets, herbs and more of nature’s offerings! Each participant will decorate four eggs to take home! We will also investigate the many variations of wild bird eggs and how birds use camouflage to hide their own eggs with a fun hands-on activity! Reserve your session by Friday, March 20^th!  Appropriate for ages 4 to 104 (children must be supervised by their adult). MULTIPLE SESSIONS CHOICES! Maximum of 20 participants per session. Please secure your place with your paid registration to insure your ability to take home eggs by calling Nature Center to register Mon-Fri 9am-4pm. Meet at the Nature Center.
Sunday, March 22^nd, 1pm-2pm OR 2:30pm-3:30pm OR 4pm-5pm
Fee: Members: $8 per participant + $4 each additional sibling
Non-Members: $10 per participant + $6 each additional sibling

Hot Topics In History
Enjoy some stimulating conversation and relaxing tea! Meet in the historic Murray farmhouse.  March – “1491” Ed Devlin (reenactor with Past Muster) shares insights from this book by Charles C. Mann which radically alters our understanding of the Americas before the arrival of Columbus. April – “1493” Ed Devlin continues with Mann’s next book which presents the latest research by biologists, anthropologists, archaeologists and historians uncovering the germ of today’s fiercest political disputes giving us a fascinating interpretation of our past!  Appropriate for all who are interested in chatting or listening to chatterers of history!
Tuesdays – March 24^th & Apr 28^th, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Donations gratefully accepted and will help support continuing educational programming at Poricy Park Conservancy and are tax deductable.

Colonial Candle Making - De-LIGHT-ful Fun - Multiple Sessions Available
Participate in this integral Colonial task and bring home your own candle. Perhaps you can use your candle as our Colonial forebears did to provide light for nighttime sewing or reading the almanac! Registration is needed. Space is limited the authentic hearth kitchen of the Murray Farmhouse. Appropriate for ages 7 to 107 (children must be supervised & assisted by an adult). Scout groups welcome. Please secure your place with your paid registration by contacting us at the Nature Center.  Meet at the Murray Farmhouse.
Sunday, April 12^th, 1pm-2:15; OR 2:45pm-4pm; OR 4:30pm-5:45pm
Fee includes materials: $6-Members; $10 Non-members

Community Fossil Hunt- Ancient Treasure Hunt - Multiple Sessions Available
The first community fossil hunt of the season is here! Beginning at the Nature Center, an experienced guide will prepare you for your journey back in time to the Cretaceous Period of the Mesozoic Era. Trowels and sifters will be provided and staff will help you identify your treasures. Please dress for the weather and wear rubber boots or old sneakers as you feet WILL get wet. Note: Sandals and slip-on footwear prohibited. Remember to bring a small bag to hold your five best finds. Registration is needed so there will be enough supplies. Appropriate for all ages (children must be supervised by their adult). Scout groups welcome. Note: Please register in advance to meet our minimum registration required. Meet at the Nature Center.
Sunday, Apr 26^th, 1pm-2:30pm; OR 3pm-4:30pm; OR 5pm-6:30pm
Fee for all attending (includes equipment rental): $8 per Member; $25 per Family Membership (one household); $10 per Non-member; $30 per Non-Member individual household

Heart Willing Volunteers
Ancient origins of the word “volunteer” from many cultures translate to ‘the willing heart’. Beginning on Wednesday, March 4^th, volunteers will meet on Wednesdays after school to perform various needed tasks that may include preparing newsletters for mailing, preparing supplies for programs or even providing care and maintenance of our nature trails and gardens! You can choose to donate an hour or more – your assistance is important and appreciated! Please call the Park in advance so that projects will be prepared for you. Meet at the Nature Center.
Wednesdays, 2:30pm-5pm. To volunteer, call the Nature Center.

All community and summer camp programs are run by Poricy Park Conservancy, a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization, located at 345 Oak Hill Road in MiddletownTownship. With exceptional ecological resources, the 250 acre historical and nature site makes it one of the largest parks in MonmouthCounty. 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. PoricyPark is home to the 1770 NJ Historic Murray Farmhouse and Barn. The NatureCenter is open Monday-Friday, 9:00am-4:00pm and weekends based on scheduled programs. For more information please visit www.PoricyPark.org, or call 732-842-5966.