PROGRAM REGISTRATION
Most programs require preregistration with payment. You may register by phone at 609.898.8848 with a credit card. We reserve the right to cancel programs, and refunds are available only if we cancel the event. Walk-ins are welcome on a space-available basis. Become a member of NJAS and receive discounts in the gift shop and on many programs.
(An asterisk [*] denotes that the program takes place at a location other than the NCCM).
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Summer 2010 - Daytime Family Programs
SALT MARSH SAFARI*
Mondays,
May 31 through August 30 - 10:00 a.m., 1:30 p.m.
Welcome aboard the Jersey Cape’s premier wildlife tour boat, the forty-foot Skimmer, and explore with us Cape May’s beautiful coastal wetlands and wildlife. Fun and educational for all ages! To preregister, call 609.884.3100. *Boat leaves from Dolphin Cove Marina, across from the Two Mile Beach Unit of the Cape May National Wildlife Refuge on Ocean Drive between Cape May and Wildwood Crest. Cost: $26 adults, $15 children.
FAMILY FISHING TRIPS
Thursdays,
June 3 to September 2 - 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.
A special Family Fishing Trip. Bring the whole family! Join us on the
Cape May Lady for a four-hour fishing trip. Sailing from South Jersey Marina, the trip includes all of the fishing rods, tackle, and bait to bring home the big one! Please call the boat directly at 609.780.7900 to make reservations. Cost: adults $35, children $25.
CRABBING 101*
Tuesdays, June 22 through August 31 Call for tour times. Times vary due to tides.
Delicious and beautiful, Blue Crabs are abundant in saltwater bays and creeks. Come aboard the Skimmer, a comfortable forty-foot, flat-bottomed tour boat for a hands-on crabbing experience and demonstration. Learn methods for baiting lines and traps, the easiest methods of catching, and pinch-free ways to hold crabs. You can keep any legal-size crab you catch! All equipment and materials are supplied. Preregister by calling the Skimmer at 609.884.3100.
*Tours depart from Dolphin Cove Marina, across from the Two Mile Beach Unit of the Cape May National Wildlife Refuge, on Ocean Drive between Cape May and Wildwood Crest. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Cost: $28 adults, $17 children.
HARBOR SAFARI
Tuesdays and Thursdays, June 22 through September 2 - 10:30 a.m.
Encounter an incredible diversity of marine life as you pull a forty-foot seine net through the shallows of Cape May Harbor. You will learn about the lives of the animals that inhabit our coastal waters, including the fascinating and ancient Horseshoe Crab. A great family outing! Walk-ins welcome; no preregistration necessary. Cost: $10 adults, $5 children ages 3-12, children under 3 free.
CYCLING THE SOUTHERN CAPE
Wednesdays, June 23 through September 1 - 9:30 a.m.
Hop on your bike and join associate naturalists Fred Beyer and Phil Zimmerman for a leisurely twelve-mile tour of the most beautiful natural areas of Cape Island. Bring helmet, water, sunscreen, and bike. Call for list of local bike rental merchants. Please arrive by 9:20 a.m.; the tour leaves promptly at 9:30 a.m. Preregistration is recommended. Cost: members, $8 adults, $5 children ages 3 to 12; nonmembers, $10 adults, $7 children ages 3 to 12; children under 3 free.
THE BIRDS OF CAPE MAY: A BIRD WALK FOR ALL PEOPLE
Thursdays, June 3 through September 2 - 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.
Not watching birds when you’re in Cape May is like not visiting the Grand Canyon when you’re in Arizona! Whether you are a seasoned birder or have never really thought about watching birds on purpose before, meet the Cape May Bird Observatory’s Don Freiday (or occasionally another Cape May expert) on the wildlife viewing platform, also known as the Hawkwatch, at Cape May Point State Park for a relaxed morning of birding. No binoculars? No problem – Don will have loaners and will show you how to use them if needed. You’ll see at least twenty species of birds, or the walk is free! No preregistration necessary. Sponsored by Cape May Bird Observatory, 609.861.0700. Cost: NJ Audubon members $6, nonmembers $10.
BEACHCOMBING THE COVE*
Fridays, July 2 through September 3 - 8:30 a.m.
