They’re here! Our Summer Guide, Creative Arts & Music Festival, Plant Swap and more.

Time flies when you’re having fun. Before you know it, summer will be here. Not ready? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Check out the summer issue of our Parks & Programs Guide and see all our offerings planned for June, July and August. Those on our mailing list should receive their copy in the next few days. Can’t wait? Program information is online. Registration starts at 8 a.m. on May 8.

Until then, here are some upcoming programs for you to enjoy:

• Great Spring Perennial Plant Swap from 8:30-11:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 4 at Tatum Park, Middletown. Bring plants in one-quart, one-gallon or two-gallon containers and take home the same size and number of plants. Please label all plants. Plant intake from 8:30-10 a.m. Plant selection from 10-11:30 a.m.
  
  
• Creative Arts & Music Festival from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday, May 4 at Thompson Park, Lincroft. See the works of fine artists from all mediums including pottery, jewelry, photography and painting. Also enjoy art demonstrations, activities and live music. Admission and parking are free.
  
  
• Volunteer Training - Protect Endangered Birds from 1-3 p.m. on Sunday, May 5 at Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park, Long Branch. Find out how to help protect and monitor the endangered and threatened bird species nesting at the shore. Training provided by Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey. Open to ages 18 & up.
  
  
• Splendid Spring Stroll from 3-4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 8 at Huber Woods Park, Middletown. Meet in the Environmental Center parking lot and soak up the season during this Park System Naturalist-led trail walk through the park. FREE!  
  
  
• Filet Mignon - Explained then Eaten from 6-9:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 14 at the Dorbrook Recreation Area Visitor Center, Colts Neck. Join Chef Peter De Celie and learn how to trim, roast and sauté different cuts of filet mignon. Pre-registration and fee required.
  
  

We just can’t help it! We have another jam-packed weekend planned. Be sure to visit our This Weekend in the Parks webpage for a full listing. Spoiler alert- highlights include the Roving Naturalist, Boat Tours, Climb Time, and more.

Can’t wait another moment to get a jump start on summer? Enter our online Toes in the Sand Contest. The winner receives two park access passes and a parking pass for Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park, Long Branch, for the 2019 beach season. Hurry, the deadline to enter is 12 p.m. on Thursday, May 9.

For more information, please visit www.MonmouthCountyParks.com or call 732-842-4000, ext. 4312. The Park System can also be contacted through email at info@monmouthcountyparks.com.