Winter 2011-2012 Programs
December 2011, January and February 2012
EVERY DAY AT THE SCHERMAN-HOFFMAN WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Visitor center and bookstore are open Tuesday to Saturday, 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.; Sunday, noon to 5:00 P.M. Trails are open seven days, dawn to 5:00 P.M. (park in the Scherman lot if visiting Mondays or before 9:00 A.M. other days).
VISIT the Hoffman Center for Conservation and Environmental Education.
SHOP our Nature Store. We are the area’s best source for binoculars, spotting scopes, bird seed, feeders, field guides, natural history books, and nature gifts.
WATCH our state-of-the-art feeding station.
HIKE our three miles of trails that meander through forest and fields and along the headwaters of the Passaic River. The sanctuary is contiguous to Morristown National Historic Park and the Cross Estate.
LEARN from our educational materials, exhibits, and expert naturalists. In addition to the programs and field trips listed below, we offer group programs and tours for schools, scouts, clubs, and other organizations by reservation at least two weeks ahead. We also offer a wide variety of lectures and slide programs for club meetings and special events. Please call for more information and the fee schedule for these programs.
Whether you register for programs by mail or phone, please be sure to provide the following information: Your name, address, phone, and e-mail; dates and titles of program(s) you are registering for; name and phone of an emergency contact, and whether you will get instructions from the Web site or will need them mailed.
Program Registration Information: Checks should be made payable to NJ Audubon and sent to 11 Hardscrabble Road, Bernardsville, NJ 07924, or brought to the Hoffman Center during open hours. Indicate which program(s) you are registering for, and please be sure to include your name, address, and phone number in case we need to contact you. It is also possible to register by phoning us during office hours; please have your credit card ready. Prepaid registration ensures a place and is required for all trips. Walk-ins are possible for in-house programs at the Hoffman Center if not full. No refunds except in case of cancellation by us. No cancellation for bad weather unless specifically stated.
Tips and Rules for All Field Trips: We target the best sites for natural history of the season, and invite birders/naturalists at all levels. Trips go in any weather. See the individual trip descriptions for hoped-for highlights. Preregistration is required so that we can notify participants of last-minute changes in time or meeting place. Trips begin at the site promptly at the specified time, and normally travel by car-caravan to other nearby locations.
Directions can be found at http://www.njaudubon.org/SectionCenters/SectionScherman/FieldTripDirections.aspx or mailed on request. Bring lunch, water, binoculars, sunscreen, extra layers of clothes, and wear shoes that could get a little muddy. Leaders will have scopes; feel free to bring your own. Focused children accompanied by an adult are welcome.
Visit http://www.njaudubon.org/Travel/Dosanddonts.aspx for more tips on how to prepare for and enjoy field trips.
HOFFMAN CENTER CLOSED
Sunday, December 25
CELEBRATE YOUR BIRTHDAY
AT THE SANCTUARY
Would your child like a nature-themed birthday celebration with an educational lesson led by an experienced naturalist? If so, you may want to contact the sanctuary to find out about program offerings. Our beautiful new learning center can be rented for 2½ hours to hold your child’s party. We provide a one-hour lesson on a seasonally appropriate topic of your choice such as Reptiles and Amphibians, Feathered Friends, and Happy Habitats. The party rate for up to 15 children is $250, which includes the use of our adjacent kitchenette, tables, chairs, and trash receptacles. If you are interested in having your party at the sanctuary, please call 908.766.5787 ext. 23 for details.
BIRDSEED SALE DAYS
Saturday, December 10, 2011 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Orders are due by Saturday, November 26.
Saturday, March 10, 2012, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Orders are due by Saturday, February 25, 2012.
WAYRICK WILDLIFE ART GALLERY
December 2011 - February 2012
“Images of Nature: Eagles, Bears, Whales & Landscapes”
The Photography of Richard Koch
We are pleased to welcome accomplished fine art photographer Richard Koch to the Isobel Wayrick Wildlife Art Gallery for the Winter 2011-2012 season.
Richard Koch is a successful businessman and fine art photographer. He came to be serious about photography later in life, but has dedicated himself to perfecting his talent using modern digital equipment and techniques.
He became fascinated by nature photography by fulfilling his desire to experience the Southwest that existed in his mind’s eye. After many trips perfected that interest, Richard finds that photography of the natural world consumes his attention. Creative photography must bring a recognition of a moment in time delivered to the observer, which wakes a feeling of wonderment or discovery.
Digital cameras and computer developing have brought whole new approaches to fine art imaging. Richard is convinced that mastering those digital skills will define whole new levels of photographic art. For instance, he has perfected the skills necessary to excel in HDR (High Dynamic Range) photography, which draws the viewer ever deeper into an image with the often-stunning combination of color, texture, and detail.
