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No walk-ins for programs that require pre-registration
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Events for April 18, 2026
In the Presence of Birds: Oil Paintings by Janet Atkinson
In the Presence of Birds: Oil Paintings by Janet Atkinson Wayrick Wildlife Art Gallery | April 1 – May 29, 2026 2nd Floor, Scherman Hoffman Nature Center In the Presence of Birds is a solo exhibition of oil paintings by Janet Atkinson, featuring evocative depictions of birds and the natural world. Atkinson began her career as a professional illustrator, creating concept-driven imagery for book covers and editorial publications, where she became known for translating complex ideas into compelling visual narratives. She later transitioned to fine art, working primarily in oil, balancing subtle storytelling with expressive, painterly techniques. Her work has been recognized by Communication Arts, the Society of Illustrators, the Hispanic Creative Awards, and Print Design Annual. In 2026, she was selected for juried exhibitions including Visions: AAPL at the Carriage Barn Arts Center, the James Library & Center for the Arts 7th Annual Spring Show, and the Jackson's Art Prize 2026 Extended Long List. Free and open to the public. janetatkinsonstudio.com | @janet.atkinson.studio
Sandy Hook Birding
Early spring migration at “the hook.” If the winds are right, we could have a good flight of hawks, swallows, and other migrants. Spring birding at the hook for migrants. The wide variety of habitats here ensures a good diversity of bird species from herons and egrets to shorebirds, hawks, and songbirds. Be prepared for a fair amount of walking over flat and sometimes sandy terrain. Meet at parking lot B by the bathrooms. Led by Scott Barnes and associate naturalists. Location: Meet at Parking Lot B, about halfway down the lot by the bathrooms PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED COST: $25 Members, $30 Non-members REGISTER HERE
NJ Audubon: Rutgers University Ecological Preserve Birder’s Walk
Led by Jeremy Cohen, Associate Naturalist Join us at the Rutgers Ecological Preserve and Natural Teaching Area for a spring bird walk. The preserve is 316 acres of woodlands, wetlands, and meadows. Spring migration is the time of the highest bird diversity, and we expect to see or hear 30 – 40 or more bird species. Expect to walk about 1.5 miles on flat trails, but please wear shoes that can handle some light mud. Free parking is available by required special permit; parking permit link provided in program registration confirmation email. Please bring your own binoculars, and spotting scope if desired. Registration required. Walk-ins will not be permitted to participate. Ticket sales end on 4/17 at 4:00 PM. COST: $15 members, $20 nonmembers. Interested in becoming an NJ Audubon member? Please click on the following link to learn more or join: Become a Member today! CANCELLATION: NJA/CMBO programs require a minimum number of registrants to run, five days in advance of the start of the tour but are seldom cancelled. If we do cancel, due to lack of participation, severe weather, or unforeseen circumstances, we notify all participants in advance, and all are eligible for a full credit or refund. Participants may cancel without penalty if greater than 30 days in advance. Cancellations 10 to 30 days in advance may be subject to a 25% service charge. No refunds or credits for cancellations less than ten days in advance unless due to health emergencies. REGISTER HERE
A Morning on the Potato Homestead
NEW 2026! Join Migration Count Coordinator Tom Reed for this first-ever program at the Potato Homestead! Located in Woodbine (on the edge of Belleplain State Forest), The Potato Homestead, is run by Rob & Alex McKeage, along with their boys John and Cullen. The McKeages grow 150+ varieties of fruits, vegetables, herbs, flowers, and potting plants for farmers’ markets, home delivery, and wholesale; and they do it without any pesticides, herbicides, chemicals, synthetic fertilizers, or GMOs. This commitment has also resulted in a lovely five acres of bird-friendly habitat. Join CMBO’s Tom Reed and the McKeages as we stroll the property in search of recently returned songbirds and other signs of spring! At the end of the program, participants can peruse the various fresh, healthy, and very tasty offerings at the Potato Homestead’s farm stand. COST: $10 General Admission PREREGISTRATION REQUIRED Interested in becoming a member? Please click on the following link to learn more or join: Become a Member today! IMPORTANT INFORMATION: We bird in all weather. Be sure to check the forecast in advance and dress in layers appropriate for prevailing weather conditions. The weather in Cape May can differ considerably from nearby inland areas and may be warmer, colder, or windier so it’s best to be over prepared. We may have to bird in the rain, so please bring your rain gear. CANCELLATION: CMBO programs require a minimum number of registrants to run, five days in advance of the start of the tour but are seldom cancelled. If we do cancel, due to lack of participation, severe weather, or unforeseen circumstances, we notify all participants in advance, and all are eligible for a full credit or refund. Participants may cancel without penalty if greater than 30 days in advance. Cancellations 10 to 30 days in advance may be subject to a 25% service charge. No refunds or credits for cancellations less than ten days in advance unless due to health emergencies REGISTER HERE
RHA 36th Annual Stream Cleanup @ Scherman Hoffman
On Saturday, April 18, 2026, Raritan Headwaters Association (RHA) will be hosting its 36th Annual Stream Cleanup. 9am-12pm. Thousands of volunteers come together to clean up our rivers and streams, working to protect essential water supplies across Hunterdon, Morris, and Somerset counties. Scherman Hoffman is participating as site location 86. We will break up into small groups and work on picking up trash on the Old Army side of the property and along Hardscrabble Road. Please come dressed for inclement weather with sturdy shoes and multiple layers. Bring a water bottle and sunscreen if necessary. MEETING LOCATION: Meet at 9 Hardscrabble Road parking lot. Volunteers for this site will park at the New Jersey Audubon lot. Make sure to choose the correct location for your registration! COST: FREE Interested in becoming a member? Please click on the following link to learn more or join: Become a Member today! REGISTER HERE
Forsythe (Brigantine) NWR
Spring birding at one of the state's best hotspots. Expect good numbers of ducks, long-legged wading birds, plus shorebirds and songbirds. Mid-April brings many herons, egrets, and shorebirds to the refuge, as well as returning breeding species. We may also find sparrows and other songbirds along the dikes and keep our eyes out for secretive marsh birds like American Bittern and rails. Bring lunch and weather appropriate clothing. Forsythe NWR at main lot by headquarters. Led by Mike Mandracchia and Hank Burk. MEETING LOCATION: 800 Great Creek Road, Oceanville, Forsythe NWR at the main parking lot on the left-hand side by the bathrooms PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED COST: $25 Members, $30 Non-members WEATHER & TRANSPORTATION: Please arrive at the appointed time. Be sure to check the forecast in advance and dress in layers appropriate for prevailing weather conditions. We sometimes bird in the rain, so bring rain gear if warranted. Transportation during the field trip is by private vehicle (be sure you have enough gas). Most trips involve some amount of walking, sometimes through muddy or sandy terrain. CANCELLATION: NJA/CMBO programs require a minimum number of registrants to run, five days in advance of the start of the tour but are seldom cancelled. If we do cancel, due to lack of participation, severe weather, or unforeseen circumstances, we notify all participants in advance, and all are eligible for a full credit or refund. Participants may cancel without penalty if greater than 30 days in advance. Cancellations 10 to 30 days in advance may be subject to a 25% service charge. No refunds or credits for cancellations less than ten days in advance unless due to health emergencies. REGISTER HERE
Back Bay Birding by Boat on the Osprey
Miss Chris Marina - The Osprey 1212 Wilson Dr, Cape May, NJ 08204, NJJoin Captain Bob and the crew of The Osprey for close-up looks at secretive rails, nesting Ospreys, migrant shorebirds, terns, gulls, herons and more. We explore the coastal saltmarsh of Cape May from Cape Island Creek to the Wildwoods and view the natural wonders of historic Cape May Harbor. The Osprey is a 37' pontoon boat that has a comfortable enclosed cabin with large viewing windows, a front deck with a railing, and a restroom on board. Non-motorized wheelchair accessible. More information, detailed directions, and online reservations at www.ospreycruise.com or call the Osprey at 609-898-3500. All trips depart from the Miss Chris Marina in Cape May. Free parking. Family-friendly. Preregistration is suggested. Cost: $38 members, $43 nonmembers, $25 Children (12 and under) REGISTER HERE
Loons and Shorebirds Cruise
