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Events for September 19, 2026
Island Beach State Park
One of the gems of the state park system, Island Beach has miles of beach, tidal wetlands, maritime forest and thickets that can host a good diversity of birds, especially if the winds are right. There is a $5 entry fee for NJ residents who do not have a state park pass or are 65 years of age or older. Be prepared for several hours of walking on flat terrain, sometimes sandy. Bring lunch. Led by Scott Barnes and Linda Mack. A NOTE ON MEETING LOCATION! We'll meet just outside of the park entrance, in the median parking lot at the end of Rt. 35. PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED COST: $25 Members, $30 Non-members REGISTER HERE
Fishing Basics
G. Thomas Donch Nature Preserve (formerly known as Franklin Lakes Nature Preserve) 1 Nature Preserve Way, Franklin Lakes NJ, NJJoin us for a fun-filled day of fishing basics! Whether you're a beginner or just want to brush up on your skills, this in-person event is perfect for you. Our experienced instructors will cover everything from casting techniques to knot tying. You'll also learn about bait selection and fish identification. This is a great opportunity to meet fellow fishing enthusiasts and enjoy the great outdoors. So, grab your friends and family and get ready for a day of reeling in some unforgettable memories! In partnership with Franklin Lakes Healthy Living. COST: NJ Audubon Member: $15 Non-member: $15 Chaperone (non-participating adult): FREE IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Participants are welcome to bring their own equipment, loaner rods, tackle, and bait will be available to share. This event is not a drop off program, all participants under 16 must be accompanied by a ticketed adult. This program takes place entirely outdoors and will take place in light rain. Please dress appropriately for the weather conditions. CANCELLATION: NJ Audubon’s programs require a minimum number of registrants to run. If we cancel, due to lack of participation, severe weather, or unforeseen circumstances, all participants will be notified as soon as possible and are eligible for a full refund. Participants may cancel without penalty if greater than 48 hours in advance. Sorry, no refund for cancellations less than 48 hours in advance unless due to health emergencies; however, registrations can be transferred to another program in the future. REGISTER HERE
Youth Birders and Fall Migration: Merlins & Monarchs
Join CMBO Staff at the Cape May Point State Park, home of the Cape May Hawkwatch, to watch migratory raptors. We’ll learn about raptor identification, the weather conditions that favor the passage of many bird species, tips on picking up distant flocks of hawks and other migrants, and more. We’ll also be sure to check Bunker Pond and other habitats close to the Hawkwatch for any other interesting fall migrants. After about two hours on the Hawkwatch, we will join the Monarch Monitoring Staff for a Monarch Tagging Demonstration to understand monarch ecology, migration, and the work we are doing to help conserve this incredible species. Recommended age for field trip: 8 years old and up. Parents or guardians are required to accompany their children during this program at no additional charge. When registering, please use the youth birders name. PREREGISTRATION REQUIRED - Registration ends 24hrs before start of program COST: FREE 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 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. TRANSPORTATION: Please arrive at the appointed time with a full tank of gas, as transportation to field sites is by private vehicles. We may walk up to 1.5 miles, over generally level, sometimes muddy or sandy terrain. Some trips involve walks over jetties. 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
Treasures of the Swamp Scavenger Hunt
"Join us for a fun, free community family event, brought to you by the Great Swamp Partners! This 2-day treasure seeking event takes you to 7 beautiful natural areas in the Great Swamp Watershed. Explore forest trails, wildlife sightings, code-cracking, and celebratory high-fives as you solve each clue. It’s a great opportunity to experience the incredible natural beauty right here in our backyard! Begin your exploration at any of the participating locations within the Great Swamp watershed region – visit 1 or all 7 sites in any order – all at your own pace. The event ends on Sunday at NJ Audubon Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary with a crackling campfire, snacks, and prize drawings SCHEDULE: • Saturday, September 19, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM - Scavenger Hunt • Sunday, September 20, 10:00 AM to 1:30 