HDR solves the problem created by the fact that the human eye can perceive about two to three times the brightness range as photographic equipment. By shooting a range of different exposures and then combining them using HDR software programs, it is possible to reach beyond the limitation of equipment and create visions that captivate the imagination.
Please join Richard when he hosts a reception for his exhibit on Sunday, December 4, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
COUNT YOUR LOCAL BIRDS!
PARTICIPATE IN THE BOONTON CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT
Monday, December 26
This important winter bird count--conducted annually for more than 75 years under the auspices of the National Audubon Society--includes areas in Morris Township, Morristown, Whippany, Parsippany, and East Hanover. Count the species and numbers of birds at your feeders and in your neighborhood; or join a group censusing the birds in your area. Help contribute bird data that is a vital resource to scientists, birders, and planners nationwide. For details, contact the Boonton count compilers, Rick Radis, 973.586.0845, isotria@verizon.net; and Tim Vogel, 973.586.9210. or Mike Anderson at Scherman-Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary at 908-766-5787, mike.anderson@njaudubon.org.
FREE NATURE WALKS
BIRD WALKS AT SCHERMAN-HOFFMAN WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Every Friday and Saturday
8:00 to 9:00 a.m.
Meet at the Hoffman Center. These walks are led by staff and/or associate naturalists. These walks are informal and informative. We look at birds, trees, tracks, wildflowers, reptiles and amphibians. Our free walks are a great way to introduce friends and family to NJ Audubon – bring a companion along!
Cost: Free.
FAMILY-ORIENTED PROGRAMS
AT THE HOFFMAN CENTER
FIBER ARTS IN NATURE SERIES
Hallway exhibit will run November through January.
FELTED WOOL BOWLS WITH NATURAL DYES
Saturday, November 12
2:00 to 4:30 p.m.
Create a decorative bowl using white and natural dyed fleece. Bring some old towels and a tray with a lip. Requires lots of hand pressure with hot, soapy water, but the results are delightful. Limit: 8.
Preregistration required.
Cost: $20 members, $30 nonmembers.
A NATURAL HOLIDAY
Saturday, December 3
2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Come join us for some old-fashioned holiday fun! Relax away from the hustle and bustle of the holiday while making some ornaments and small tabletop decorations from natural materials. When you’re done, you’ll have owls, turkeys, reindeer, mice, porcupines, turtles, dragonflies, and butterflies to decorate with during the holidays! Please bring a glue gun if you have one. We’ll supply materials and refreshments.
Cost: $8 members, $15 nonmembers.
QUILLING ORNAMENTS WITH A NATURAL THEME
Saturday, December 10
2:00 to 4:30 p.m.
Quilling is the art of rolling thin strips of paper into different shapes and using the shapes to form designs. Learn how to make the basic shapes. Then choose your design from patterns supplied or come up with your own pattern to make a nature themed ornament. All paper strips, patterns and quilling tools supplied.
Limit: 10. Preregistration required.
Cost: $15 members, $25 nonmembers.
HANDMADE CRAFT PAPER FROM SHELF FUNGI
Saturday, January 14
2:00 to 4:30 p.m.
Using just the fungus and water, you will create small pieces of hand-crafted paper. Using molds and deckles and different kinds of fungi, many colors of paper will be created. Bring a small plant press if you have one, newspapers for pressing and some pieces of old sheets.
Limit: 8. Preregistration required.
Cost: $15 members, $25 nonmembers.
BINS AND SCOPES FOR BIRDING
Sunday, February 12
2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Whether you’re new to birding and buying that first binocular, or finally trading in that well-used clunker for your High-End Fantasy Machine, or if you’re ready to take the spotting scope plunge, the more you know about optics the happier and more confident you’ll be with your final purchase. In this workshop, store manager Denis Cleary will briefly review what the numbers and the jargon mean, after which there will be an extended period of hands-on comparisons of the various binoculars and spotting scopes we carry.
Cost: Free to members, $5 nonmembers (can be applied to purchase).
THE GREAT BACKYARD
BIRD COUNT AT SCHERMAN-HOFFMAN
Saturday, February 18
8:00 to 10:00 a.m.
The Great Backyard Bird Count is an annual four-day event that engages bird watchers of all ages in counting birds to create a real-time snapshot of where the birds are across the continent. Join us at Scherman-Hoffman and we’ll spend some time outside counting the birds. We’ll head indoors and continue counting through the window while we enjoy some refreshments. This program will be combined with our regularly scheduled Saturday morning bird walk.
Cost: Free.
STITCHERY SHARING
Saturday, February 25
2:00 to 4:30 p.m.
Join us for a short program on “The Social History of Women Working with Fiber.” Bring your own handiwork with a nature theme. Share your own designs with others –whether you quilt, knit, crochet, cross-stitch, tat, latch-hook, or weave. Join us for a fun afternoon which will include tea, savories, and sweets.
