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For Immediate Release:
August 28, 2012
Birds, bugs and beyond is Sept. 8
Free event is for kids, crafts and composting
FREEHOLD, NJ – Monmouth County Master Gardener program is holding a “Birds, Bugs and Beyond” extravaganza where children can explore nature through live performances, games, crafts and displays from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 8 at the Monmouth County Agricultural Building, 4000 Kozloski Rd.
The event will feature children’s activities that look at bugs and birds and other garden creatures through live bird and snake shows, make and take crafts, games, composting and vermicomposting (with worms), garden tours and displays that feature bees, bats, butterflies, reptiles and insects.
Monmouth County 4-H Herpetology Club members will show off their live snakes and attendees will have a chance to hold a snake, ask questions and learn about herpetology from knowledgeable 4-H'ers.
The day will also include the opening of “Insane Insects,” a 4-H Art Show of drawings, paintings, photographyand sculpture all about insects. The art show will be on display in the Agricultural building through Sept. 30.
“Birds, Bugs and Beyond” will be held rain or shine and is presented by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension Service of Monmouth County, the Monmouth County Master Gardeners and the 4-H Youth Development program. For additional information, please call the Monmouth County Master Gardeners at 732-303-7614.
“Bring your garden problems and questions for identification and advice,” Freeholder Lillian G. Burry said. “This event furthers the Master Gardener’s efforts to educate gardeners of all ages and interests.”
Master Gardeners are experts in all things related to home gardening in Monmouth County and the group will host a free Master Gardener Helpline Table at the event.
The Master Gardener program, conducted throughout the United States and Canada is a two-part educational effort in which avid gardeners are provided many hours of intense home horticulture training. In return, they “pay back” local university extension agents through volunteerism. In New Jersey, the program is a cooperative effort of Rutgers University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the county Boards of Chosen Freeholders. Monmouth County’s program involves the county office of Rutgers Cooperative Extension, Brookdale Community College and the county Park System.
The next local Master Gardener class will begin in February 2012, but applications are available now by contacting Monmouth County’s Rutgers Cooperative Extension Service office at 732-431-7260.
The 4-H Youth Development program of Rutgers Cooperative Extension provides information and educational services to all people without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status.
For information, about Monmouth County 4-H, contact the office at 732-431-7263 or log onto the County Web site at www.visitmonmouth.com and click on the link to the Monmouth County’s Rutgers Cooperative Extension Service.
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