WARETOWN – From nature walks to making crafts to a bicycle safety demonstration, Ocean County will celebrate National Trails Day on June 4 highlighting the Waretown section of the County's Barnegat Branch Trail.

"This is a great opportunity to learn more about the Barnegat Branch Trail which runs from Barnegat Township to Toms River Township," said Ocean County Commissioner Virginia E. Haines, Chairwoman of the Ocean County Department of Parks and Recreation. "This linear park which will stretch more than 15 miles once it's completed is an environmental jewel in the Ocean County parks' system."

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., June 4, the public is invited to participate in various activities along the Barnegat Branch Trail, from Country Lane to Railroad Avenue, Waretown. The event is hosted by the Ocean County Board of Commissioners, with the support of various Ocean County government departments and the Township of Ocean.

"Those attending can try out the exercise equipment, they can view the interpretive display at the Country Lane Trailhead, participate in nature walks and just enjoy all that the outdoors has to offer along the trail," Haines said.

The free event will include information tables from Ocean County Parks and Recreation, and Cultural and Heritage and Planning. The Ocean County Security Department will host a bicycle rodeo, emphasizing bike safety.

There will also be an arts and crafts table and a table featuring highlights of the natural resources found on the trail.

The Barnegat Branch trail follows the existing right of way of the former Barnegat Branch Division of the Central Railroad of New Jersey. The Ocean County Board of Commissioners has been advancing construction of different areas of the trail with the first areas completed in the southern part of the County. Once completed, the trail will span more than 15 miles from Barnegat Township to Toms River Township.

So far, Ocean County has completed seven phases of the trail, which includes over 7.8 contiguous miles from Burr Street in Barnegat Township to Musket Road in Lacey Township. In addition, almost 3.25 miles from South Street in Lacey Township to Hickory Lane in Berkeley Township have been completed.

"The Barnegat Branch Trail is very popular with the residents and visitors of Ocean County not only by giving residents a route to travel by bike or walking, but also allowing access to many of our County Parks along the way," said Director of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners John P. Kelly. "I encourage everyone to come out and enjoy the nice weather and see the trail for themselves during the National Trails Day event."

National Trails Day is sponsored by the American Hiking Society. It's now in its 30th year.