Name: Half Day Fridays at Sandy Hook
Start: 2026-04-24T08:30:00+00:00
End: 2026-04-24T12:30:00+00:00
Location: Sandy Hook – Lot B

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

April 2026
In the Presence of Birds: Oil Paintings by Janet Atkinson

Featured April 1 - May 29

Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary 11 Hardscrabble Rd, Bernardsville, NJ, United States

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
Birds of Belleplain State Forest

April 23 @ 7:15 am - 10:15 am Birds of Belleplain State Forest

Belleplain State Forest 1 Henkensifkin Rd, Woodbine, NJ, United States

Join CMBO naturalists for 3 hours of birding in Belleplain State Forest! The varied habitats of this wonderful forest yield an amazing diversity of spring migrants and breeders. Highlights including Summer Tanager, Hooded Warbler, Acadian Flycatcher, Louisiana Waterthrush, and Yellow-billed Cuckoo, are near the northern limit of their breeding range in Belleplain. Our leaders know the best spots! CARPOOLING ENCOURAGED. PREREGISTRATION REQUIRED. Please note there are 2 start times offered for this walk, 7:15am and 7:30am. COST: $12 members, $18 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: Carpooling will be encouraged for this trip. 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
Birds of Belleplain State Forest

April 23 @ 7:30 am - 10:30 am Birds of Belleplain State Forest

Belleplain State Forest 1 Henkensifkin Rd, Woodbine, NJ, United States

Join CMBO naturalists for 3 hours of birding in Belleplain State Forest! The varied habitats of this wonderful forest yield an amazing diversity of spring migrants and breeders. Highlights including Summer Tanager, Hooded Warbler, Acadian Flycatcher, Louisiana Waterthrush, and Yellow-billed Cuckoo, are near the northern limit of their breeding range in Belleplain. Our leaders know the best spots! CARPOOLING ENCOURAGED. PREREGISTRATION REQUIRED. Please note there are 2 start times offered for this walk, 7:15am and 7:30am. COST: $12 members, $18 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: Carpooling will be encouraged for this trip. 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
Spring Break at Lorrimer Sanctuary

Featured April 23 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Private: Fall Break at Lorrimer Sanctuary

Lorrimer Sanctuary 790 Ewing Avenue, Franklin Lakes, NJ, United States

An epic camp filled with thrilling activities, arts and crafts, and endless fun! Join us for an exciting Spring Break at Lorrimer Sanctuary! Get ready for a week filled with fun, adventure, and learning in the great outdoors! Fun activities include nature art, bug hunts, and more! Sessions available for kindergarten-4th grade. Please be sure to pack a lunch! This program takes place mostly outdoors and participants must dress appropriately for all weather conditions. COST: $65 each day, $250 for 4-day ticket 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
Conservation Planning Fair

Featured April 23 @ 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Join NJA’s stewardship staff, along with representatives from North Jersey RC&D, USDA-NRCS, The Xerces Society, Ridge & Valley Conservancy and other organizations to learn about conservation options for your property! The Conservation Planning Fair will be held at the Hackettstown Free Library on April 23rd from 12pm-3pm. REGISTER FOR FREE
Shorebirds at Heislerville

April 23 @ 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm Shorebirds at Heislerville

Heislerville 114 Matt's Landing Rd., Heislerville, NJ, United States

Join CMBO naturalists at the epicenter of spring shorebirding on the edge of the Delaware Bay. The impoundment at Heislerville has become a spring legend, attracting rarities, plus zillions of shorebirds. Depending on the tide conditions, we may visit nearby East Point or Thompson's Beach. 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
Junior Naturalists Club (Afterschool Spring Session)

April 23 @ 3:45 pm - 4:45 pm Nature Explorers – Winter 2023

Lorrimer Sanctuary 790 Ewing Avenue, Franklin Lakes, NJ, United States

FOR CHILDREN 8-12 YEARS OLD Welcome to Junior Naturalists Afterschool Club! Designed to be a continuation from our younger student afterschool program, the Junior Naturalists Club is meant for kids ages 8-12. During this hour-long program, we will get hands-on discovering nature through outdoor exploration, arts and crafts, science experiments, and more. This is a drop-off program. Homeschoolers welcome! COST: $9 per child for members $11 per child for nonmembers, $90 Member Child (All Session Ticket) $110 Non-Member Child (All Session Ticket) Registration ends at 5 pm the day before each event! SCHEDULE: April 2nd: Native Plants April 9th: Seed to Flower April 16th: Pollinators April 23rd: Earth Day April 29th: April Showers! May 7th: Feathered Friends May 14th: Nocturnal Animals May 21st: Incredible Insects May 28th: Habitats June 4th Terrific Turtles June 11th: ...Slithering Snakes! 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 Lorrimer Sanctuary Turns 70 in 2026! Celebrate with us and make a donation to support our expansion project. DONATE TODAY
Birding By Ear Mini Workshop

April 24 @ 6:15 am - 7:15 am Higbee Beach Birding

Higbee Beach WMA NJ, United States

Join CMBO Associate Naturalists Lynn and Dave Pollard in the Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area parking lot as they explore a process for enhancing your birding by ear skills. Learn techniques for dissecting and categorizing bird songs to help with identifications and then put those skills to work on whatever birds are present and singing at the time. Those who sign up for the Higbee Walk following the presentation will join Dave, Lynn, and other CMBO guides to broaden their morning birding experience. PREREGISTRATION REQUIRED. Ticket sales will end 20hrs before the start of the event. COST: $5 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. Before the start of the workshop, you will be emailed more information regarding this mini-workshop, including a downloadable Birding By Ear Phonetics Guide. 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
Higbee Beach Birding

April 24 @ 7:30 am - 9:30 am Higbee Beach Birding

Higbee Beach WMA NJ, United States

Join 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

April 24 @ 8:30 am - 12:30 pm

Sandy Hook - Lot B Hartshorne Drive, Sandy Hook, NJ, United States

Spring 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