Walking the Bible at The Frelinghuysen Arboretum
Morris Township: The Old Testament comes to life when Bible scholar and ethnobotanist Dr. Jon Greenberg leads a tour of The Frelinghuysen Arboretum in Morris Township, N J on Sunday, July 19. The view of the Arboretum’s plant collection through the lens of the Old Testament is fascinating as Dr. Greenberg walks us through more than 5000 year of history. His knowledge of botany and the Talmud combine to make this a unique and rewarding tour, even for the experienced horticulturists.
“With our gardens in full bloom, Dr. Greenberg will have a plethora of plant materials to refer to” promised Lesley Parness, Superintendent of Horticultural Education. Although the Middle East is certainly a different growing zone than Morris County, there are many plants growing here whose ‘cousins’ are native to the countries, such as Israel, Egypt, Iran, and Iraq. This is the third year that these tours have been offered. “Since they are so popular, people of all faiths now have the option of registering for either the morning or afternoon program,” she concluded. The 90-minute programs are offered at 10:30 a.m. or 1 p.m.
Dr. Greenberg earned his BA in Biology from Brown University and his Masters and Doctorate’s degree in Agronomy from Cornell University. He is a frequent speaker at religious organizations, schools, and botanic gardens. A prodigious writer, his essays may be found online at www.torahflora.com. “Ethnobotany is the study of how people use plants. Biblical ethnobotany is a way of using the tools of botany and ethnobotany to help better understand the Old Testament,” explained Dr. Greenberg. Some of the plants he will point out include the Willow tree, hops, roses, and agave.
For complete program details and to register, please visit www.arboretumfriends.org
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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!
“With our gardens in full bloom, Dr. Greenberg will have a plethora of plant materials to refer to” promised Lesley Parness, Superintendent of Horticultural Education. Although the Middle East is certainly a different growing zone than Morris County, there are many plants growing here whose ‘cousins’ are native to the countries, such as Israel, Egypt, Iran, and Iraq. This is the third year that these tours have been offered. “Since they are so popular, people of all faiths now have the option of registering for either the morning or afternoon program,” she concluded. The 90-minute programs are offered at 10:30 a.m. or 1 p.m.
Dr. Greenberg earned his BA in Biology from Brown University and his Masters and Doctorate’s degree in Agronomy from Cornell University. He is a frequent speaker at religious organizations, schools, and botanic gardens. A prodigious writer, his essays may be found online at www.torahflora.com. “Ethnobotany is the study of how people use plants. Biblical ethnobotany is a way of using the tools of botany and ethnobotany to help better understand the Old Testament,” explained Dr. Greenberg. Some of the plants he will point out include the Willow tree, hops, roses, and agave.
For complete program details and to register, please visit www.arboretumfriends.org
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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!
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.
