< April 2019 >

What are the fastest animals in the world? Cheetahs, pronghorns, hummingbirds? None of those come even close to the peregrine falcon, which can hit speeds of over 200 mph in a dive. The next meeting of the Southern Ocean Birding Group, on Thursday, April 4, at 6:30 p.m. at the hunting shanty in the Tuckerton Seaport, features a program on “The Peregrine Falcon Project,” presented by Ben Wurst, habitat program manager for Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey.

Admission is free; light refreshments will be served.

Wurst works closely with biologists with the state Endangered and Nongame Species Program to help monitor the peregrine falcon population in New Jersey. Peregrines were basically extinct east of the Mississippi River until they were reintroduced in New Jersey years ago. Each winter the CWF conducts maintenance on nesting towers, and in spring and summer they monitor nest sites for activity. There is even a nesting pair that live on Long Beach Island.

Wurst is responsible for identifying and enhancing degraded wildlife habitat, and he helps manage and protect ospreys as part of the N.J. Osprey Project. He received a B.S. in environmental science with emphasis in wildlife conservation from Unity College in 2004.

He also works on a variety of other conservation projects that include bald eagles and northern diamondback terrapins.

Join Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey biologist, Allegra Mitchell, as she talks at the Somerset County Park Education Center about some of the rarest reptile and amphibian species in the state. Learn what makes these animals special and why they are vital to maintain a balanced ecosystem. Allegra will discuss the threats to these species and how CWF, the state, and other agencies are working to protect these important and often misunderstood creatures!

A short, flat walk takes you to a magical vernal pool. Hear the songs of Spring Peepers, discover salamander eggs, fairy shrimp, and other unique creatures as evening sets in. Learn how locals are helping to protect Waterloo’s amphibians and other big plans in the works!

What to Bring: Your own flashlight and wear clean rubber boots! We will be exploring along the edge of the pool- so dress to stay dry and warm! Sunset is around 8:00 pm, so the woods will be dark on our way out.

Did you know that in 1974 only 50 osprey nests were left in NJ? Today, ospreys are common sight along the New Jersey shore during the summer. Join us to learn about the life history of ospreys, current monitoring techniques, and their amazing comeback. Ben Wurst, Habitat Program Manager with Conserve Wildlife Foundation of NJ will share his experience working to manage this amazing species over the past 10+ years at the Bergen County Audubon Society.

From bald eagles and bobcats to diamondback terrapins and little brown bats, Wild New Jersey hosts an incredible amount of biodiversity.

Join CWF Executive Director David Wheeler at Wild Birds Unlimited of Scotch Plains, NJ on Saturday, April 20th at 10 AM to explore the unparalleled array of imperiled wildlife species that call New Jersey home - and learn why the Garden State offers unmatched biodiversity, wildlife habitats, and opportunities for outdoor nature adventures!

Please RSVP to: wbuscotchplains@gmail.com

A short, flat walk takes you to a magical vernal pool. Hear the songs of Spring Peepers, discover salamander eggs, fairy shrimp, and other unique creatures as evening sets in. Learn how locals are helping to protect Waterloo’s amphibians and other big plans in the works!

What to Bring: Your own flashlight and wear clean rubber boots! We will be exploring along the edge of the pool- so dress to stay dry and warm! Sunset is around 8:00 pm, so the woods will be dark on our way out.

Come to the LBIF to shop native plant species to purchase for your home and help our local ecology. There will be no formal lecture, but Ben Wurst of Conserve Wildlife NJ will be available to ask which plants may be best for you!

ACUA's 29th Annual Earth Day Festival will be held on Sunday, April 28, 2019 (rain or shine) at 6700 Delilah Road in Egg Harbor Township from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There are lots of free, fun and educational activities for everyone. The celebration has many exciting events and entertainment throughout the day. Over 150 vendors, crafters, food vendors and exhibitors will be part of the celebration.