WILDWOOD CREST — Join the Friends of Cape May National Wildlife Refuge at the Two Mile Beach Unit in Wildwood Crest on Dec. 21, at 10 a.m., for a fascinating and educational demonstration of Decoy Carving in the South Jersey Fashion.
The demonstration will be led by local master decoy carver, J.P. “Jamie” Hand. Mr. Hand will be accompanied by two of his young apprentices, Dave Billig and Cooper Rossner, who is a Biological Technician through the Pathways Program at our very own Cape May NWR.
J. P. Hand has been carving ducks from Jersey white cedar for about 40 years. His family has lived in Cape May County since the 1700s. His step-grandfather, Ephraim Hildreth, was also a decoy carver – today, his rare shorebird decoys go for thousands of dollars on the antiques market. Hand learned his craft from two masters – Hurley Conklin, and Harry Shourds, a third-generation decoy carver and NEA National Heritage Fellow.
Following the program, you will have some time to browse through our Nature Store and pick up some last-minute gifts for the nature-loving folks on your list. This event is free, but pre-registration is required. It is open to the public and is perfect for all ages. Heavy snow will cancel the program. Please meet at the Visitors Contact Station at the Two Mile Beach Unit of Cape May National Wildlife Refuge, 12001 Pacific Ave (Ocean Dr), Wildwood Crest, near the former Coast Guard Loran Station. For more information or directions, or to register, email info@friendsofcapemayrefuge.org.
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