Explore one of the area’s ever-changing coastal habitats – the beach, ocean, and dunes of Cape May’s “The Cove” beach. We’ll search the shallows to see exactly what we’ve been swimming with, comb the shoreline for the sea’s treasures, and walk along the dunes in search of wildlife. *Meet a nature center naturalist at the 2nd St. pavilion on the promenade on Beach Drive in Cape May. Cost: $10 adults, $5 children ages 3 to 12, children under 3 free.
SUMMER GARDEN PROGRAMS
SEASIDE SPENDOR – GARDENING BY THE SEA
Saturday, July 24 - 10:30 a.m.
Learn about the landscape techniques necessary for creating a successful coastal garden. Includes visits to local gardens and emphasizes use of native and drought-tolerant plants. Participants take home plans, plant lists and resources. This program is for all who appreciate the natural beauty of the coast and the gorgeous gardens that can be found along our shores. Limit 25. Cost: $10 members, $15 nonmembers.
WHAT’S YUM ABOUT BEACH PLUMS
Wednesday, September 1 - 8:30 a.m.
Explore the culinary delights of Prunus maritima, a native shrub of the northeastern coastal United States. Includes a trip to Cape Island’s plum-dandy, plum picking spots, a recipe book and sampling of all recipes. Wear comfortable shoes and attire for walking the back dunes of the Delaware Bay. Sunscreen, a hat and a water bottle are strongly recommended. Limit twenty-five.
Cost: members, $8 adults, $5 kids 3-12; nonmembers, $10 adults, $7 kids 3-12; under 3 free.
TOURS OF PRIVATE BUTTERFLY GARDENS
Friday, July 16: SOUTH “Cape Island”
Saturday, July 17: MID-COUNTY “North Cape May to Rio Grande”
Sunday, July 18: NORTH “Goshen to Dennisville”
10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
More butterfly and hummingbird gardens are tucked into Cape May County than probably anywhere else in the country, and mid-July is the time of peak butterfly diversity and numbers. Learn the magic combination of native nectar plants and caterpillar plants that make a garden especially attractive to butterflies. Design ideas and new wildlife plants will be showcased while tour participants are entertained by a blizzard of butterflies and hummingbirds. Gardening naturalist and author Pat Sutton leads these tours, which include her own garden in Goshen (North Tour). Bring your lunch since the group will eat in one of the gardens. The gardens look completely different from one month to the next (so seriously consider all nine tours!) Before the tour, download, print, and bring along (for ease of note taking) NJ Audubon’s article, “How to Create a Butterfly and Hum-mingbird Garden” and the “Recommended Plantings to Attract Hummingbirds, Butterflies, and Moths” by Patricia Sutton, available at:
http://www.njaudubon.org/SectionBackyardHabitat/CreateaGarden.aspx and
http://www.njaudubon.org/SectionBackyardHabitat/RecommendedNectarPlants.aspx. Limit: 25 people per tour. Cost per tour: $30 members, $40 nonmembers. Join all three tours at a discounted rate of $75 for members, $100 for nonmembers.
TOURS OF PRIVATE HUMMINGBIRD GARDENS
Friday, August 13: NORTH “Goshen to Dennisville”
Saturday, August 14: SOUTH “Cape Island”
Sunday, August 15: MID-COUNTY “North Cape May to Rio Grande”
10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
At the peak of Ruby-throated Hummingbird migration, savor an array of diverse gardens that have hosted nesting hummingbirds since May. Learn the magic combination of native nectar plants, healthy insect populations, and adequate cover that makes a garden especially attractive to hummingbirds. Gardening naturalist and author Pat Sutton leads these tours, which include her own garden in Goshen (North Tour). Bring your lunch since the group will eat in one of the gardens. Before the tour, download, print, & 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 online (see above for web site). Limit: 25 people per tour. Cost per tour: $30 members, $40 nonmembers. Join all three tours at a discounted rate of $75 for members, $100 for nonmembers.
BUTTERFLY WORKSHOP: NATURAL HISTORY & I.D.
