Brigantine's 20,000 acres of salt marsh, bays, freshwater impoundments, fields, and forests are known for their abundant waterfowl during autumn migration. Bring binoculars, field guide, lunch, and beverage, as well as money for the Refuge entrance fee. Meet at the parking lot by the visitor center, where rest rooms and checklists are available.

Directions: Garden State Parkway south to exit #48 (or detour if it is still posted on the Parkway. Drive south on Route 9 for 6 miles to Oceanville. Turn left on Great Creek Road ( there is a stoplight and a small sign for the refuge). Pre-registration is required because the trip may be cancelled due to bad weather or other reasons. To register, call Lou Beck (609) 737-0070.

This Palmyra park is located off Route 73 just under and south of the Tacony-Palmyra Bridge. The park has been exceptional for various species including warblers and sparrows. The park has a variety of habitats including marsh, deciduous trees, conifers, and bush/vines. It is located along the Delaware Rives. Call Lou Beck if you have questions at (609) 737-0070.

Directions: Travel time is about 45 minutes from the Princeton area. Go south on Rt. 295 to Rt. 73/Palmyra (Exit 36). Go five miles west on Rt. 73 to just before Tacony-Palmyra Bridge. Take Souder Ave off to the right and follow signs behind the buildings, then back under the bridge (Eastbound side) to the Palmyra Cove Park parking area.

This walk is co-sponsored by the Friends of the Marsh, Bordentown City Environmental Commission and D&R Greenway Land Trust. For information, call 609-895-5420.

Directions: Meet at the Bradlees/ShopRite shopping center on Route 206 south of Crosswicks Creek.

See Friends of Marsh website (www.marsh-friends.org) for listings of additional outings and canoe trips that complement those of WCAS.

Note: Registration is required, limited to 12 persons. Call Lou Beck at (609) 737-0070 to register.

Directions: Registered participants will meet at Featherbed Lane, just north of Hopewell. From Rt. 518 in Hopewell, turn north on Greenwood Avenue and drive approximately 1.5 miles. Turn right onto Featherbed Lane and go about 0.5 miles to the banding area, and park along the right side of the lane.

Visit the Buttinger Nature Center anytime between the start and finish times to join this celebration of birds. Enjoy a bird scavenger hunt on the Reserve near the Nature Center and try out the bird migration game. Learn about favorite bird foods and make your own bird feeder for your family and the birds. The Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association cosponsors this event. The program is free but pre-registration is required and enrollment is limited. To register or for more information please call the Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association at (609) 737-7592.

Did you know that plants can be used to dye fabric and yarn? Many modern crafters do this today just as it has been done for thousands of years. We will make some dyes of our own and then take a walk to discover some local dye-plants. Wear your old clothes! The Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association cosponsors this event. The program is free but pre-registration is required and enrollment is limited. Carpooling is encouraged and a map will be sent to registrants. To register or for more information please call the Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association at (609) 737-7592.

This walk is co-sponsored by the Friends of the Marsh. For information, call Andy Cosentino at 609-394-3648. Divine Word Missionaries, 101 Park St, Bordentown. For more information contact: Andy Cosentino – 609-394-3648.

See Friends of Marsh website (www.marsh-friends.org) for listings of additional outings and canoe trips that complement those of WCAS.

Join us in this relaxed discussion at the Buttinger Nature Center as we explore throughout the year the varied terrain of nature writing, wildness and wilderness. This season we will be discussing George Schaller’s A Naturalist and Other Beasts – Tales from a Life in the Field. Schaller presents a collection of essays that highlight his half-century of wildlife work across the globe. The stories are inspiring, providing a glimpse into the life of a field biologist, and his metamorphosis into a wildlife advocate and conservationist. Refreshments are provided. This program is co-sponsored by the Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association. Please pre-register for this free program by calling (609) 737-7592.

Mercer County Park central is a 2500 acre public park with fields, forests, and a 300 acre freshwater lake. We will walk for two to three hours along Lake Mercer. Bring binoculars and field guide, and dress for the weather.

Migratory birds from northern climates more frigid than New Jersey's head our way to spend the winter in the warmer, open, and fish-filled waters they find here. Mary Doscher helps us see these winter arrivals as they add beauty and interest to the fresh, brackish, and salt waters along the Jersey shore.

Directions: Meet at Marina, Route 35 in Belmar. Bring lunch and beverage, dress for the weather. For more information, contact Lou Beck at (609) 737-0070.

Join naturalist Jeff Hoagland as we search the Watershed Reserve for wintering birds. We’ll observe sparrows scratching the earth, chickadees and titmice foraging in the trees, and vultures soaring far above. Bluebirds, owls, hawks, and pheasants are also possible, but we will focus primarily on the common winter birds and their behavior. The Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association cosponsors this event. The program is free but pre-registration is required and enrollment is limited. Carpooling is encouraged and a map will be sent to registrants. To register or for more information please call the Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association at (609) 737-7592.

Meet at Mercer Nature / Interpretive Center, (w. Park Ave, to Westcott, follow signs toward Watson House, Roebling Park). For information 609-895-5420. This trip is cosponsored by Mercer County Parks, Friends for the Marsh, and D & R Greenway Land Trust.