Free Full Moon Family Nature Walk to Be Held July 12

CAPE MAY — The Full Buck Moon – July is normally the month when the new antlers of buck deer push out of their foreheads in coatings of velvety fur. It was also often called the Full Thunder Moon, for the reason that thunderstorms are most frequent during this time. Another name for this month’s Moon was the Full Hay Moon.
Join the Friends of Cape May National Wildlife Refuge volunteer guides and interpreters on Sat. evening, July 12 at 7:30 p.m. at the Two Mile Beach Visitor Contact Station as they lead another in a series of free Full Moon Family Nature Walks!
This program is free and open to the public, and is suitable for adults and families with children. After the program, the public is invited to relax and visit the newly-opened Nature Store at Two Mile. Please meet at the Visitor 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, please call 609-513-9349. Heavy rain cancels the event.
Full Moon Walks will be held most months on a Sat. night close to the official full moon, and will begin at varying times depending on the season. We usually begin with some light, family-friendly entertainment and educational stories, followed by a walk through the dunes and onto a section of beach that is open to the public. Most walks will last about an hour and a half, and will cover approximately two miles in length (less if you so choose). Bring a flashlight or headlamp (although after our eyes become accustomed to the dark, we won’t be needing them), and dress for the weather. Remember, it’s often cooler and windier near the beach, so try to dress in layers. Free loaner binoculars will be available while supplies last, or you can bring your own. A few telescopes will also be available after the walk for up-close viewing of the moon, stars and planets.
The purpose of these walks is to provide a family-oriented activity that introduces visitors to the natural history of the Refuge. Through this introduction we hope to foster an understanding and appreciation for these resources that will lead visitors toward stewardship of their public lands in Cape May County.