Limit 15. Preregistration required.
Cost: $5 members, $10 nonmembers.
DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS
DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY
WORKSHOP II
Saturday, December 3
10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. with Phil Witt, Dave DesRochers, Jacki Dickert, and Jim Gilbert.
Workshop II will cover composition and digital editing more intensively. Although the workshop will demonstrate digital editing using PhotoShop, the majority of the editing techniques can be implemented in other digital editing programs. The workshop will be organized around three nature photography principles – light, composition, and moment. All composition and editing techniques, from the initial lens choice to the image capture technique to PhotoShop editing, will be geared towards achieving an image that captures those three elements well. Although we will stress getting the best image capture initially, sometimes Mother Nature needs a little help in the digital darkroom, so we will cover basic digital editing methods that can improve the image. The workshop will review examples from a variety of subject types within nature photography, ranging from birds to insects to landscapes. The workshop will cover the six most essential PhotoShop tools. Participants will be encouraged to submit their own images for in-class editing.
Cost: $8 members, $15 nonmembers (can be applied to membership).
DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP III
Saturday, January 14
10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
With Phil Witt and Dave DesRochers. Workshop III is a continuation of Workshop II, with a focus on in-camera composition and PhotoShop editing. Workshop III will cover additional PhotoShop tools and useful plug-ins, such as Nik Viveza, Imagenomic Noiseware, and Photomatix HDR plug-in. The workshop will focus on solving common photographic problems – obtaining the correct exposure, dealing with extreme dynamic range, getting a sharp image, toning down an overly bright sky, straightening a crooked horizon line, etc.
Cost: $8 members, $15 nonmembers (can be applied to membership).
DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP IV
Saturday, February 18
10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
With Dave DesRochers.
Workshop IV will focus on techniques used to photograph landscapes, from the majestic scenery of the American West, to the hidden treasures in one’s own backyard. In addition to reviewing equipment selection and use, the topics of time of day, weather, composition and light will be covered. Students will also be introduced to the methods used to create panoramas.
Cost: $8 members, $15 nonmembers (can be applied to membership).
ADULT FIELD TRIPS
MERRILL CREEK, ROUND VALLEY, SPRUCE RUN, AND ALPHA
Sunday, December 4
8:45 a.m. to midafternoon
Join Terry Caruthers to search for winter waterfowl, raptors, gulls, and lots more.
Cost: $15 members, $20 nonmembers.
HACKENSACK MEADOWLANDS
Saturday, January 14
8:45 a.m. to early afternoon
Join Carole Hughes to explore this outstanding site for raptors, passerines, gulls, and waterfowl.
Cost: $15 members, $20 nonmembers.
WALLKILL RIVER NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
Sunday, January 29
8:45 a.m. to midafternoon
Ken Witkowski spent a lot of time birding the Wallkill River NWR before he began working there five years ago. Ken knows the refuge very well, and is an excellent leader. Raptors and waterfowl will be our primary focus. It’s not unusual to find some passerines.
Cost: $15 members, $20 nonmembers.
GREAT SWAMP NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
Sunday, February 5
8:45 a.m. to midafternoon
Carole Hughes will lead this trip to the Great Swamp NWR for wintering raptors, passerines, and waterfowl. The swamp always seems to have a few surprises.
Cost: $15 members, $20 nonmembers.
BARNEGAT LIGHT STATE PARK
Saturday, February 18
10:00 a.m. to midafternoon
Lloyd Shaw will lead this trip to look at Harlequin Ducks; and look for gulls, seabirds, loons, and grebes. In the afternoon we’ll visit Manahawkin or Cedar Run for raptors.
Cost: $15 members, $20 nonmembers.
WALLKILL RIVER NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE AND SHAWANGUNK GRASSLANDS
Sunday, February 19
8:45 a.m. to early afternoon
Mike Britt will lead this trip to Wallkill River NWR and the Shawangunk Grasslands in search of passerines, raptors, and waterfowl.
Cost: $15 members, $20 nonmembers.
BEGINNING BIRDING FIELD TRIP – SCHERMAN-HOFFMAN AND GREAT SWAMP
Saturday, February 25
9:00 a.m. to noon-ish
We’ll start out learning the distinguishing characteristics or “field marks” of the abundant birds at the sanctuary birdfeeding station and then caravan to Pleasant Plains Road in the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. Bring warm clothes for the swamp portion of the trip. We have “loaner binoculars,” field guides, and will have spotting scopes to share.
Cost: $8 members, $15 nonmembers (can be applied to membership).
MERRILL CREEK, ROUND VALLEY, SPRUCE RUN, AND ALPHA
Sunday, February 26
8:45 a.m. to early afternoon
Join Terry Caruthers to visit some or all of these sites, in search of winter waterfowl, raptors, gulls, and other birds of late winter.
Cost: $15 members, $20 nonmembers.