Coastal Calendar

OCTOBER | NOVEMBER | DECEMBER | JANUARY

OCTOBER

October 4
Families Investigate Science Hands-On (FISH) Programs at NJMSC/NJSG

On Sandy Shores
See why beaches are more than just summer playgrounds on this fully guided beach walk. This program includes an interactive “beach lab” that offers close-up investigations of local seashells and sand from near and far. 11 a.m.

Lenape and the Jersey Shore

Learn how New Jersey’s Native Americans utilized our coastal environment to survive. Families will fish and hunt as the Lenape did, as well as make and take a Native American craft. 2 p.m.

NJMSC/NJSG, 22 Magruder Road, Fort Hancock at Sandy Hook
732-872-1300 x20
www.njmsc.org

October 5

Pinelands Discovery Festival

Get a glimpse into local “Piney” culture with tours of Historic Whitesbog Village where the blueberry was first cultivated. Learn about the role agriculture plays in the region’s history and economy with visits to local cranberry bogs within the Pinelands and ecology walks led by naturalists who can help you discover the flora and fauna that are native to the region. Attend workshops and other information sessions or peruse the displays of photography, crafts and art created by local artisans. Interactive activities and exhibits will provide information about how to help protect the Pinelands for future generations. And you won’t want to miss the excitement when the cyclists participating in the five-day Tour de Pines bicycle tour of the Pinelands end the final leg of their journey.

Whitesbog Village, Rt. 530, Browns Mills
609-859-8860
www.pinelandsalliance.org

October 11
Coast Day NJ
This “celebration of the sea” showcases New Jersey’s coastal and maritime resources and culture. Sponsored by the New Jersey Marine Sciences Consortium/New Jersey Sea Grant and held annually in October in Cape May on the docks of the famous Lobster House Restaurant, this festival features hands-on exhibits and other learning experiences, as well as crab races, music and fun for the whole family.

Dock of the Lobster House Restaurant, Cape May
732-872-1300
www.njmsc.org/CoastDay.html

October 17-18
New Jersey Lighthouse Challenge
The New Jersey Lighthouse Challenge is a not-for-profit event presented by The New Jersey Lighthouse Society, Inc. for the purpose of raising public awareness of lighthouses in general and New Jersey’s lighthouses, specifically.  This rain or shine, two-day event is held during the third weekend in October when eleven land-based lighthouses and 2 Frensel lens sites are open for visitation and climbing.  During this weekend, the public is invited to visit any or all of the sites along the Challenge route.

Statewide
732-291-4777
www.njlhs.org

October 24 -25
Haunted Seaport
Pirates and sea captains long lost at sea walk the boardwalk for a night of screams. Hayrides, food, refreshments and a non-scary pumpkin patch for the little ones. Fun for the whole family.

Tuckerton Seaport, 120 West Main Street, Tuckerton
609-296-8868
www.tuckertonseaport.org

October 24th - November 1st
Surf Fishing Tournament
The Wetlands Institute is hosting its first-ever surf fishing tournament beginning at 1 am on October 24th until November 1st. Three separate divisions (men, women, and 17 and under) will allow the whole family to participate in this wonderful event designed to foster an appreciation for our local resources. For information and official rules e-mail aquarium@wetlandsinstitute.org

Ocean City to Stone Harbor
609-368-1211
www.wetlandsinstitute.org

NOVEMBER

November 1
Birding for Beginners with Patrick Belardo
If you are new to birding, this is the bird walk for you. Join Patrick as he introduces you to the fundamentals of bird identification while visiting the diverse habitats of Sandy Hook. Bring binoculars and wear appropriate clothing for the weather. Meet at the visitors’ center parking lot. 8 am to noon. Free to the public, but please pre-register by calling 732-872-2500.

New Jersey Audubon – Sandy Hook Bird Observatory, 20 Hartshorne Drive, Fort Hancock
732-872-2500
www.njaudubon.org

November 10
Toddler Make & Take at Jenkinson’s Aquarium
Make marine life crafts, listen to a story, and learn about some of our animals. This workshop is for children ages 3-5 years old with an adult and occurs on the 2nd Tuesday of each month in January, February, and September through December. 9:30 to 10:30 am $18 parent-child pair/ $8 for each additional participant. Includes all day aquarium admission. Call to pre-register.

Jenkinson’s Aquarium, 300 Ocean Ave., Pt. Pleasant Beach
732-899-1659
www.jenkinsons.com

November 21
Behind the Scenes at Jenkinson’s Aquarium
Discover what goes on behind the scenes of the aquarium. Learn what it takes to feed, clean, & enrich all of our animals. Tour the building from top to bottom while learning about our aquarium inhabitants. Closed-toed shoes are required. Ages 5 & up only. Fee: $14 adult/$10 child.

Jenkinson’s Aquarium, 300 Ocean Ave., Pt. Pleasant Beach

732-899-1659

www.jenkinsons.com

DECEMBER

JANUARY

January 1, 2010
First Day at the Beach
Celebrate Ocean City's first dip in the ocean for the New Year.

9th St., Ocean City
609-525-9300
www.ocnj.us