PRE-REGISTRATION MAY BE REQUIRED FOR CERTAIN PROGRAMS AND FIELD TRIPS
No walk-ins for programs that require pre-registration
Quick Links to Individual Calendars
All NJ Audubon | All Things Birds | Cape May Bird Observatory | Lorrimer Nature Sanctuary | Nature Center of Cape May | Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary | Young Birders Club | Urban Oasis
Events
-
-
In the Presence of Birds: Oil Paintings by Janet Atkinson
FeaturedScherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary 11 Hardscrabble Rd, Bernardsville, NJ, United StatesIn 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
-
Higbee Beach Birding
Higbee Beach WMA NJ, United StatesJoin CMBO naturalists for this 2-hour walk around the Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area! Famous for migration, we'll search for Blue Grosbeaks, Brown Thrashers, Yellow-breasted Chats, Yellow Warblers and White-eyed Vireos. All arrive in April to breed here. Many spring warblers and other songbirds migrate through. PREREGISTRATION REQUIRED. COST: $8 members, $12 nonmembers. 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. TRANSPORTATION: We may walk up to 1.5 miles, over generally level, sometimes muddy or sandy terrain. Some trips involve walks over jetties. CANCELLATION: NJ Audubon’s CMBO programs are virtually never cancelled. 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
-
Half Day Fridays at Sandy Hook
Sandy Hook - Lot B Hartshorne Drive, Sandy Hook, NJ, United StatesSpring migration at the hook; we may see a wide range of species from wading birds to raptors to songbirds at this regional hotspot. 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. Every week is different as we watch spring migration unfold. 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, Linda Mack, Carole Hughes, and other associate naturalists. 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. LOCATION: Meet at Parking Lot B, about halfway down the lot by the bathrooms PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED COST: $25 Members, $30 Non-members 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
-
Forest Stewards: Volunteer Opportunities
Lorrimer Sanctuary 790 Ewing Avenue, Franklin Lakes, NJ, United StatesLove nature? Join us in person to help care for our forests! This is a fantastic chance to get your hands dirty, meet awesome people, and make a real difference. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a total newbie, all are welcome. Let's come together to protect and preserve our beautiful woods. Don’t miss out on this fun and fulfilling experience! Sign up for one day or all season! Please review the New Jersey Audubon Volunteer Page for more information: Volunteer Opportunities | New Jersey Audubon REGISTER HERE Lorrimer Sanctuary Turns 70 in 2026! Celebrate with us and make a donation to support our expansion project. DONATE TODAY
-
Birding the Ocean City Rookery
Featured Birding the Ocean City RookeryOcean City Welcome Center 300 W 9th Street, Ocean City, NJ, United StatesThe Ocean City Welcome Center has become a must-see breeding bird destination. Join our Volunteer Naturalists for great views of nesting wading birds, including Great Blue and Little Blue herons, Yellow-crowned and Black-crowned night-herons, Great and Snowy egrets, Glossy and White ibis - all building and sitting on nests. The raised parking lot of the Welcome Center provides very close views of the birds, so be sure to bring your camera to try to capture some amazing photos! The group will spend time viewing these birds from the bridge overlook, as well as taking a short walk underneath the bridge to view the birds at eye level. Our Naturalists will provide scopes for participants, but bringing your own scope is encouraged. PREREGISTRATION REQUIRED. COST: $10 General Admission 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. DISTANCE COVERED: Very short distance from parked car to walkway with railing overlooking rookery, followed by a short walk underneath the bridge. ACCESSIBILITY: You arrive at a paved parking lot on the upper viewing level. A lower level is available for viewing at ground level via stairs and ramp. Restrooms inside Welcome Center. Notes: The Welcome Center exit takes you into Ocean City. Once in town you can go around a block to get back onto the outbound road. Gnats may be a problem. Be prepared with head nets, long sleeves, long pants, bug spray. CANCELLATION: NJ Audubon’s CMBO programs are virtually never cancelled. 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
-
Spring Birding at the Garrett Family Preserve
The Nature Conservancy's Garrett Family Preserve 801 Wilson Street, Cape May, NJ, United StatesJoin CMBO naturalists for this 2-hour walk around The Nature Conservancy's Garrett Family Preserve property! Explore the numerous grassy paths through The Nature Conservancy’s Garrett Family Preserve. Located along Cape Island Creek, this hidden gem holds warblers, sparrows and much more, including great views of the tidal marsh and the birds within. PREREGISTRATION REQUIRED. COST: $8 members, $12 nonmembers. 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. TRANSPORTATION: We may walk up to 1.5 miles, over generally level, sometimes muddy or sandy terrain. Some trips involve walks over jetties. CANCELLATION: NJ Audubon’s CMBO programs are virtually never cancelled. 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
-
Forsythe (Brigantine) NWR
Edwin B Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge Admin Building And Visitor Contact Station 800 Great Creek Road, Galloway, NJ, United StatesSpring birding at one of the state's best hotspots. Expect good numbers of ducks, long-legged wading birds, plus shorebirds and songbirds. May 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. 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, NJ, United StatesJoin 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
-
NJ Audubon Digital Photography Workshop: Flower Photography
New Jersey Audubon's Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary 11 Hardscrabble Road, Bernardsville, NJ, United StatesInstructors – Phil Witt, Jack Moskowitz, and Dave DesRochers, Associate Naturalists This lecture and hands-on outdoor photographing will focus on making clean, artistic images of flowers. The workshop will focus on making clean, artistic images of flowers. After a short lecture on the principles of flower photography, the group will take a short drive to the Cross Estate to photograph flowers in its garden. Please bring your camera. Ticket sale ends on 5/22/26 at 4:00 PM. COST: $12 members, $25 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
-
NJ Audubon: Elm, Chestnut, Ash – What’s Next?
FeaturedScherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary 11 Hardscrabble Rd, Bernardsville, NJ, United StatesLed by Dorothy Smullen, Teacher/Naturalist Learn about the trees of eastern forests that are at risk or are lost. Eastern forests have changed since colonial times and are still changing. Learn about the causes and species we have lost and may still be losing in this illustrated program. What impact will this have on other wildlife? Weather permitting, a short trail walk will follow to check out trees at risk. One person per ticket. Ticket sale ends 05/22 at 2:00 PM. COST: $10 members, $15 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