Fall and Winter Activities at the Nature Center

CAPE MAY –
Upcycle Craft Workshop for Home and Garden
Wednesday Evening Series, Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23
7:00 p.m.
By definition, upcycling is the process of converting waste materials or useless products into new materials or products of better quality or a higher environmental value. Join Center Director and obsessed repurposer, Gretchen Whitman, for this series of crafting workshops where you will take found objects and transform them into top-quality home goods and garden art. The projects list and the needed supplies will be provided at the first workshop. Bring your ideas as well to share with your classmates.
Cost per workshop: $15 members, $20 non-members.
Harborside Chats
Thursdays, Sept. 19 – Nov. 21
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Join the center staff as they host a wide variety of special guests who are experts in their fields ranging from local lore, scientific studies, marine trades and more. A schedule of speakers will be provided at the first lecture or can be obtained by calling the center at 609-898-8848 or check out our facebook page: NJ Audubon’s Nature Center of Cape May.
Mommy and Me Children’s Program
Fridays, Sept. 13 to Dec. 6
(No class Nov. 29)
10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
For ages 2 to 4 years.
For curious naturalists-to-be, their parents, guardians or grandparents. Each week, we’ll encourage children and parents to explore the natural world together through focusing on a different aspect of nature with stories, song, crafts, activities, outdoor experience and lots of fun. Adult participation is required, and pre-registration is necessary.
Cost for session: $84 members, $108 nonmembers (daily rates available)
Salt Marsh Safari
Saturdays, Sept. 7 to Oct. 19
1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Welcome aboard one of the Jersey Cape’s premier wildlife tour boat, the forty-foot Skimmer, and explore Cape May’s beautiful coastal wetlands. Get ready for close encounters with osprey, egrets, gulls, crabs, and other marine life. Fun and educational for the whole family!
To pre-register, call the Skimmer at 609.884.3100. Boat leaves from Dolphin Cove Marina, across from the Cape May Nat’l Wildlife Refuge on Ocean Drive near Wildwood Crest.
Cost: $27 adults, $15 children, ages two and under are free.
Family Birding Circus
Sundays from Sept. 8 to Oct. 13
1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
A great way to spend a Sunday afternoon with the family….take an up close look at osprey, egrets and bald eagles along with many other birds of the coastal salt marsh. Get a close look at the crabs, fish and sea life that make up this fragile eco-system. This is a great trip to introduce kids to birding and an excellent opportunity for adults interested in photography to get some great shots. The OSPREY departs from the Miss Chris Marina in Cape May just across from the Lobster House. We have plenty of binoculars onboard for everyone to use and an open front deck for better viewing and photography. For information and reservations, please call 609.898.3500. Visit birdingbyboat.com to purchase tickets and to see our other scheduled trips.
Cost: $26 adults, $15 children ages 7 to 12, children under 6 free.
Paddling Fun
Kayak Eco-Tours
Aqua Trail Kayak Nature Tours Through Mid-September
Daily at 11:00 a.m.
Join Aqua Trails Kayak Nature Tours for a two-hour, guided kayak eco-tour through Cape May Harbor and surrounding coastal wetlands. Naturalists will point out migratory birds and marine life, and explain the local ecology of the region. Tours depart at 11:00 a.m. daily from the nature center, weather permitting. Spaces are limited; reservations are strongly suggested.
Cost: single $40, double $70.
Belleplain Pine Barrens Ecology Kayak Tour
Sept. 21
Tours meet at NCCM, depart at 8:30 a.m., and return at approximately 2:00 p.m.
This is a terrific opportunity to experience the serene beauty of one of Belleplain Forest’s beautiful lakes. The placid, naturally tea-colored waters invite persons of all ages to enjoy a natural treasure. Be prepared for sightings of eagles, warblers, beavers, and rare carnivorous plants! Come and see why the United Nations has included the Pine Barrens of New Jersey as part of the International Biosphere Reserve. All equipment, instruction, guide services, water, and snacks are provided by Aqua Trails’ staff. Space is limited; reservations are required.
Cost: $60 single kayak, $95 double kayak. Bring a lunch if snacks aren’t enough.
Paddling Parvin by Canoe and Kayak
Oct. 5 (Fall Foliage Tour).
