Program Requirements
- Must be age 60 and over
- Resident of Atlantic County
- Not employed by Atlantic County (County employees are not eligible)
Download and complete the Participant Enrollment Form
For additional information about the class schedule or curriculum, please contact
Ann Erik | Active Adult Program Coordinator
609.822.1167 Ext. 132
Thursdays | Beginning Thursday, March 4
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
This class is the evolution of a creative writing course that began four years ago. Elder scribes strengthen and develop their individual voices in a group sharing kindred experiences, perspective, collective wisdom and insight. This class is full and cannot accept any more students.
Thursdays | Start date TBD
1 pm – 2 pm
Here’s your invitation to try your hand at something purely creative. The focus here is fun, not fundamentals. Spelling and punctuation are not invited. All you need to bring is an active imagination and a willingness to express yourself. Words are the ultimate building blocks for those who like to play. Don’t forget your pencil.
Sundays | March 7 – May 23
Join us as we explore natural habitats of indigenous flora and fauna found throughout South Jersey. Learn how to journal your experience and catalog what you find as you discover a hidden world that has been in your backyard all along.
All classes will be held on Sundays at 1 pm. Please note that there’s no class on Easter Sunday, April 4 and May 2.
Week 1 | Introduction to Nature Journaling
March 7 with Sue on Zoom
In this basics class we will be forming the backbone of the Noticing Nature series of programs. To start, we’ll define what a nature journal is and build a list of materials and supplies. We’ll work on basic sketching techniques to get you up and going, and practice skills in how to observe and what to record. We’ll also learn a few types of writing that will bring us closer to the natural world around us. No art or writing experience necessary. Come and join the fun!
Week 2 | Winter Birding
March 14 with Karen at Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge
Ready to try your nature journaling skills? Bring your sketch pad or camera (to try sketching later) as we try to view some of NJ’s wintering waterfowl, resident hawks, and others visiting Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge. If birds aren’t around, not to worry there are plenty of other features of nature to view.
Week 3 | Nest Cam: The Good, Bad and Ugly
March 21 with Karen on Zoom
Bald eagles, peregrine falcon, osprey, owls and more – nest cameras have been around in NJ for years. If you haven’t been tuning in to watch the drama unfold in these nests you’ve been missing out. Come learn about what nest cameras we have in NJ, why they’re important, a bit about bird biology and how you can become a citizen scientist just by tuning in.
Week 4 | Winter Beach Walk
March 28 with Karen and Sue at the Margate Beach
In this session we’ll take a trip to Brigantine Beach to explore the beach during the winter. Learn about some of our winter visitors, as well as see what’s happening at the beach during the “off” season. Bundle up and come enjoy a walk on the beach!
Week 5 | A Frog’s Song
April 11 with Karen and Sue at Estell Manor Park on Rt. 50
Hearing Spring Peppers is a sign that spring is right around the corner. Learn a bit more about the importance of the frogs we have in NJ, the habitats they rely on, and how you can help biologists by just listening to them.
Week 6 | The Amazing Horseshoe Crabs
April 18 with Karen on Zoom
Learn about a true living fossil that has been around for over 450 million years, and nests right here in NJ! The horseshoe crab is a fascinating animal that shorebirds and humans both rely on. In this virtual session we’ll explore all things horseshoe crab.
Week 7 | Backyard Habitat Gardening: Bringing Nature to You
April 25 with Karen on Zoom
In this session we’ll find out exactly what a “habitat garden” is, and why is it one of the most ecologically sound activities everyone can do – no matter how much or how little space they have. We’ll look at the different types of habitat gardens and learn how to make a layout plan that both you and wildlife will enjoy.
Week 8 | Native Plants: Get to Know the Locals
May 9 with Sue at Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge
Detailed directions: Park in Vistor Parking lot. Group will meet by the kiosk near the restrooms at the eastern end (toward Wildlife Drive) of the parking lot.
What make a plant “native” or “non-native”? Isn’t one plant just as good as another? And what makes a plant a “weed”? While we answer these questions, we’ll be finding out about plant needs, how to plant and care for natives, and where to look for local sources of native plants.
Week 9 | Welcoming Wildlife
May 16 with Sue at Birch Grove Park in Northfield
Now that we’ve got the gardening basics, let’s put out the mat and talk about how we can bring the wildlife in for close and enjoyable observation. Monarchs and other butterflies, turtles, frogs, dragonflies, and birds all have specific needs regarding food and shelter. We’ll learn some very easy DIY tips and tricks to invite them in and have them feel at home in our gardens.
Week 10 | Days of Our Wild Lives: Journaling in Nature
May 23 with Sue at Birch Grove Park in Northfield
The longer you look, the more you see an ever unfolding natural “soap opera”. In this last session of the Noticing Nature series, we’ll get outside and take a deeper look at observing and recording natural phenomena as the seasons change and wildlife comes and goes throughout the year.
The Learn, Move, Create program is partially funded under Title III of the Older Americans Act of 1965, as amended, through a grant by the Division of Intergenerational Services. Donations to the program are welcome, and will be used to enhance and expand existing services.