Harborside Chats

Local experts in their fields will lead a presentation and discussion each Thursday at noon at the Nature Center of Cape May. There will be a different speaker and topic each week. Light refreshments will be provided. There is no set cost to attend, although the Center suggests a $5 donation. Chats will be held at the Nature Center of Cape May (1600 Delaware Ave) unless otherwise stated. Please note that this schedule is subject to change. Check back frequently for an updated schedule:

9/26/24: The Nature Center of Cape May’s first guest this fall, will be Carla Dove, Program Manager of the “Feather Identification Laboratory”, Smithsonian’s Division of Birds at the National Museum of Natural History. None of us will ever forget the “Miracle on the Hudson,” that occurred on January, 5th, 2009, when USAir flight 1549 flew through a flock of birds upon take off from JFK Airport in New York, ingesting several that resulted in a loss of both engines. The miracle that followed was when Captain Sully Sullenberger managed to make a controlled water landing on the Hudson River that resulted in zero (0) fatalities. Any/every pilot will tell you that birds and aircraft simply don’t mix, and bird strikes in the aviation world continue to exist. This is a rare opportunity to hear an expert on this subject. “Harborside Chats,” are always popular, and preregistration for Ms. Dove’s presentation will be required.

10/3/24: The staff of NJ Audubon's Monarch Monitoring Project will share their research methods, recent findings, and conduct butterfly tagging demonstrations. This program will be OFFSITE, in Cape May Point.

10/10/24: Jessica York: From the Delaware to the Hudson, Jessica will share this season’s voyages of the A.J. Meerwald. She’ll also detail some of exciting new exhibits that are coming to the Bayshore Center.

10/17/24: Lisa Calvo will present, “Back from the Brink.” This is the remarkable story of how Delaware Bay oysters have staged a comeback and are once again a staple on menus around the world. This presentation will include a shucking demonstration and raw-oyster tasting for those who wish to partake. Pre-registration is a must for this “Chat.”

10/24/24: Bill Boyle, avid birder, will share tales of his adventures around the world. He just recently completed his goal of observing at least one species of bird from every single family of birds. This is an incredible accomplishment!

More coming soon!

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.

Host or Publisher New Jersey Audubon - Nature Center of Cape May