MORRISTOWN, NJ – The Morris County Park Commission will be conducting a controlled deer hunt in accordance with its White-tailed Deer Management Program which aims to improve forest health in the parks through the management of the deer population. These controlled hunts are specifically used as a population management tool.

The following parks will be CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC all day on the specified dates, and will only be open to hunters with special access permits. Bow hunting is scheduled in additional Morris County Parks between now and February 2015 but these parks will remain open to the public. Additional information, including the complete hunting schedule, can be found on the Morris County Park Commission’s website: www.morrisparks.net.



###
Morris County Park Commission, is one of the region’s best park systems in the state of New Jersey, currently protects and maintains 18,600 acres at 38 distinct sites and a year-round calendar of events and activities.

MORRISTOWN, NJ – As Thanksgiving approaches and the growing season is winding down at the Morris County Park Commission’s Community Garden, the harvest continues to be bountiful. At this Community Garden in Morris Township, a dedicated group of community gardener volunteers have grown and donated nearly 1800 pounds of fresh vegetables to the Interfaith Food Pantry of Morris County so far this year and they are not done yet! The volunteers set a goal of 2000 pounds and it looks like they just might make it.

After meeting with Katy Galton, Nutrition Educator at the Interfaith Food Pantry, the community gardeners came up with a plan to grow vegetables with the highest yields in a small space. According to Galton, the food pantry is giving out on average 1.7 tons of food per day. In 2013, 10,532 people were served, and 35% of people who received food were under the age of 18.

“The Community Gardeners are well aware of the hunger issues in Morris County and decided they wanted to do something about it,” said Horticultural Specialist Cynthia Triolo, who manages the garden. “Now we serve as a model for other Community Gardens in New Jersey looking to make the connection with their local food pantry.” The volunteers’ time and considerable effort paid off in a significant way as they have already surpassed their donations of last year by 300 pounds.

The Morris County Park Commission’s Community Garden was established in 1978 and is one of the longest running community gardens in the state. Today there are 113 plots, half of which produce year round crops using devices like row covers and cold frames.

As with many community gardens in the area, there is a wait list to join, which highlights the high interest and need for community gardens. If one community garden can produce this much food and help solve our hunger issues, imagine what others can and do. For more information on the Morris County Park Commission’s Community Garden, please call 973.326.7603.

###

Morris County Park Commission, is one of the region’s best park systems in the state of New Jersey, currently protects and maintains 18,600 acres at 38 distinct sites and a year-round calendar of events and activities.

MORRISTOWN, NJ – A kingdom made of candy canes, chocolate, and gumdrops really does exist! See it with your own eyes at the 23rd annual Gingerbread Wonderland and Craft Show at The Frelinghuysen Arboretum in Morris Township on Friday, December 5 through Sunday, December 14, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Fridays until 7:30 p.m. You’ll be captivated by the plethora of brilliant edible creations on display. Scenes have included Santa’s Workshop, Hanukah Menorahs, Chinese pagodas, a grand piano, and even the White House.



Lesley Parness, Superintendent of Horticultural Education stated, “More than 15,000 visitors attend this charming event annually. Guests of all ages marvel at the creative works of art, and enjoy the sweet smell of ginger and sugar while perusing more than 200 creations.” Parness continued, “This is one of my favorite events because visitors are in awe of the creativity, artistry, and passion displayed in each edible work of art.”

Need to catch up on your holiday shopping? Look no further for those special, homemade gifts. The Holiday Craft Show, which is in its fifth year, offers a variety of unique products made by local crafters. The Holiday Craft Show is open on the weekend during Gingerbread Wonderland, December 6 & 7, 13 & 14, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Groups of ten or more must make reservations by calling 973.326.7601. Strollers are not permitted in the exhibit hall. A $2 admission per person, children under 2 admitted free, supports the Horticultural Educational Department. To submit an entry to the exhibit, look for registration materials at www.aboretumfriends.org. For more information, please call, 973.326.7601 or visit www.morrisparks.net.

###
The Morris County Park Commission features one of the region’s best park systems in the state of New Jersey. It currently protects and maintains 18,730 acres at 38 distinct sites plus offers a year-round calendar of events and activities for all to enjoy!