NJ Friends Conference

NJ REFUGE FRIENDS CONFERENCE -
APRIL 1-3, 2011, CAPE MAY, NJ

• Friends of Cape May NWR invite representatives from our sister refuges in NJ and just over the border in PA to join us for the NJ Refuge Friends Conference the weekend of April 1-3rd.  The main program is on Saturday April 2nd from 1-6 pm, but we have added extra activities Saturday morning, Saturday evening and Sunday morning for anyone who is interested in staying over Friday and/or Saturday night.  We are thrilled that the Wetlands Institute in Stone Harbor (exit 10, GSP) has offered the use of their wonderful facility for our Saturday meeting.  Their dorms are also available for interested overnight guests for $25/person per night (see details in accommodations section below).

• We are asking that each Friends group prepare a presentation (20-30 minutes) to update the group on what's happening in your area. A projector and screen will be available.

• We hope that even day-trippers like Friends of Forsythe will stay for the Potluck Dinner/Party hosted by the Friends of Cape May.  Our group loves a good party--and the Wetlands Institute is a large, beautiful space for a gathering--so feel free to bring a spouse or a friend! Just RSVP so we can get a count for food and drink.

RSVP for the conference online TODAY!

PROGRAM
Friday April 1st
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
RETURN OF THE OSPREY Covered Dish Dinner
Wetlands Institute, Stone Harbor 
Refuge Friends are invited to this annual event at the Wetlands Institute. Kevil Karlson, author of the Birds of Cape May, is presenting a musical journey through the four seasons covering his 28 years of nature photography in Southern New Jersey.  Cost is $10 for non-members, and attendees are asked to bring a dish to share for 8.

Saturday April 2nd
9:00 am - 11:00 am
BIRD WALK at Delaware Bay Unit of Cape May NWR
John King and Friends of Cape May NWR will lead a walk on Woodcock Trail at the Delaware Bay Unit of the Refuge.  Woodcock trail is a one-mile-long loop through grassland habitat. There are also side trails of 0.4 miles that extend through a forested section and end at a view of the Delaware Bay salt marsh. Meet at the parking lot at the end of Woodcock Lane,  a residential road off Route 47 about 0.4 miles south of the Refuge headquarters at Kimbles Beach Road.

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
LUNCH at Wetlands Institute, Stone Harbor
Bring your lunch--we will provide drinks.

1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
INTRO & FRIENDS GROUP PRESENTATIONS
Wetlands Institute, Stone Harbor

3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
BREAK & WETLANDS INSTITUTE TOUR
Informal tour of the Wetlands Institute buildings and Nature Trail.

4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
FRIENDS GROUP PRESENTATIONS

6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
POTLUCK DINNER/PARTY hosted by Friends of Cape May NWR

Sunday April 3rd
8:30 - 9:30
BREAKFAST at Harbor View Restaurant, 954 Ocean Drive, Cape May
Join us for an ala carte breakfast at this scenic spot on the Cape May Harbor, right down the road from the Two-Mile Beach Unit of the Cape May NWR. 

10 am - 11:30 am
BIRD WALK at Two-Mile Beach Unit of Cape May NWR
Wildlife Biologist Heidi Hanlon of the Refuge staff will lead a bird walk at Two-Mile Beach. Located on Ocean Drive between Cape May and Wildwood Crest, Two-Mile beach is an exceptional barrier island habitat, including maritime forest, tidal ponds and undisturbed ocean beach.  The beach is used by nesting, migratory and wintering bird species.  The unit is also home to our Vistors Contact Station and the Friends Wild Meadow Project.

ACCOMMODATIONS
Take advantage of an opportunity for a spring getaway weekend in Cape May!  There are many options for accommodations to fit every budget.

• The dorms at the Wetlands Institute in Stone Harbor are available for conference attendees.  There are 4 dorm-style rooms with single beds that sleep either 2 or 3 per room.  There is a men's and women's bathroom with shower facilities, as well as a communal lounge and kitchen.  Cost is $25/person per night.
• Cape May is nationally known for it's historic Victorian era Bed and Breakfast Inns.  Although they are pricey, off-season rates are a bit more reasonable.  The Cape May Times website has a nice page with many of the most popular B & B options.
• For a hotel on the same barrier island as Stone Harbor/Wetlands Institute, check out the Windrift or Golden Inn in Avalon.
• For a wholly different experience, Wildwood (between Stone Harbor and Cape May) is full of 50's doo-wop era motels.  Although most, like the landmark Caribbean (check it out!) don't open 'til May, the Starlux is open year-round and is a block from the beach.
• A few members of the Friends of Cape May board may be able to make their personal guest rooms to people who might not otherwise be able to stay overnight. Please contact us ASAP if you are interested and we will see what we can do.
  

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