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HUNTING CLOSURES: Cooper Gristmill, Kay Environmental Center, Bamboo Brook Outdoor Education Center and Willowwood Arboretum will be closed on Monday 12/5, Thursday 12/8, and Thursday 12/15 for firearm hunting by permit only. For full hunt schedule, please click here.

Patriots’ Path Great Morristown Greenway – Public Information Center

The Great Morristown Greenway, is currently in the Preliminary Engineering phase of work. A virtual Public Information Center (PIC) will be held on Thursday August 26, 2021 from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM. The purpose of the meeting is to provide an opportunity for input on the project, review exhibits, ask questions and discuss any concerns. A brief Presentation will be held at 6:05 PM and 7:05 PM.

Weddings

Morris County Parks has a variety of beautiful locations for your wedding ceremonies, photos and reception. With both indoor and outdoor options, you’re sure to find the perfect venue for your special day.

William G. Mennen Sports Arena

The William G. Mennen Sports Arena is a full service ice center with skating year around. It offers public sessions, group lessons, hockey clinics, figure skating clubs and birthday party packages.

Tuesday, April 20

Frelinghuysen Arboretum Meadow RestorationProject

Morris County Park Commission is working on a complete restoration of 12 acres of meadows and 630 linear feet of streambank at The Frelinghuysen Arboretum.

Friday, January 1

Prescribed Burning

The MCPC and the New Jersey Forest Fire Service (NJFFS) plan to conduct prescribed burns of MCPC forests and meadows in 2021.

Tuesday, August 4

Spotted Lanternfly

Spotted Lanternfly is an invasive plant hopper first detected in Pennsylvania in 2014 and later detected in New Jersey in 2018.

Closures

GENERAL PARK CLOSURES

Patriot's Path
- The Bridge on Patriots' Path at Pine Tree Plaza in Hanover is currently out of service due to a vehicle accident.

WEATHER CLOSURES

None at this time.

MAINTENANCE ADVISORY

None at this time.

CONSTRUCTION ADVISORY

Patriots Path
- Beginning the week of October 3, the stretch of Patriots’ Path Main Stem between Tingley Road east to the Cunningham Parking Lot in Lewis Morris Park will be closed until further notice for bridge replacement.
Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center
- The Orange Trail is closed through April 2023 while new and improved boardwalks are constructed. The Red and Green Trails, Visitor Center, and Wigwam will remain open. Parking will be very limited.

White-tailed deer management

The Morris County Park Commission is currently responsible for the stewardship of 20,437 acres of land with over 232 miles of trails. It recognizes that a controlled hunting program is the most efficient and effective way available to minimize the severe threats posed to the biodiversity of native flora and fauna by overabundant white-tailed deer populations. The MCPC's controlled hunts are specifically used as a population management tool and do not represent recreational hunting opportunities. The MCPC is no longer accepting applications for the 2022/23 season, hunters interested in participating in the 2023/24 program should reach out in July 2023.

Planning Projects

Park Improvement Projects

Special Events

Saturday, December 3 —Sunday, December 4 : 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Willows Wonderland

All ages.December 3 and 4Celebrate the holiday season at Fosterfields! Tour The Willows mansion decorated for different decades of Christmas,...

Friday, December 9 —Saturday, December 31 : 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Festival of Trees

All ages. It's the most wonderful time of the year! Celebrate the season by touring the Frelinghuysen Arboretum'...

Saturday, December 3 : 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Kids in the Wild

Ages 7 – 11.In this series, kids get into the woods, learning different outdoor skills, meeting other like-minded kids and building...

Tuesday, December 6 —Thursday, December 15 : 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. OR 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Homeschool Days

Ages 6 - 12.Environmental Education: Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center, 247 Southern Boulevard, Chatham Township, NJ 07928 - Register here.December 13: Staying...

Monday, December 5 : 4 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Virtual Plant of the Month Club

Ages 6 -12. Monday, December 5: Evergreens - This month Plant of the Month Club will meet in person...

Wednesday, December 14 : 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Garden Sprouts

Ages 3 - 5 with an adult. Wednesday, December 14: Here Come the Holidays! - Craft a holiday centerpiece out...

