NJ Audubon's Nature Center of Cape May

NJ Audubon's Nature Center of Cape May The Nature Center of Cape May offers marine science, natural history and environmental education.
(2)

09/07/2026

Happy Labor Day! Our Center is closed today, but the first Monarch Drop-in program with Cape May Monarchs will happen outside the Nature Center from 10:30am-11:15am! See you there!

Most people know the 4 stages of a butterfly’s life cycle (egg, caterpillar, chrysalis, and butterfly), but did you know...
09/05/2026

Most people know the 4 stages of a butterfly’s life cycle (egg, caterpillar, chrysalis, and butterfly), but did you know that monarch caterpillars undergo 5 stages of development called instars?

When monarch caterpillars emerge from their egg, they are less than 6mm in length! Over the 5 instars, a monarch caterpillar will grow to about 2,000 times its original mass! Monarch caterpillars spend essentially all their time feasting on milkweed leaves. As the caterpillar grows, it sheds its skin and enters the next instar. After the 5th instar, the caterpillar is ready to enter its pupal phase (chrysalis).

Want to learn more about monarchs and other pollinators? Follow us for more content like this!

This September, there are countless programs, guided walks, events & fun places to visit every single day in Cape May. I...
09/03/2026

This September, there are countless programs, guided walks, events & fun places to visit every single day in Cape May. If you want to know more information about any of the following experiences, check out the NJ Audubon website (link in comments).

✨Cape May Bird Observatory Migration Watches:
The Cape May Bird Observatory’s Morning Flight and Hawkwatch migration counts have officially begun. Stop by the Higbee Beach Morning Flight platform or the Hawkwatch platform in the Cape May Point State Park to witness the migration magic that Cape May is known for! Better yet, join one of the FREE Migration 101 Mini-Workshops to uncover the mysteries surrounding migration.

✨Where you can find the Monarch Monitoring Project this month:
- Monarch Tagging Demonstrations will be held at the Cape May Point State Park on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays 2:00pm-2:45pm, beginning on September 4th.
- Monarch Drop-In programs will be held at the Nature Center of Cape May on Mondays and Wednesdays 10:30am-11:15am beginning on September7th.
- Monarch Fest will be held on Sunday September 27th from 10am to 4pm at the Nature Center of Cape May!

✨Additional programs and events:
Join the Cape May Bird Observatory and the Nature Center Of Cape May for one of our programs! Here’s just a few of our offerings this month:
🐚Beach Combing the Cove | Wednesdays 8:30am-9:30am
🌕Night Shift at the Nature Center (Adults only) | September 19th 7:30pm-9:00pm
🦆A Meadows Afternoon | Fridays 3:00pm-5:00pm
🦅Youth Birders & Fall Migrants: Merlins & Monarchs | September 19th 10:00am-2:00pm

For more information, check out the NJ Audubon events calendar!

What’s on your Cape May September bucket list?

Photo #2 By Caroline Behnke

09/01/2026

Happy September 1st! Show us your favorite wildlife photo you took this summer.

Get ready! This fall were monarch maxxing.With September right around the corner, we figured we would take this time to ...
08/28/2026

Get ready! This fall were monarch maxxing.

With September right around the corner, we figured we would take this time to answer some of the most common questions surrounding monarch migration:

When can I see monarch butterflies?
We have been seeing early numbers of monarchs moving around Cape May now! It’s hard to predict when peak migration will occur, but numbers tend to be strongest late September-mid October. Strong Northwest winds are generally ideal for large numbers of monarchs in South Jersey.

Where can I see Monarchs?
There are many locations where you can view monarch movement. Good spots in Cape May include: the Nature Center of Cape May, Cape May Point State Park, and along the dunes in Cape May Point. Please remember, always be respectful of private property when viewing monarch butterflies.

When do the Monarch Monitoring Project’s tagging demonstrations begin?
- Monarch Tagging Demonstrations will be held at the Cape May Point State Park on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays 2:00pm-2:45pm beginning on September 4th.
- Monarch Drop-In programs will be held at the Nature Center of Cape May on Mondays and Wednesdays 10:30am-11:15am beginning on September7th.

When is Monarch Fest 2026?
Sunday, September 27th from 10am-4pm!

Did we miss your question? Drop it in the comments and we'll answer!
Photos by Jack McDonough

You asked, we delivered! Our Beachcombing the Cove programs are now extended through September!Join us on Wednesday morn...
08/27/2026

You asked, we delivered! Our Beachcombing the Cove programs are now extended through September!

Join us on Wednesday mornings from 8:30am-9:30am at the Cove Beach in Cape May! We’ll scour the shallows, comb the shoreline, and walk along the dunes in search of hidden treasures & signs of wildlife.

Pre-registration is required for this program. Adults must accompany children. Link to register in caption.

Nature camp can be pretty nerve-wracking, especially for first-time campers. Luckily, camp is the perfect place to come ...
07/28/2026

Nature camp can be pretty nerve-wracking, especially for first-time campers. Luckily, camp is the perfect place to come out of your shell, try new things, and make lifelong friendships!

Our annual Monarch Festival is just 2 months away! Mark your calendar and join us at the Nature Center of Cape May on Su...
07/27/2026

Our annual Monarch Festival is just 2 months away! Mark your calendar and join us at the Nature Center of Cape May on Sunday, September 27th for a day of music, food, family-friendly activities, and more!

Learn more about the life history, ecology, and conservation concerns of monarch butterflies with naturalists from Cape May Monarchs, plus enjoy a live butterfly tagging demonstration! More info to come!

Address

1600 Delaware Avenue
Cape May, NJ
08204

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 4pm
Tuesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm
Sunday 11am - 4pm

Telephone

+16094273045

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when NJ Audubon's Nature Center of Cape May posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The School

Send a message to NJ Audubon's Nature Center of Cape May:

Shortcuts

Share

Category