Autumn at Sandy Hook

The summer at the shore may be unofficially over, but September and October are greats months to visit.

The Visitor Programs and Events for Autumn 2012 at Sandy Hook is available as a pdf document online and updates are at www.nps.gov/gate, and on Facebook at Gateway National Recreation Area, or on Twitter, @GatewayNPS

Just a few events at the Hook:


Clean Ocean Action - 25th Annual Beach Sweep Lot Delta (Seagull’s Nest Lot) Saturday, October 20 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Spend a morning cleaning Sandy Hook’s beaches. Bring gloves, attend rain or shine, and dress for the weather. Closed, hard-soled shoes are recommended. Individuals, families, and organized groups of all ages are welcome. Groups of 10 or more are asked to register with Clean Ocean Action in advance by visiting CleanOceanAction.org. Call 732-872-0111 for more information.

Kids’ Day with American Littoral Society ALS Headquarters  (Bldg. 18) Saturday, September 15 1:30 p.m.- 3:30 p.m. Designed for children ages 4 to 8, this program will teach kids the art of seining, give an introduction to Sandy Hook, and offer an opportunity for “Fishy Fun,” the ancient art of making Japanese fish prints with rubber fish and non-toxic paint. There is a $5 fee for this program. Call 732-291-0055 to reserve your child’s spot.

Cold War Day    Parking Lot L at Horseshoe Cove Sunday, September 16 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Visit a Nike missile radar site restored to the time of the Cuban Missile Crisis. Visit and tour the Nike launch site. Learn about why these sites were essential to national security in the Cold War era.
Night Prowl Visitor Center Parking Lot Saturday, September 22 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Bring a flashlight for this night walk that utilizes the five senses. Free, but reservations required. Call 732-872-5970

Lighthouse to Lighthouse Tour Sandy Hook Keepers’ Quarters Sunday, September 30 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Climb the Sandy Hook Lighthouse starting at 5 p.m., then car caravan over to Twin Lights State Historic Site in the Highlands to climb the south tower there. Reservations required; please call 732-872-5970 to make yours.