10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. paddle
1:00 p.m. BYO picnic lunch
Hidden in the southwestern part of the state is Parvin State Park, a park whose history is as varied as its wildlife.
Situated on the edge of the Pine Barrens, the park not only has pine forests typical to the area but also a swamp hardwood forest. Join Center Director Gretchen Whitman and friends for a paddle on Parvin Lake and Muddy Run to enjoy autumn’s spectacular colors. Pack a picnic lunch, and join us at our campsite for a relaxing afternoon of your favorite camp stories around the fire.
Paddle begins at 10:00 a.m. at the canoe launch near the Parvin State Park Office, 701 Almond Road, Pittsgrove, NJ 08318. Bring you own canoe or kayak, or rent from the parks’ rental service for an additional charge. Additional rental fee: $20 single canoe or kayak, $25 double canoe or kayak.
Pre-registration is required and payment must be received by Sept. 28, 2013.
Cost: $15 per person.
Special Events and Programs
Women’s Fishing and Fun Weekend
Sept. 21 and Sunday, Sept. 22
Sept. 21 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
This workshop, designed for women who love the outdoors but may have never tried fishing and are now ready to get their feet (and hands) wet! Expect a format that includes a full morning of instruction, rigging, and practice. Following a lunch break of sampling some local seafood favorites we will head to the docks to board the Cape May Lady for a 4 hour offshore fishing trip to try out our new skills.
Cost: Members $60 per person, non-members $80
Sept. 22
10:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m.
Make it a girls’ weekend getaway and opt to join us for more outdoorsy fun. We will start the day with a kayak eco-tour of Cape May Harbor and the surrounding salt marsh. We might even pack along some fishing poles and test the waters for some local catch. We’ll head over to the Lobster House’s Schooner for a lunchtime feast al fresco. Following lunch it’s more outdoor exploration as we tour the Cape May Winery for a tour and tasting! Learn which wines pair well with different seafood.
Cost: Members $60 per person, non-members $80 (Lunch is separate)
Tours of Private MonarchGardens
Sept. 24: Mid-country “North Cape May to Rio Grande”
Sept. 25: South “Cape Island”
Sept. 26: North “Goshen to Dennisville”
10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day.
At the peak of Cape May County’s world-famous fall Monarch migration, tour diverse gardens that have hosted Monarchs since May. Each features native nectar plants and as many as five different kinds of milkweed (used by Monarchs for egg-laying to create the next generation). Expect clouds of Monarchs and other butterflies, Monarch eggs, caterpillars, and maybe even a chrysalis. The complex Monarch migration will be both explained and enjoyed. Gardening naturalist and author, Pat Sutton, leads these tours, which include her own garden in Goshen (North tour). A variety of gardens will showcase young and old, sun and shade, large and small, containers, water features, meadows, dragonfly ponds, lovely native perennials and caterpillar plants. Bring lunch since our group will leisurely eat in one of the gardens. Before the tour, download, print, and bring along (for ease of note taking) NJ Audubon’s article, “How to Create a Butterfly and Hummingbird Garden,” and the “Recommended Plantings to Attract Hummingbirds, Butterflies, and Moths,” by Patricia Sutton, available at:
http://www.njaudubon.org/SectionBackyardHabitat/CreateaGarden.aspx
http://www.njaudubon.org/SectionBackyardHabitat/RecommendedNectarPlants.aspx
Limit: 25 per tour. Tours are 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day. Preregistration is required.
Cost per tour: $35 members, $45 nonmembers. Join all three tours at a discounted rate of $90 members, $115 nonmembers.
Youth Birding Series – Magic Migrations
Join Naturalist Sam Wilson for a youth birding series (ages 10-17) during Cape May’s amazing fall migration. We have picked the peak weeks for birding Cape May peninsula. Each session you’ll get to explore a new part of the county in a variety of down Jersey habitats.
The first installment will introduce beginners to using binoculars and birding basics. Young birders will learn how to use a field guide and basic bird ID techniques. We will look for shorebirds on the beach, raptors soaring high in the skies and songbirds tucked in the trees. All this while hiking awesome nature trails and using our ID skills along the way. No binoculars? No problem- we will have a crate full available (including some really good ones) along with kid friendly ID guides. We will discuss where migrating birds are coming from and where they are going. Come learn about amazing journeys and discover the magic of migration!