Miss Chris Marina - The Osprey 1212 Wilson Dr, Cape May, NJ 08204, NJJoin the crew of The Osprey and CMBO naturalists on this special birding boat trip as we focus on loons, lingering waterfowl and some great shorebird viewing. The Osprey is a 37' pontoon boat that has a comfortable enclosed cabin with large viewing windows, a front deck with a railing, and a restroom on board. Non-motorized wheelchair accessible. More information, detailed directions, and online reservations at www.ospreycruise.com or call the Osprey at 609-898-3500. All trips depart from the Miss Chris Marina in Cape May. Free parking. Family-friendly. Preregistration is suggested. Cost: $43 members, $48 nonmembers, $28 Children (12 and under) REGISTER HERE
Back Bay Birding by Boat on the Osprey
Miss Chris Marina - The Osprey 1212 Wilson Dr, Cape May, NJ 08204, NJJoin Captain Bob and the crew of The Osprey for close-up looks at secretive rails, nesting Ospreys, migrant shorebirds, terns, gulls, herons and more. We explore the coastal saltmarsh of Cape May from Cape Island Creek to the Wildwoods and view the natural wonders of historic Cape May Harbor. The Osprey is a 37' pontoon boat that has a comfortable enclosed cabin with large viewing windows, a front deck with a railing, and a restroom on board. Non-motorized wheelchair accessible. More information, detailed directions, and online reservations at www.ospreycruise.com or call the Osprey at 609-898-3500. All trips depart from the Miss Chris Marina in Cape May. Free parking. Family-friendly. Preregistration is suggested. Cost: $38 members, $43 nonmembers, $25 Children (12 and under) REGISTER HERE
Back Bay Birding by Boat on the Osprey
Miss Chris Marina - The Osprey 1212 Wilson Dr, Cape May, NJ 08204, NJJoin Captain Bob and the crew of The Osprey for close-up looks at secretive rails, nesting Ospreys, migrant shorebirds, terns, gulls, herons and more. We explore the coastal saltmarsh of Cape May from Cape Island Creek to the Wildwoods and view the natural wonders of historic Cape May Harbor. The Osprey is a 37' pontoon boat that has a comfortable enclosed cabin with large viewing windows, a front deck with a railing, and a restroom on board. Non-motorized wheelchair accessible. More information, detailed directions, and online reservations at www.ospreycruise.com or call the Osprey at 609-898-3500. All trips depart from the Miss Chris Marina in Cape May. Free parking. Family-friendly. Preregistration is suggested. Cost: $38 members, $43 nonmembers, $25 Children (12 and under) REGISTER HERE
Loons and Shorebirds Cruise
Miss Chris Marina - The Osprey 1212 Wilson Dr, Cape May, NJ 08204, NJJoin the crew of The Osprey and CMBO naturalists on this special birding boat trip as we focus on loons, lingering waterfowl and some great shorebird viewing. The Osprey is a 37' pontoon boat that has a comfortable enclosed cabin with large viewing windows, a front deck with a railing, and a restroom on board. Non-motorized wheelchair accessible. More information, detailed directions, and online reservations at www.ospreycruise.com or call the Osprey at 609-898-3500. All trips depart from the Miss Chris Marina in Cape May. Free parking. Family-friendly. Preregistration is suggested. Cost: $43 members, $48 nonmembers, $28 Children (12 and under) REGISTER HERE
Back Bay Birding by Boat on the Osprey
Miss Chris Marina - The Osprey 1212 Wilson Dr, Cape May, NJ 08204, NJJoin Captain Bob and the crew of The Osprey for close-up looks at secretive rails, nesting Ospreys, migrant shorebirds, terns, gulls, herons and more. We explore the coastal saltmarsh of Cape May from Cape Island Creek to the Wildwoods and view the natural wonders of historic Cape May Harbor. The Osprey is a 37' pontoon boat that has a comfortable enclosed cabin with large viewing windows, a front deck with a railing, and a restroom on board. Non-motorized wheelchair accessible. More information, detailed directions, and online reservations at www.ospreycruise.com or call the Osprey at 609-898-3500. All trips depart from the Miss Chris Marina in Cape May. Free parking. Family-friendly. Preregistration is suggested. Cost: $38 members, $43 nonmembers, $25 Children (12 and under) REGISTER HERE
Back Bay Birding by Boat on the Osprey
Miss Chris Marina - The Osprey 1212 Wilson Dr, Cape May, NJ 08204, NJJoin Captain Bob and the crew of The Osprey for close-up looks at secretive rails, nesting Ospreys, migrant shorebirds, terns, gulls, herons and more. We explore the coastal saltmarsh of Cape May from Cape Island Creek to the Wildwoods and view the natural wonders of historic Cape May Harbor. The Osprey is a 37' pontoon boat that has a comfortable enclosed cabin with large viewing windows, a front deck with a railing, and a restroom on board. Non-motorized wheelchair accessible. More information, detailed directions, and online reservations at www.ospreycruise.com or call the Osprey at 609-898-3500. All trips depart from the Miss Chris Marina in Cape May. Free parking. Family-friendly. Preregistration is suggested. Cost: $38 members, $43 nonmembers, $25 Children (12 and under) REGISTER HERE