UPDATE (posted 8/26/24): The fall series of Noticing Nature has been CANCELED.
Welcome to Noticing Nature! For the next seven weeks, we’ll be exploring some natural history topics at various locations around Cape May County. Our excursions out of doors will offer authentic nature experiences.
Registration is REQUIRED for EACH SESSION - please select each date that you will be attending. You need not attend all sessions.
Before attending, please email Sue at 2ndnature.connections@gmail.com to receive directions and other important info.
Each session will take place as follows:
Week 1 - September 10th
- Introduction to Nature Journaling
- In this first class we will be forming the backbone of the Noticing Nature series of programs. We’ll define what a nature journal is and build a list of materials and supplies. We’ll work on basic sketching and fun art techniques to get you up and going and practicing skills in how to observe and what to record. We’ll also learn a few types of writing that will bring us closer to the natural world around us. No art or writing experience necessary. Come and join the fun!
What to bring: Cereal or cracker box; pen; water bottle
Location: Belleplain State Forest
Week 2 - September 17th
- Phenology
- As the seasons change, have you found yourself saying, “I saw my first ____.” Or “this is the last of the _____.” Or “pretty soon _____ will happen”. This is called phenology, noticing the changes in nature as the year cycles through the seasons. We’ll be making a section in our nature journals to record these phenomena, create a fun way to celebrate special events, and take a hike in search of signs of the season.
- What to bring: Journal kit; beach or camp chair; water bottle
- Location: TBA
Week 3 - September 24th
- Nature’s Windows
- As we go about our day to day, how many times do we really take notice of nature around us, from the panoramas just under foot, to the vistas along the horizon, as well as the scenes just over head? This week we’ll take in the sights and views of “windows on the world”.
- What to bring: Journal kit; beach or camp chair; water bottle
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Location: South Cape May Meadows, Cape May Point
Week 4 - October 1st
- Mechanics of Migration
- There are many animals that migrate, and this is their season. It is an amazing phenomenon and there is more than one way for even birds to move from place to place in search of food and breeding areas. In this session we will discover the adaptations and strategies animals use to weather through the year, focusing on the types of migration and what we can do to help.
- What to bring: Journal kit; beach or camp chair; water bottle
- Location: Kimbles Beach Road Trail, Cape May Court House
Week 5 - October 8th
- Monarch Butterflies on The Move
- Throughout the spring and summer, we’ve seen them in our gardens, now they are on their final 2,000-mile journey south. Find out what makes them go and how we know when they get there. Join us for a tagging demonstration and wishing them “Adios, Marisopsa Monarcha!”
- What to bring: Journal kit; beach or camp chair; water bottle
- Location: Garrett Family Preserve, West Cape May
Week 6 - October 15th
- Language of the Land
- Working with, in celebration of, and inspired by, the wild landscapes will take us more deeply into our own nature using language, art, photography, poetry, prose, and nature itself, as we listen to the “Language of the Land”.
- What to bring: Journal kit; beach or camp chair; water bottle
- Location: Cox Hall Creek Wildlife Management Area
Week 7 - October 22nd
- Peak of Leaf Peeping
- During this time of gorgeous color changes, we’ll be making a tree study in our nature journals: looking at leaves, measuring heights, discovering the roles of each trunk layer, the connections of trees in the ecosystem, and more!
- What to bring: Journal kit; beach or camp chair; water bottle
- Location: Tuckahoe Wildlife Management Area
Here is a list of what to bring and wear for all sessions:
- Dress… for the weather! And be
prepared for the unexpected!
- Coat/jacket
- Hat, gloves, scarf
- Long, warm pants
- Sturdy shoes and warm socks
- Water bottle
- Snack - to keep your energy up! :)
- Journal pack (we’ll discuss this during our first session)
- We’ll be taking walks for sure, but keep a light, foldable chair in your car - there may not always be seating in some places
After every session we will discuss the upcoming session location and topic. Maps with directions and a list for anything needed to bring will be sent via email several days prior to the date. Looking forward to seeing you!
The Noticing Nature series is FREE and open to the public.
For over forty years, Sue Slotterback has been a professional naturalist and outdoor education specialist for the Ocean Discovery Aquarium, the Philadelphia Zoo, the National Aquarium in Baltimore, the NJ Marine Sciences Consortium, NJ Audubon's Nature Center of Cape May, and was the Environmental Educator for The Wetlands Institute in Stone Harbor. Recipient of the Alliance for NJ Environmental Education's "Outstanding Environmental Educator of the Year Award" in 2009, Sue has guided thousands of people, young and old, through her favorite haunts, turning them on to the wonders of their natural heritage.
Please review our Adult Events Attendance Policy.
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