Nature Center Hosts Garden Programs for All Ages

CAPE MAY — Join the Nature Center of Cape May on Sat., Sept. 18 for a day of fall gardening adventure for children and adults alike.
Naturalist Kim Hannum will take youngsters on a tour of “Peter Rabbit’s Garden” at 11 a.m. The adventure begins at the nature center, then participants will carpool to West Cape May Elementary School for fun and exploration in their wonderful schoolyard garden.
Activities include a story, harvesting garden fresh veggies, yummy snacks and a garden craft. All ages are welcome. The fee is $7 per person, reduced to $5 for NJ Audubon members.
Back at the nature center, adults can have their own gardening fun as well during the “Backyard Habitat Plant Swap” from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Gardeners are asked to bring at least three plants: two to swap with other gardeners and one for the center’s Monarch Schoolyard Habitat Connection Project.
For each additional plant, participants will receive a ticket redeemable for one free plant.
Those just getting started with backyard habitat gardens are welcome. Plants will be available for $2 each (limit three per person). Plant seeds are needed as well and may be traded as an additional plant. Gardeners are asked to place seeds in labeled envelopes. Plants may be dropped off on Fri., Sept. 17, before 3 p.m., and you will be given a credit voucher to use on Saturday.
The plant swap is sponsored by the Backyard Habitat Advisors. Members of this knowledgeable group will be on hand that day to help with plant selection, wildlife gardening questions and resources. Suggestions on the type of plants needed in backyard habitat gardens may be found at www.njaudubon .org.
And finally, for all the educators out there, including teachers, parents, grandparents, troop leaders and community volunteers, the annual “Schoolyard Habitat Workshop” will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This workshop will give you the nuts, bolts, and inspiration to put in a garden where everyone can grow, learn and enjoy together.
Backyard school habitats and community gardens will get students, or anyone, outside and excited about learning again. By turning an outdoor space into an outdoor classroom, no matter how big or how small or how much asphalt, you can have a living lab that turns your students on while it helps you address curriculum requirements and become a National Wildlife Federation Certified Schoolyard Habitat.
Come share ideas, resources and expertise. The workshop will include a visit to a nearby schoolyard habitat. Bring your lunch and photos or layout of your schoolyard. Participants will receive five hours of NJDOE credits. The workshop is limited to 30 participants; preregistration is recom-mended. The workshop fee is $30, reduced to $20 for NJ Audubon members.
For complete details, contact Sue Slotterback, program director, at 609- 898-8848. The Nature Center of Cape May is located at 1600 Delaware Ave. Visit us at www.njaudubon.org/centers/nccm