One-Day Workshop offered twice:
Saturday, August 21 OR Tuesday, August 24 - 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Cape May County hosts 105 species of butterflies, with about 70 of these possible in August (including a number of migrants)! Pat Sutton, coauthor of How to Spot Butterflies, will uncover mysteries about butterfly life cycles, their relationships to the plant world, odd behaviors, survival in a world filled with hungry predators, the spectacular migration of some species and the restricted ranges of others, and tips for easy identification. Visits to local private and public butterfly gardens will show first-hand the ingredients for a successful wildlife garden. Limited to 20 participants. Cost: $40 members, $55 nonmembers.
TOURS OF PRIVATE MONARCH GARDENS
Friday, September 10: MID-COUNTY “North Cape May to Rio Grande”
Saturday, September 11: NORTH “Goshen to Dennisville”
Sunday, September 12: SOUTH “Cape Island”
10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Cape May County is world-famous for its concentration of migrating Monarchs. At the peak of their fall migration, savor an array of diverse gardens that have hosted Monarchs since May. Learn the magic combination of native nectar plants and caterpillar plants (five or more different kinds of milkweed) that makes a garden especially attractive to Monarchs and many other butterflies. Expect to see Monarch eggs, caterpillars, and maybe even a chrysalis or two. Gardening naturalist and author, Pat Sutton, leads these tours, which include her own garden in Goshen (North Tour). Bring a lunch since the group will 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 online (see web site information on page 3). Limit: 25 people per tour. Cost per tour: $30 members,
$40 nonmembers. Join all three tours at a discounted rate of $75 for members, $100 for nonmembers.
MILKWEED FOR MONARCHS with Pat Sutton
Saturday, October 2 - 10:30 a.m. to noon
Monarch butterflies make the most amazing migration of any insect in the world. Join Pat Sutton, coauthor of How to Spot Butterflies, for this indoor presentation about the Monarch’s fascinating life cycle and journey between Mexico and the U.S. and Canada. Monarch survival depends on healthy milkweed stands being available from spring through fall. Learn how to attract Monarchs and aid their survival as a species by planting a range of milkweed species. Bring your lunch to eat at the nature center and join the afternoon Monarch walk (see below). Preregistration is highly recommended. Limited to 30 participants.
Cost: members, $8 adults, $5 children ages 3 to 12; nonmembers, $10 adults, $7 children ages 3 to 12; children under 3 free.
MONARCH WALK with Pat Sutton
Saturday, October 2 - 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Join Pat Sutton, coauthor of How to Spot Butterflies, for a stroll through Cape May Point’s public and private gardens and natural areas to spot migrating and nectaring Monarchs at the peak of their migration. Meet at the north end of Pavilion Circle Gardens in Cape May Point, where Cape Avenue meets Pavilion Circle. Park on any side street off the circle. (No parking allowed on the circle.) RAIN DATE: Sunday, October 3, 1:00-2:30 p.m. Preregistration is highly recommended. Limited to thirty participants. Cost: members, $8 adults, $5 children ages 3 to 12; nonmembers, $10 adults, $7 children ages 3 to 12; children under 3 free. Sign up for both Milkweed for Monarchs and the Monarch Walk, and save $2 per person on the combined price.
KAYAK PROGRAMS
TIDAL MARSH TOUR BY KAYAK
Mid-June through September 6 - Daily tours at 9:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
Get ready for close encounters with nesting Ospreys, herons, egrets, and beautiful salt marsh flora and fauna. Explore historic and scenic Cape May Harbor and some of Cape May County’s most beautiful and unspoiled salt marshes via kayak. No experience necessary! These tours are perfect for families looking to learn something meaningful while visiting the shore. All kayak tours are led by experienced Aqua Trails guides and naturalists. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a towel, protective water shoes and appropriate clothing for getting wet/damp.
Cost: single kayak $40, double kayak $70.
SUNSET KAYAK TOUR
Tuesdays and Saturdays, Mid-June through September - Times vary.
The Sunset Kayak Tour is our Tidal Marsh Tour by Kayak, with the added bonus of a beautiful sunset over the marshes and harbor. See description above for details and suggestions.
Cost: single kayak $40, double kayak $70.
FULL MOON KAYAK TOURS
July 24, 25, and 26, August 22, 23, and 24, September 21, 22, and 23
Times vary.
The Full Moon Kayak Tour has become one of our most unique and special offerings, as well as our most popular kayak tour. This is the tidal marsh tour by kayak with the extra attraction of seeing a sunset over the water and the ascent of a full moon, while an exceptionally high tide rises. Specific departure times vary, please call ahead.
