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No walk-ins for programs that require pre-registration
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Events
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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NJ Audubon: Morning Walk at Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary
New Jersey Audubon's Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary 11 Hardscrabble Road, Bernardsville, NJ, United StatesEnjoy a quiet morning here at the Sanctuary walking the trails with an NJ Audubon staff or Associate Naturalist. These walks are informal and informative: birds, trees, tracks, wildflowers, reptiles, and amphibians are a few of nature’s wonders waiting for us to discover. The walks are cancelled if there is snow, rain, or weather warnings. There will be no walk 4/4, 5/2. 5/9, and 5/23. COST: Free for members, $5 nonmembers. Interested in becoming a member? Please click on the following link to learn more or join: Become a Member today! IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Please bring binoculars if you have them. Loaner binoculars will be available. 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
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Birding Cape May Point
Cape May Point State Park Hawkwatch Platform Light House Avenue, Cape May Point, NJ, United StatesJoin CMBO naturalists for 2 hours of birding around beautiful Cape May Point! The “shoulder season” in Cape May is a wonderful time for birding and there’s no better place to do it than the Cape May Point State Park. With its diversity of habitat – beach, dunes, ponds, forest, and marsh – it’s the perfect spot for migrating waterfowl, songbirds and shorebirds to stop and refuel as the push of spring migration begins. We’ll travel the trails, check out CMBO’s Northwood Center and other surrounding hotspots on The Point, as we soak up the wonder of this annual phenomenon of Nature. Join us every Saturday for 2 hours of birding at the Cape May Point State Park and let us share with you the wonder of this special time of year. We may walk up to 1.5 miles, over generally level, sometimes muddy or sandy terrain. Some trips involve walks over jetties. 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. 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
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Sandy Hook Birding
Sandy Hook - Lot B Hartshorne Drive, Sandy Hook, NJ, United StatesEarly 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
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NJ Audubon: Rutgers University Ecological Preserve Birder’s Walk
FeaturedRutgers University Ecological Preserve 83 Rockafeller Rd, Piscataway, NJ, United StatesLed 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
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A Morning on the Potato Homestead
FeaturedThe Potato Homestead 220 Fremont Ave, Woodbine, NJ, United StatesNEW 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