PM - Scavenger Hunt - and 2:00 to 3:00 PM - Celebration Event and Raffle Drawing at Scherman Hoffman COST: FREE Interested in becoming a member? Please click on the following link to learn more or join: Become a Member today! CANCELLATION: NJ Audubon’s programs require a minimum number of registrants to run. If we cancel, due to lack of participation, severe weather, or unforeseen circumstances, all participants will be notified as soon as possible and are eligible for a full refund. Participants may cancel without penalty if greater than 48 hours in advance. Sorry, no refund for cancellations less than 48 hours in advance unless due to health emergencies; however, registrations can be transferred to another program in the future. MORE INFORMATION
NJ Audubon Digital Photography Workshop: Understanding Your Digital Camera
Instructor - David DesRochers, NJ Audubon Associate Naturalist. Learn the basics of operating your digital camera. The instructor will go over the camera controls, helping participants understand how the settings work and how changes in settings affect the image. Participants will learn what equipment can be used to achieve different effects. By the end of the workshop, participants will understand lenses, camera bodies (DSLR and Mirrorless), megapixels, shutter speeds, focal lengths, apertures, exposure histograms, and depth of field—and how all of these can be used to take good nature photographs. One person per ticket. Ticket sale ends on 9/18/26 at 4:00 PM. COST: $18 members, $30 nonmembers. Interested in becoming a member? Please click on the following link to learn more or join: Become a Member today! CANCELLATION: NJ Audubon’s programs require a minimum number of registrants to run. If we cancel, due to lack of participation, severe weather, or unforeseen circumstances, all participants will be notified as soon as possible and are eligible for a full refund. Participants may cancel without penalty if greater than 48 hours in advance. Sorry, no refund for cancellations less than 48 hours in advance unless due to health emergencies; however, registrations can be transferred to another program in the future. REGISTER HERE
Twig to Tonic: Birch Beer Workshop
Branch out and brew something wild! Long before soda came from a bottle, it came from the forest. In this workshop, participants discover how sweet birch bark and twigs get transformed into a fizzy, fragrant drink, from foraging to fermentation. This program is designed for adults and children 12+ (with a chaperone). What to expect: A short woodland walk to identify birch trees learning how to tell it apart from look-alikes Make birch beer concentrate Decorate your bottle for a great take-home A take-home recipe card so families can try a small batch at home COST: $45 Members, $45 Non-members CANCELLATION: NJ Audubon’s programs require a minimum number of registrants to run. If we cancel, due to lack of participation, severe weather, or unforeseen circumstances, all participants will be notified as soon as possible and are eligible for a full refund. Participants may cancel without penalty if greater than 48 hours in advance. Sorry, no refund for cancellations less than 48 hours in advance unless due to health emergencies; however, registrations can be transferred to another program in the future. REGISTER HERE
Night Shift at the Nature Center
Invite your friends and experience the Nature Center of Cape May after hours! This adult-only evening is the perfect way to enjoy exclusive access to our nature exhibits and more. Enjoy a self-guided tour of our center, meet our ambassador animals, and delve into the world of nocturnal insects with a moth-sheeting demonstration. We will close our evening with a cozy bonfire where you can relax, socialize, and enjoy complimentary s’mores under the stars. IMPORTANT NOTE; You must be 18+ to participate in this event. Please bring your own lawn chair or picnic blanket. BYOB welcome. WHERE: Nature Center of Cape May, 1600 Delaware Avenue, Cape May, NJ. WHEN: Saturday September 19th, 7:30pm-9:00pm COST: - Adult ticket: NJA members $25 - Adult ticket: Nonmembers $30 Interested in becoming a member? Please click on the following link to learn more or join: Become a Member Today! CANCELLATION POLICY: NJ Audubon’s programs require a minimum number of registrants to run. If we cancel, due to lack of participation, severe weather, or unforeseen circumstances, all participants will be notified as soon as possible and are eligible for a full refund. Participants may cancel without penalty if greater than 48 hours in advance. Sorry, no refund for cancellations less than 48 hours in advance unless due to health emergencies; however, registrations can be transferred to another program in the future. REGISTER HERE