Cost: single kayak $40, double kayak $70.
KAYAK CLINIC
July 17, and August 21 - 9:00 a.m. to noon
This informative program is designed to teach adults the basics of sea kayaking. Only sit-inside (sea) kayaks will be used for this program. This class will introduce the paddler to kayak equipment, water conditions, as well as self- and aided rescues. The Eskimo Roll will be demonstrated, but not taught. Cost: $50 NJ Audubon members with own kayak, $75 NJ Audubon members renting a kayak, $60 nonmembers with own kayak, $85 nonmembers renting a kayak.
BELLEPLAIN PINE BARRENS ECOLOGY KAYAK TOUR
Wednesdays, June 30, July 28, and August 18
Saturdays, September 25 and October 9 (Fall Foliage Tour).
Tours meet at NCCM and 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 named the Pine Barrens of New Jersey as an International Biosphere Reserve. All equipment, instruction, guide services, water, and snacks are provided by Aqua Trails staff. Space is limited; reservations are required. Bring a lunch if snacks aren’t enough.
Cost: single kayak $60, double kayak $95.
COVE BEACH TO HIGBEE’S BEACH SUNSET KAYAK TOUR
Monday, July 12, 5:30 p.m.
Wednesday, July 28, 5:30 p.m.
Monday, August 9, 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday, August 25, 5:00 p.m.
Meets at the Nature Center of Cape May.
This thrilling kayak tour is designed for the more adventurous paddlers. Enjoy the natural vistas of the Cove Beach in Cape May while paddling the gentle ocean swells around Cape May Point and into Delaware Bay. Once in the bay, we will paddle north along the Higbee Beach WMA, where over 1,000 acres of maritime forest still grace the coastline. Skilled Aqua Trails guides will ensure a safe and fantastic experience while seeking out dolphins, seabirds, and other fantastic marine life. See the historic Cape May Lighthouse from a totally new perspective! All equipment, instruction and guide services are provided. We also throw in a snack and bottle of water. Space is limited, so reserve ASAP.
Cost: single kayak $50, double kayak $90.
EVENING FAMILY TOURS
MARINE LIFE DISCOVERY CRUISE*
Mondays, June 21 through August 30 - 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Come aboard a voyage of discovery into the Cape’s greatest wilderness, the Atlantic coastal tidal marshes, aboard the forty-foot tour boat the Skimmer. Watch as a nature center naturalist pulls a trawl net through the water, and then examine the wriggling catch. To make reservations, call the Skimmer at 609.884.3100. *Tours depart from Dolphin Cove Marina, across from the Two Mile Beach Unit of the Cape May National Wildlife Refuge on Ocean Drive between Cape May and Wildwood Crest. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Cost: adults $26, children $15.
THE NATURE OF ART FOR FAMILIES
Wednesdays, June 30 to August 18 - 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.
Create art inspired by nature in this family-oriented art class while learning a little art history with local artist/teacher Janet Payne. Throughout the eight weeks you will create sculptures from sand, driftwood, and stone; explore seascapes with watercolors; capture clouds and sky in pastel; create jewelry with nature’s “gems;” print from nature’s wonderful designs; and try weaving with natural materials. Enjoy a fun family evening creating from nature.
Clouds in Pastels: July 14
Natural Jewelry: July 21
Printing from Nature: July 28
Driftwood Sculptures: August 4
Natural Weaving: August 11
Stone Creatures: August 18
NIGHTTIME ON THE BEACH – SEARCHING FOR GHOST CRABS*
Thursdays, July 8 to 29 - 8:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Thursdays, August 5 to 26 - 8:00 to 9:00 p.m.
What can run sideways, dig a hole without a shovel, and has ten legs? Join us for an evening stroll on the beach at “The Cove” to look for these “ghosts” of the night and other nocturnal creatures. Bring a flashlight. *Meet at the Cove at the end of Beach Drive. There is free parking along the streets after 6:00 p.m. Call 609.898.8848 for directions and reservations. Cost: members, $8 adults, $5 children ages 3 to 12; nonmembers, $10 adults, $7 children ages 3 to 12; children under 3 free.