Friday, December 2 —Friday, December 16 : 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.

Little Farm Friends

Ages 3 - 5 with an adult. Friday, December 2: Winter Walk - Take a stroll on the wintery farm....

Sunday, December 11 —Sunday, December 11 : 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Courses in Nature

Adults.In this series, nature-minded adults can take a deep dive into various natural history topics each month with an...

Wednesday, December 7 : 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

What’s In Bloom Tour

Adults.Explore The Frelinghuysen Arboretum with Thyra Kelly, Horticultural Program Specialist on this guided tour of the gardens and grounds....

Monday, December 12 —Monday, December 12 : 4 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Puddle Jumpers

Ages 5 - 7.Has your child outgrown our Toddler Treks but still craves adventures in nature? Puddle Jumpers is for you!...

Wednesday, December 7 : 4 p.m. – 5 p.m.

What in the World is a Watershed?!

Ages 7 & up with an adult.Discover what a watershed is by making it rain and watching what happens to...

Thursday, December 1 —Friday, December 9 : 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Holiday Gift Workshop

Adults.Happy Holidays! **** SOLD OUT **** Thursday, December 1: Soap Making - Using essential oils, create bars of melt...

Friday, December 9 —Friday, December 9 : 4 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Wild Animal Experts

Ages 6 – 10.Friday, December 9: BearsAfter school is a great time to take a nature walk and discover new facts about...

Thursday, December 1 —Saturday, December 31 : 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Photo Scavenger Hunt: Totally Trees

All ages. Don't be fooled by winter! There are lots of trees with winter beauty. Use the clues...

Tuesday, December 6 : 4 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Hootin’ Owls

Ages 7 & up.Tuesday, December 6 at Great Swamp Tuesday, December 13 at Pyramid Mountain Our nighttime feathery...

Saturday, December 10 : 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

All About Bald Eagles

Ages 7 & up.During this time of year, bald eagles from far up north begin to migrate south to parts...

Sunday, December 11 : 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Hoot, Hoot, Hooray for Littles

Ages 2 - 5 with an adult. Enjoy a fun owl-themed story and a walk on the trails to hunt for...

Sunday, December 11 : 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Hoot, Hoot, Hooray for Littles

Ages 2 - 5 with an adult. Enjoy a fun owl-themed story and a walk on the trails to hunt for...

Tuesday, December 13 : 10 a.m – 11 a.m.

Floral Arranging for the Holidays with Supermarket Flowers

Adults.Ann Fahey, Superintendent of Horticulture Education will demonstrate how to design beautiful floral arrangements with supermarket bouquets for any...

Thursday, December 15 : 4 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Close to Extinction! Endangered in NJ

Ages 7 - 11.Which animals are endangered in our state, and what does that even mean? Find out which species are...

Saturday, December 17 : 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Holiday Greens workshop for Daisy and Brownie Scouts.

Daisies and BrowniesWith precut, fresh greens, Daisies and Brownies will earn how to create a holiday arrangement perfect for the...

Saturday, December 17 : 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Centerpiece Masterpiece for Girl Scouts

Juniors, Cadettes and Senior Girl ScoutsNo flowers in the winter? Think again! There are flowers that bloom even during the...

Monday, December 19 : 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Always Evergreen

Adults.Learn the tips of the trade in making a green centerpiece perfect for the holiday table. All greens, mechanics...

Tuesday, December 20 : 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Hiking Through History

Adults.Adults can take to the trails to discover the history and geology of Pyramid Mountain on this 2.5 mile hike...

Tuesday, December 20 : 4 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Going Green

Ages 6 - 12. Using seasonal greens and festive supplies, young arrangers will create a winter arrangement perfect for the holiday...

Wednesday, December 21 : 7p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Winter Solstice Celebration

Ages 6 & up.Join a woodland gathering around a campfire under the glowing full moon to experience the historical and...

Tuesday, December 27 —Thursday, December 29 : 9:30 a.m. – 12 noon

Winter Mini-Camp

Ages 6 - 10.Time off from school is a great time to get out in nature and explore! Enjoy walks, crafts,...

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Special Events

Saturday, December 3 —Sunday, December 4 : 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.