Sept. 14 (Birding basics) 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Sept. 28 (Everything migration) 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Oct. 5 (Hawk Watch) 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. SPECIAL paired with our Monarch Magic program earlier in the day
Oct. 26 Special All-Day Programming NJA Autumn Weekend 8:00 am. .to 4:00 p.m.
Cost per workshop: $10 members, $15 non-members for first three workshops
$30 members, $45 non-members for Oct. 26 all day program
Monarch Magic
Oct. 6
10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
We’ve seen Monarch Butterflies flitting here and there every so often in our gardens all through late spring and summer. Occasionally we’ll see a caterpillar or two nibbling on our milkweed sometime in July or early August. But by the end of August, September, and into October something noticeably different is happening: The Journey has begun. Join Director Gretchen Whitman as we look at the life cycle of the Monarch Butterfly, its habitat and its incredible migration. We’ll tag a live butterfly as part of NJ Audubon’s Monarch Monitoring Program and find out what we can do to support the Monarch’s “eventful journey”.
Cost: members $10 adults, $5 children ages 3 to 12; nonmembers $15 adults, $8 children ages 3 to 12; children under 3 free.
Full Moon Campfires & Storytelling
Fridays, Sept. 20 and Oct. 18,
6:00 p.m.
Evening is beautiful on Cape May Harbor, and the marsh is full of mystery. We’ll go for a night hike on Cape May Harbor and in the Nature Center of Cape May’s meadow and learn about the mysterious nocturnal creatures who call this their island home. Join us for good old-fashioned campfire fun as we roast marshmallows and listen to the sounds of the night. Dress for the chilly night and bring your own camp/beach chairs. Weather permitting.
Cost: $5 per person, under 3 free.
Bird Seed Sale Days
Oct. 4 & 5
Nov. 2 & 3
Dec. 7 & 8
Jan. 4 & 5
Feb. 1 & 2
Maintaining bird feeders is a great way to benefit our feathered friends during the cold winter months when food is scarce. Don’t miss these great opportunities to stock up on bird seed for the winter AND support the Nature Center of Cape May. We order a variety of top-quality bird seed including our own New Jersey Audubon S.A.V.E. brand NJ locally grown Black Oil sunflower seed, thistle seed, custom blends, suet and other varieties. Special discounts are available the first weekend of each month, so plan your seed shopping accordingly.
Cape May Dragonboat Festival
Sept. 28
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Cape May Harbor will be home once again to the Chamber of Commerce’s second annual Dragonboat races. Come join us at the Nature Center for the best seat in town from our second story observation deck. We’ll have the Hot Spot: Coffee and Tea station ready and will be accepting donations on behalf of the Real Housewives of Cape May – the Corinthian Yacht Club’s all-female team who happens to be paddling to support Nature Center youth programs!
Cost: free but donations are welcomed.
Cape May Harbor Beach-Sweep & Community Clean-Up
Oct. 19
9:00 a.m. to Noon
Learn about wildlife gardening and other basic maintenance chores while you assist nature center staff and volunteers in sprucing up the property for the fall season. We’ll plant, mulch, deadhead, weed, and prune throughout the center’s grounds and along the harbor. This date coincides with Clean Ocean Action’s semi-annual Beach Sweeps. Join us at the nature center to help clean our ocean and harbor beaches here in Cape May. Our clean-up is a great community service project for your civic organization or scout group. We ask that you bring along your own tools. (Our supply is limited.) Pre-registration is not required, however, if you plan to bring a large group, we would appreciate a call ahead. Contact Gretchen, at 609.898-8848 x-1.
Cost: Free. Refreshments will be offered.
Pumpkin-Palooza – an Open House Pumpkin Carving Party
Oct. 30
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
BYOP….Bring Your Own Pumpkin
We’ll have pumpkin-carving supplies and patterns ready to create your masterpiece. All you need is your own orange orb! And it wouldn’t be Halloween without some tasty pumpkin treats. This is a family program…don’t let the kids have all the fun!
Free, but donations are welcome!
