Thursday Explorations
For children aged 3 1/2 to 6 years old
Discover the wonders in Poricy Park as nature springs into action! Our nurturing naturalist will lead children on hikes, captivate them with nature stories, and engage them in fun crafts and activities. This is an ongoing weekly session; you may sign up for all weeks or individual weeks that meet your schedule. Class size is limited and program payment is required with signed registration form! Registration required one week in advance.
Thursdays, Mornings 9:30am-11:30am OR Afternoons 12 pm-2pm
Fee: Multiple session & sibling discounts available
Members $18 per session; Non-members-$20 per session
PJ Friday
No ‘Ides of March’ tragedy tale for us! We will explore various types of tales which may include fables, fairytales, folk tales, legends, myths, traditional tales and more….. Whether you choose to come in your snuggly pajamas or in regular clothes, we will enjoy simple refreshments while sharing stories from near and far! Appropriate for all ages (Children must be supervised by an adult). Please courteously register in advance. Meet at the Nature Center
Friday, March 15th, 7:00pm-8:00pm
Regular program fees apply; refreshments included!
Colonial Irish
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a look into the life of a Colonial Irish immigrant named Joseph Murray. Visit the house that Joseph built in 1770 and discover the uniqueness that this Irish stone mason brought to home construction in the American Colonies! Appropriate for all ages (Children must be supervised by an adult). Your generous donation supports this and many other educational opportunities here at Poricy! Meet at the Murray Farmhouse
Sunday, March 17th, 3:00pm-4:00pm
Upcycle • Repurpose • Recycle • Monthly Craft Night
Sea Glass Pendant
Join us free spirits and salty souls who love time worn things and the craftsmanship of bygone eras as we create pendants that look to be a product of nature yet come from manmade glass with a soulful timeless beauty! With a few basic tools, some wire and a piece of ‘sea glass’ you will create a simple piece of jewelry that will be certain to garner the attention of your friends! Meet at the Nature Center
Tuesday, March 19th, 7:00pm-8:00pm
Fee (includes supplies): $12 members; $14 nonmembers • Pre-registration required.
Atha Yoga Anushasanam “Now, the teachings of yoga” – Yoga sutra 1.1
Welcome eager students! Now is your time to register for traditional yoga at Poricy. Our certified instructor, Juleé Csuri, will lead gently and tailor exercises to suit the specific needs of each participant. Perfect opportunity to start a healthier you!! Meet at the Nature Center – wear comfortable clothing, bring mat if you have one.
Advance paid registration required.
New! Saturday morning sessions April 6, 13, 20, 27
Teens & Adults – 10:00am-11:00am; Fee: $12 members; $15 non-members; sign up for all four sessions: $42 members; $50 non-members
Children ages 6-12 years – 11:15am-12:00pm; Fee: $10 per session; sign up for all four sessions: $35.
Ask about our sibling discounts!
Colonial Candle Workshop
Tallow, Bayberries, Beeswax & Whales! What do these things have in common? Each of these has been used to make candles! Visit us and learn how candles were made in Colonial times! Enjoy hands-on fun and bring home your own candle to light your way! Remember to register early. We have limited space in our hearth kitchen! Appropriate for ages 7 to 107 (children must be supervised & assisted by an adult). Scout groups call to arrange your own special program time! Please courteously register in advance. Meet at the Murray Farmhouse
Sunday, April 7th, 3:00pm-4:00pm
Fee includes materials: $5 Members; $8 Non-members
Community Fossil Hunt
The first community fossil hunt of the season is here! Beginning at the Nature Center, our experienced guide will prepare you for your journey back in time 65 million years ago! We will provide the trowels & sifters and help you identify your treasures! Please dress for the weather and wear rubber boots or old sneakers. Your 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 we will have enough supplies!!! Appropriate for adults & children of all ages (children must be accompanied & assisted by an adult). Meet at the Nature Center
Sunday, April 14th, 3:00pm-4:30pm
Fee includes equipment rental: $8 per participant; $32 Family Special (2 adults, 3 children; Family=1 household)
Hot Topics in History!
Curiosity may have killed the cat, but it propels us in our 1770 NJ State Historic Murray Farmhouse parlor as we chat about topics of intrigue. This month we will look into the contemplation and repentance of Massachusetts Bay Judge Samuel Sewell regarding the Salem Witch Trials!
Meet at the Murray Farmhouse
Tuesday, April 23rd, 7:00pm-8:30pm
Upcycle • Repurpose • Recycle • Monthly Craft Night
Paper Bead Bracelet
Paper bead bracelets are fun and charming! Following the bead making and/or life motto – “Just roll, baby, Just roll,” we will use simple techniques and repurpose magazines into bracelets that you will love wearing or giving as a special one-of-a-kind gift! Meet at the Nature Center
Wednesday, April 24th, 7:00pm-8:30pm
Fee (includes supplies): $12 members; $14 nonmembers • Pre-registration required.
Kite Workshop
Join in a Poricy Park classic. We will share kite flying history and safety; then show you how to make a kite! Participants will each construct and decorate their own kite. Next we’ll launch our creations on the Nature Center lawn! (Weather permitting.) Appropriate for adults and school age children accompanied by an adult. Younger children welcome with adult assistance. Please register in advance so that we will have enough supplies! Meet at the Nature Center
Sunday, April 28th, 3:00pm-4:00pm
Regular program fees apply.
Program Fees
Poricy Park Conservancy strives to provide quality programs at a reasonable cost to visitors. Your generous contributions assist in sustaining PPC operations. Unless otherwise noted, recommended program donations are $5 for members and $7 for non-members; maximum per family $20 members and $25 non-members. Pre-Registration is requested for all programs unless noted otherwise, allowing staff to plan supplies and instructor coverage accordingly. Although walk-in registration the day of program is available with some programs, a program will be cancelled if the pre-registration minimums are not met.
PROGRAMS ARE HELD RAIN OR SHINE SO PLEASE DRESS ACCORDINGLY.
Poricy Park Conservancy is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization located at 345 Oak Hill Road, Middletown Township, NJ. All community and summer camp programs are run by Poricy Park Conservancy. With exceptional ecological resources, the 250 acre historical and nature site makes it one of the largest parks in Monmouth County. 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. Poricy Park is home to the 1770 NJ Historic Murray Farmhouse and Barn. The Nature Center is open Monday-Friday, 9:00am-4:00pm. For additional information, call the Nature Center at 732-842-5966 or visit
