Live Sheep Shearing at Born to Be Shorn
MORRISTOWN, NJ – Witness the hand-shearing of live sheep, up close and personal, as it was done in the past. At Born to Be Shorn on Saturday, May 9, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Cooper Gristmill in Chester Township take advantage of the opportunity to experience something unique and wonderful.
According to Mark Sutherland, Manager of Historic Sites for the Morris County Park Commission, “It is extraordinary to see the sheep shearing practices of the past come to life in modern day. Most people are amazed by the relaxed state of the sheep as they are being sheered.” Sutherland continued, “The shearers work without electricity, only using pair of hand shears to remove the fleece. It is astonishing to witness the trust demonstrated between human and animal in order to complete the job.” Without a doubt, the sheep are more comfortable after their annual shearing, and the fleece is ready to be put to good use!
Following the shearing, enjoy many hands-on activities, such as weighing the fleece, skirting and washing the fleece, and carding, spinning, and weaving the yarn. Watch how the fleece turns amazingly brilliant natural colors as it is dyed in a pot over an open fire. Make a sheep craft, and other fascinating fiber crafts to take home. Top off your day with a tour the 1826 water-powered Cooper Gristmill, the only fully water-powered gristmill in New Jersey that produces flour.
Admission to the event is $3 for adults, $2 for seniors (65+), and $1 for children (ages 4 - 16). Children under age 4 are admitted FREE. For more information, please call 908.879.5463, or visit morrisparks.net.
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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!
According to Mark Sutherland, Manager of Historic Sites for the Morris County Park Commission, “It is extraordinary to see the sheep shearing practices of the past come to life in modern day. Most people are amazed by the relaxed state of the sheep as they are being sheered.” Sutherland continued, “The shearers work without electricity, only using pair of hand shears to remove the fleece. It is astonishing to witness the trust demonstrated between human and animal in order to complete the job.” Without a doubt, the sheep are more comfortable after their annual shearing, and the fleece is ready to be put to good use!
Following the shearing, enjoy many hands-on activities, such as weighing the fleece, skirting and washing the fleece, and carding, spinning, and weaving the yarn. Watch how the fleece turns amazingly brilliant natural colors as it is dyed in a pot over an open fire. Make a sheep craft, and other fascinating fiber crafts to take home. Top off your day with a tour the 1826 water-powered Cooper Gristmill, the only fully water-powered gristmill in New Jersey that produces flour.
Admission to the event is $3 for adults, $2 for seniors (65+), and $1 for children (ages 4 - 16). Children under age 4 are admitted FREE. For more information, please call 908.879.5463, or visit morrisparks.net.
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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!
It’s a One-Day Shopper’s Paradise!
MORRISTOWN, NJ – Get ready, get set, and GO! To the All-County Garage Sale as it returns by popular demand to Mennen Sports Arena, in Morris Township, on Saturday, May 2, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Last year, thousands attended the sale, and many satisfied shoppers left with designer handbags, interesting antiques, delightful home goods, and unique collectables. Take the travel time out of shopping and find a variety of wonderful goods, at bargain prices, in one convenient location.
All proceeds from the All-County Garage Sale benefit the Historic Speedwell educational programming and historic preservation projects. The Factory Building, located on the Morristown site, is a National Historic Landmark featuring a hands-on, interactive exhibit on the telegraph and the development of modern communications.
Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and students, and children 12 and under are admitted FREE. For more information on attending or becoming a vendor, please call 973.285.6550.
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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.
All proceeds from the All-County Garage Sale benefit the Historic Speedwell educational programming and historic preservation projects. The Factory Building, located on the Morristown site, is a National Historic Landmark featuring a hands-on, interactive exhibit on the telegraph and the development of modern communications.
Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and students, and children 12 and under are admitted FREE. For more information on attending or becoming a vendor, please call 973.285.6550.
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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.
Gardening Tips – D.I.Y. Style at The Frelinghuysen Arboretum
MORRISTOWN, NJ – There’s a quiet little garage that opens but once a month at The Frelinghuysen Arboretum in Morris Township. Once the home of lumber and left-overs, this tiny space becomes ‘The Potting Shed,’ on the first Sunday of every month from 12 noon to 1 p.m.