Autumn Weekend: The Bird Show
Open House Weekend
Friday, Saturday and Sunday Oct. 26, 27 and 28
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Stop by the Nature Center of Cape May and visit our Trucksess Welcome Center at 1600 Delaware Avenue. Browse our nature store, and enjoy the sights from the second-story deck and three-story observation tower overlooking Cape May Harbor. Bird from our deck, explore our classrooms and grounds, and meander through our gardens and meadow. Or, sit and relax while enjoying some free, light refreshments. You will also see us at Convention Hall at our table featuring kid-friendly nature exploration gifts!
Explore the Outdoors – Changing Seasons Interpretive Nature Walks
Join Teacher/Naturalist Sam Wilson on a family friendly nature walk while we learn about hibernation and great migrations of birds and other creatures. Whether it is observing the fall foliage or being on the look out for a rare avian migrant there is always something new and fascinating to learn about as we explore the outdoors.
Oct. 19, Birds, birds, birds! Fall migration walk (Binoculars provided)
Nov. 16, Trees in winter
Dec. 21, Animal signs and tracks
Jan. 18, Winter Ecology
Feb. 15, Winter Ecology Part II
March 15, First Signs of Spring
Every third Saturday of the month at Cape May County Library Upper Township Branch
9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Cost: free
Holiday Wreath and Garland Workshops
Dec. 5
10:00 a.m. to noon
Dec. 6
10:00 a.m. to noon
5:30 to 7:30 p.m. (Girls Night Out)
Dec. 7
10:00 a.m. to noon
12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Dec. 8
1:00 p.m.
Using fresh evergreens of Douglas fir, spruce, pine, cedar and other natural materials, create a handcrafted wreath or garland of distinction that will rival those gracing the pages of expensive specialty catalogs. The process is easy to learn, and even beginners leave with impressive creations. Materials and supplies are provided, but you’re welcome to bring your own special decorations. Pre-registration is a must.
Cost: $15 members, $20 nonmembers.
Note: We will need plenty of fresh evergreens for these workshops. If anyone has evergreens from their yard to donate, please call NCCM at 609.898.8848 to arrange for delivery or pickup. Thank you!
Gardening for Wildlife Workshops with Pat Sutton
Feb. 8, 2014 – How to Create a Backyard Habitat for Wildlife
Feb. 22, 2014 – How to Create a Butterfly & Hummingbird Garden
March 1, 2014 – How to Create a Wildflower Meadow
March 8, 2014 – How to Create a Wildlife Pond
March 22, 2014 – Battlestar Backyardia – Battling the Alien Invaders – How to Recognize and Deal With Invasive Species
March 29, 2014 – Landscape Design With Wildlife In Mind 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Pat Sutton has keenly studied the natural world for over thirty years. As an experienced naturalist and educator she will share her wildlife gardening expertise in this series of six workshops for property owners. These in-depth, all-day, fact-filled, and enlightening workshops will be site-specific to your own situation. Native plants and wildlife-friendly practices are the key and will be emphasized and detailed throughout. Valuable handouts will be shared. These workshops have been scheduled for late winter / early spring, the perfect time to shake off winter and begin planning and planting (or enhancing) wildlife gardens. The workshops will be held in Goshen at NJ Audubon’s Cape May Bird Observatory Center for Research and Education (600 Route 47 North, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210). The first workshop is the backbone of the series (try not to miss it) and will supply a good foundation for the following sessions. Each workshop will build on the last (but can also stand alone) and will include question-and-answer sessions, a working lunch where participants will have the opportunity to discuss their own property, and a site visit to Pat Sutton’s backyard habitat to reinforce wildlife friendly practices and design and plant selection options.
Limit: 20 participants; preregistration is required.
Cost/workshop: $35 member of NJ Audubon Society, $45 nonmember (includes handouts).
Sign up for all six workshops for a discount: $190 member, $250 nonmember.
Free Things to do at the Nature Center
– Observation Deck and Three-story Tower
– The Lounge and Indoor Observation Area
– Exhibits
– Seasonal Aquaria
– Nature Store
– Children’s Play Area
– Path to Discovery Children’s Garden
– Wildlife Habitat Meadows
– Theme Gardens
– Beachcombing the Harbor.
– Picnic Tables
– Spectacular Sunsets.