Fall & Winter Events Calendar

The following is a list of activities being offered through the Interpretive Center at Cheesequake State Park in Matawan, NJ. Some programs are offered free without registration requirements; some will requireadvanced registration as indicated below. A fee will be charged to motor vehicles entering the park on weekends and holidays 5/28 - 9/5 (Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day). All programs will initially meet at the Interpretive Center unless otherwise indicated. Attendance is limited and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. All children must be accompanied by an adult. In the event of inclement weather, some programs might be canceled. It is always advisable to call ahead before coming out. Phone: 732-566-3208/2161.

September 10
Crabs, Crabs, Crabs
Join us at the Interpretive Center to learn about the crustaceans that inhabit the Park area. We’ll explore the world of the Fiddler and Blue Claw Crab. During the program we will learn about the behavior of crabs, how to catch Blue Claw crabs and how to prepare these crabs for tablefare. All ages.
1:00 pm
Fee: None
Sponsor: Cheesequake State Park
Note: ADA Accessible

September 17
Gerry’s World of Snakes
Special guest Gerry Wronski, will discuss and show examples of the snakes of the New World. This slithery show will be held at the Interpretive Center. All ages
1:00 pm
Fee: None
Facilitated By: Gerald Wronski
Sponsor: Cheesequake State Park
Note: ADA Accessible

September 23
Estuary Hike
Meet at the Interpretive Center for a 1 ½ hour interpretive hike of the saltmarsh. This special habitat is home to a variety of wetland species. We’ll discuss and view many of these plants and animals during the hike. Ages 8 and up
1:00 pm
Fee: None
Sponsor: Cheesequake State Park

October 1
Largemouth Bass Fishing: Tackle and Techniques
Join us at Hooks Creek Lake for a discussion and demonstration on how to catch Largemouth Bass. Topics to include lure selection, presentation and behavioral patterns. Ages 10 and up
1:00 pm
Fee: None
Hooks Creek Lake
Sponsor: Cheesequake State Park

October 8
Feathers and Fins
Join us at the Interpretive Center for a short discussion on the fish and birds that inhabit the area. All ages
1:00 pm
Fee: None
Interpretive Center Parking lot
Sponsor: Cheesequake State Park
Note: ADA Accessible

October 15
Blue Trail Hike
Meet at the Interpretive Center for a guided hike on the Blue Trail. During the hike we’ll learn about the native plants and animals at the Park. All ages
1:00 pm
Fee: None
Sponsor: Cheesequake State Park

October 22
Seasonal Crafts Demonstration
Meet at the Interpretive Center for a special Fall craft program. Ages 12 and up and adults
1:00 pm
Fee: None
Sponsor: Cheesequake State Park
Note: ADA Accessible

October 29
Fall Foliage Hike
Meet at the Interpretive Center for a brisk fall walk to enjoy the autumn season of colors.
All ages
1:00 pm
Fee: None
Sponsor: Cheesequake State Park

November 5
Gourd Crafting
Meet at the Interpretive Center to learn about the art of gourd crafting. During the program, we’ll learn the techniques used in transforming a gourd into a bird feeding platform or a piece of artwork. The fall season provides us with these natural products needed for the construction of the crafts. All ages
1:00 pm
Fee: None
Sponsor: Cheesequake State Park
Note: ADA Accessible

November 12
Feeding our Feathered Friends
Join us at the Interpretive Center to discuss all aspects of wild bird feeding. Topics to include feeder types, food selection, feeder placement and protection. Each participant will be offered the opportunity to construct a simple bird feeder during the event.
All ages.
1:00 pm
Fee: None
Sponsor: Cheesequake State Park
Note: ADA Accessible

November 19
Lenni Lenape Traditions
Discover the Native American heritage of Cheesequake and the surrounding area. We’ll learn about the culture, traditions and history of the Lenni Lenape. The “Order of the Arrow” Dance Team will be on hand to entertain us with Native American dances. During the event, at the Interpretive Center, we’ll learn about various Native American foods of the era. All ages
1:00 pm
Fee: None
Sponsor: Cheesequake State Park
Note: ADA Accessible

