Thursday, June 17, 2021

Get Back to Sandy Hook


Summer officially arrives on Sunday, June 20, but there are plenty of signs of summer. People are headed to the Jersey Shore and Piping Plover and Osprey chicks are hatching. 

The seasonal Park Rangers are ready at Sandy Hook National Seashore and most of us are eager to party like it 2019. June will be filled with Birding on the Deck, Canoe Cruises, Yoga on the Beach, Fort Hancock History Tours, and other special programs. Put on some sunscreen, pack a bottle of water, and come join us for some fun under the summer sun. 

Mondays - Birding on the Deck
Parking Lot M – Observation Deck
June 7 through August 30
9 AM – 11 AM
Visit a ranger on top of the observation deck. A scope will be set up to view and learn how to identify osprey, egrets, and songbirds.

Tuesdays and Thursdays
Canoe Cruise
Nike Missile Site - Parking Lot Hartshorne Drive
June 15 through August 31, 9:15 AM – 12 PM Take a two-mile morning paddle to explore Sandy Hook bay from an ideal vantage point—the water itself. Rangers guide you on a two-and-a-half-hour tour of the bayside waters and Skeleton Hill Island. Must register two people in a canoe. Go to www.recreation.gov or call 1-877-444-6777 to make your reservation. Fee-based program.

Wednesdays
Fort Hancock History Tours
Fort Hancock Post Museum Grounds, Building 28
June 16 through August 25, 5 PM – 7 PM
Take a stroll around Fort Hancock with a ranger and learn about its history. The tour will include stops at the Fort Hancock Museum, Sandy Hook Lighthouse, Mortar Battery, Battery Potter, Rodman Gun and Officers’ Row. Call (732) 872-5970 to make a reservation.

Saturdays
Yoga on the Beach
Parking Lot E, Center Beach Chute
June – August, 8 AM – 9 AM
Begin your Saturday with a peaceful, yet vigorous, traditional Vinyasa yoga practice on the beach. The practice is open to everyone and all levels, from beginners to advanced, and will focus on flowing through basic poses and maintaining poses with proper alignment. Please bring a large, sturdy beach blanket and wear light, comfortable workout attire. Hydration is also important, so please bring your own water (refillable bottles).



Fort Hancock Bike Tour
Theater Parking Lot across from the Chapel, Fort Hancock Historic Post
Sunday, June 20 10 AM – 12 PM
Join a ranger on a guided bicycle tour of Fort Hancock, highlighting everything from batteries to beaches. Bring your bicycle and bike helmet. Call (732) 872-5970 to make a reservation. ♥ 3 miles

Butterflies, Bees and Pollinators – Celebrate Pollinator Week North Beach
Parking Lot I - Beach Center
Thursday, June 24 10 AM – 12PM
Bees and other pollinators are declining in number. Pollinators (butterflies, bees, birds) are necessary for the health of our food crops. Join a park ranger for a hike to learn about the local pollinator life that can be found here during the summer season. A family program, please don’t forget to wear good sand walking shoes and bug repellent. Free, call (732) 872-5970 to make reservations.  1 mile


NOTE: Visitor Centers are closed indefinitely, however, Sandy Hook will be offering pop-up Visitor Center services Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 10am to 4pm. Stop by for information about the park!

Reminder: Before you visit, please check Gateway's website for updates and alerts at nps.gov/gate/how-will-covid-19-affect-my-visit.htm



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