The Potting Shed program answers your questions and satisfies your gardening interests through demonstrations to match the gardening seasons. On May 3, learn everything you need to know about tomatoes at ‘Tomato Growing 101’ and leave with your own a healthy, heirloom tomato plant. What is spring without roses, English roses, that is! Bring on the roses June 7, with ‘As Fair as an English Rose.’ Learn the tricks to successful rose growing, visit the Arboretum’s rose gardens and take home a cutting. All of these programs are eligible for 1.0 Rutgers Master Gardeners CEUs.
No registration is required for ‘The Potting Shed’ programs. The fee for all programs is $5/person. In the event of inclement weather, please call 973.326.7603 for updates. Cash only, please.
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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!
The Potting Shed program answers your questions and satisfies your gardening interests through demonstrations to match the gardening seasons. On May 3, learn everything you need to know about tomatoes at ‘Tomato Growing 101’ and leave with your own a healthy, heirloom tomato plant. What is spring without roses, English roses, that is! Bring on the roses June 7, with ‘As Fair as an English Rose.’ Learn the tricks to successful rose growing, visit the Arboretum’s rose gardens and take home a cutting. All of these programs are eligible for 1.0 Rutgers Master Gardeners CEUs.
No registration is required for ‘The Potting Shed’ programs. The fee for all programs is $5/person. In the event of inclement weather, please call 973.326.7603 for updates. Cash only, please.
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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!
Join Jamie Oliver’s FOOD REVOLUTION!
MORRISTOWN, NJ – The revolution is returning to Morris County; the Food Revolution that is! In conjunction with The Jamie Oliver Foundation, the Morris County Park Commission is hosting a series of Food Revolution events in May. Celebrate this important initiative to promote food education through hands-on demonstrations, exhibits, activities, and lectures at the Cooper Gristmill, Historic Speedwell, and Fosterfields Living Historical Farm.
According to Mark Sutherland, Historic Sites Manager for the Morris County Park Commission, “It is essential that we, as a community, support our local farmers and educate ourselves on sustainable farming practices. We’ve seen the adverse effects of genetically modified and processed foods. It is time to unite through knowledge and education and set a positive example for future generations.”
Attend the main event, Healthy Home: A Food Revolution Day! at Fosterfields Living Historical Farm on Saturday, May 16, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Explore the process from food production to consumption, and the benefits and value of sustainable agriculture, nutrition, and eating locally. Enjoy food demonstrations and fitness programs featuring vendors from health and wellness organizations.
Participate in the additional Food Revolution events throughout the month of May.
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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!
According to Mark Sutherland, Historic Sites Manager for the Morris County Park Commission, “It is essential that we, as a community, support our local farmers and educate ourselves on sustainable farming practices. We’ve seen the adverse effects of genetically modified and processed foods. It is time to unite through knowledge and education and set a positive example for future generations.”
Attend the main event, Healthy Home: A Food Revolution Day! at Fosterfields Living Historical Farm on Saturday, May 16, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Explore the process from food production to consumption, and the benefits and value of sustainable agriculture, nutrition, and eating locally. Enjoy food demonstrations and fitness programs featuring vendors from health and wellness organizations.
Participate in the additional Food Revolution events throughout the month of May.
- Discover Grain, May 2, 23, 30 at Cooper Gristmill in Chester Township. Discover how grains were processed, and hunt for recipe pieces.
- The Healthy Home, May 9 at Historic Speedwell in Morristown. Learn how the Vails, early inhabitants of Historic Speedwell, maintained a healthy home in the 1840s.
- Winter Farmers’ Market, May 10 at Fosterfields Living Historical Farm in Morris Township. The Market offers a variety of fresh, locally-produced goods, including meats, cheeses, artisan breads, prepared foods, honey, preserves, and produce.
- Overcoming Your Sugar Cravings, May 16 at Fosterfields Living Historical Farm in Morris Township. Join Kathy D’Agati, author of the upcoming book Ditch the Damn Diet and Ellen Harnett, celebrity chef and certified holistic health coach to learn why your body craves sweets and what you can do to end sugar cravings forever.
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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!
