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34 for anglers age 16 and over. Or tour the reservoir on a thirty-six foot pontoon boat with a park naturalist who will introduce you to the area's plants and wildlife. Forty minute weekend tours are available from Memorial Day to the end of September. $6. for adults and $4. for twelve and under. There are also picnic areas, a playground, and a visitor's center with boat and bicycle rent- als, a bait shop, vending machines, and a bicycle repair station. In the winter, depending upon weather conditions, the reservoir is open for ice skating, ice boating, and ice fishing. Be sure to visit the Environmental Center at 331 Georgia Tavern Road. It provides experiences of learning and discovery of wetland ecology and wildlife as well as habitat protection. It is open daily 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM with free admission. MANTOLOKING BRIDGE FISHING PIER 30 Mantoloking Road, Brick 1-877-OC PARKS or (732) 506-9090 www.oceancountyparks.org With great views of Barnegat Bay, this park caters to anglers, crabbers, and sightseers. On the Brick side of the Mantoloking Bridge, the 70-foot-long fishing and crabbing pier also features a board- walk, picnic area, sunshade gazebo, bait/fish cleaning stations, car top boat launch, and light- ed paths. Park goers have access to a second pier on the south side of the bridge, as well as Traders Cove Marina and Park (maintained by the Brick Township Department of Parks & Recreation). MONMOUTH BATTLEFIELD AND MONMOUTH BATTLEFIELD STATE PARK 16 Business Route 33, Manalapan (732) 462-9616 www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/ parks/monbat.html Friends of Monmouth Battlefield: www.friendsofmonmouth.org One of the largest battles of the American Revolution took place on the fields and in the forests that now make up Monmouth Battlefield State Park. This is where Molly Pitcher became famous, and it was on Monmouth Battlefield that General Washington and General Sir Henry Clinton faced each other. This victory convinced the British that the revolutionaries were a force to contend with and not just a ragtag rabble. This is also the setting for the historic Craig House, a restored Revolutionary War farmhouse (See Historic Sites & Museums.) You can learn more about the rich history of Monmouth Battlefield through its award-winning Visitors Center and wayside exhibits located on Perrine Hill, Combs Hill, and the Hedgerow. The park preserves a splen- did, rural 18th-century landscape of hilly farmland and hedgerows that encompasses miles of hiking and horseback riding trails. There are picnic areas, playgrounds, trails, birding, and sledding and cross-country skiing in winter. Also within the park is Battleview Orchards. From May to October, they offer pick-your-own strawberries (end of May), sour cherries (end of June), peaches and nectarines (mid-to-late July), apples (September), and pump- kins (October). A country store is open all year. The Applegate family, who has been farming the area since 1908, own and operate the Orchards. Visit www.battlevieworchards.com or call (732) 462-0756 or (732) 462-0970 for picking hours and more information. MOUNT MITCHILL SCENIC OVERLOOK 460 Ocean Boulevard Atlantic Highlands, (732) 842-4000 www.monmouthcountyparks.com This is the Jersey Shore's highest point—266 feet above sea level—and is the second highest point on the Atlantic seaboard (after Maine's Cadillac Mountain at Acadia National Park). The overlook's 12 acres offer spectacular views of Sandy Hook, Raritan Bay, and the NYC skyline and features picnic tables and a playground. Mount Mitchill is home to Monmouth County's 9/11 Memorial, a tribute to the 147 men and women born, raised, or residing in Monmouth County who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. OCEAN COUNTY PARK 659 Ocean Avenue (Route 88) Lakewood, 1-877-OC PARKS or (732) 506-9090 Park Naturalist: (732) 506-5122 www.oceancountyparks.org This magnificent 323-acre facility in Lakewood has a rich and fascinating history. The park was originally part of financier John D. Rockefeller's vacation estate. White pine, hemlock, and other unique specimen trees, now mature, were imported by Rockefeller from all over the country. Fitness and bike trails, open playing fields, tennis courts, beach volleyball, canoeing, fishing, and even a driving range, all free of charge, appeal to adults of all ages. Children will delight in using the playgrounds or swimming in the large, clean lake on hot summer days. Ocean County Park has a large, accessible picnic facility. Reservations are available for a nominal fee for up to 600 persons. Warm weather isn't the only time to enjoy this park. Transformed into a lovely and silent winter wonderland after a snowfall, it's a great site for cross-country skiing. Of course, there is no charge for casual use of the park, the beach, or its many facilities. An off-leash dog park area is also available. Yearly fee applies. Visit website for details. PARKS & RECREATION AREAS Continued from page 33