November 26
Cedar Swamp Hike for Adults
Meet at the Interpretive Center for a fall hike on the Green trail through the Cedar Swamp of Cheesequake. Participants must be over 18 years of age.
1:00 pm
Fee: None
Sponsor: Cheesequake State Park

January 7
New Year Hike
Enjoy the start of the year 2007 with a brisk hike through the trails at Cheesequake. The Park Naturalist will interpret the winter sights and sounds during this one-hour hike. Meet at the Interpretive Center.
Ages 8 and up
1:00 pm
Fee: None
Sponsor: Cheesequake State Park

January 14
Bark and Buds
Foresters use many characteristics to identify a tree in the field. During the winter months when leaves are not present the bark and buds often are the only clues to unlocking the mystery of tree identification. Meet at the Interpretive Center to learn more about tree identification. Ages 8 and up
1:00 pm
Fee: None
Sponsor: Cheesequake State Park

January 21
“Lost in the Woods” A Children’s Survival Program
A nine point program to help children if they get separated from their group while hiking. This program will be held at the Interpretive Center.
Ages 6 through 11
1:00 pm
Fee: None
Sponsor: Cheesequake State Park
Note: ADA Accessible

January 28
Basic Backpacking
Trekking through the wilderness carrying all supplies on your back is a growing popular recreational activity. Backpacking is an activity where the difference between a rewarding or disastrous trip can be your equipment. Join us at the Interpretive Center to learn about the basics of this sport and were to backpack in NJ. All ages
1:00 pm
Fee: None
Sponsor: Cheesequake State Park
Note: ADA Accessible

February 4
Naturalist Choice
Call ahead for programming details
Fee: None
Sponsor: Cheesequake State Park

February 11
Hoot Hoot the Owls of Cheesequake
These silent predators prowl the night for a delectable meal. Join us at the Interpretive Center to learn more about the Owl’s of NJ. We’ll dissect an owl pellet and discover what types of prey these birds prefer. All ages
1:00 pm
Fee: None
Note: ADA Accessible

February 18
A Nature Quiz Game
Is this your final “nature” answer? Join us at the Interpretive Center for an exciting audience participation game program. Easy quiz questions will provide the means for scoring nature points
Ages 8 and up
1:00 pm
Fee: None
Sponsor: Cheesequake State Park
Note: ADA Accessible

February 25
Basic Birding
Visit the Interpretive Center for a short discussion and hike to learn about the winter birds at the Park. During the program, we’ll learn about the key identifying characteristics of these winter residents. Binoculars suggested. Ages 8 and up.
1:00 pm
Fee: None
Sponsor: Cheesequake State Park

March 4
Salute the Bears
Gather at the Interpretive Center to learn about the history of “Smokey The Bear” and the New Jersey Black Bear. Each participant should bring in their own “Teddy Bear” as we gather at the Interpretive Center.. All ages.
1:00 pm
Fee: None
Sponsor: Cheesequake State Park
Note: ADA Accessible

March 11
Nature Memories Shadowbox
Meet at the Interpretive Center to create a shadowbox with a nature theme. Participant are urged to bring small items to incorporate into the shadowbox. Ages 10 and up.
1:00 pm
Fee: None
Sponsor: Cheesequake State Park
Note: ADA Accessible

March 18
Wetland Hike
Meet at the Interpretive Center for a guided hike through the wetland areas of Cheesequake State Park. Ages 10 and up
1:00 pm
Fee: None
Sponsor: Cheesequake State Park

March 25
Gerry’s World of Snakes
Special guest Gerry Wronski, will discuss and show examples of the snakes of the New World. This slithery show will be held at the Interpretive Center. All ages
1:00 pm
Fee: None
Sponsor: Cheesequake State Park
Note: ADA Accessible

Additional Information
Cheesequake State Park Interpretive Center
Gordon Road
Matawan NJ 07747
James Faczak (group contact)
Phone: 732-566-3208
Main Office: 732-566-2161
Fax: 732-566-0249