< June 2018 >

Join CWF for a private receptionto see beautiful original watercolor paintings depicting New Jersey's most vulnerable wildlife species, created by nationally-renowned artist James Fiorentino! Mr. Fiorentino's evocative artwork inspires viewers through his lifelike depictions of rare wildlife in their natural surroundings. His watercolor paintings truly bring these animals to life on paper. In doing so, his art helps to educate and engage viewers about the precipitous declines that many of these species have undergone. By putting a spotlight on these charismatic yet often-overlooked wildlife species, our partnership with Mr. Fiorentino seeks to bring attention to the very tangible steps that people can take to save and strengthen these wildlife populations.

Spend the day kayaking the water trails of Sedge Island at Sedge Island Natural Resource Education Center, where you will encounter peregrine falcons, osprey, and other NJ wildlife!

This hands-on professional development opportunity, for both formal and informal educators, covers NJ wildlife and the CWF WebCams. The workshop will showcase how to teach about science and environmental stewardship using CWF WebCams and lessons aligned with NGSS and Multiple Intelligences Theory of Learning.

$50 per person: includes kayaks and breakfast

In contrast to the state’s reputation, New Jersey offers unmatched wildlife and an array of outdoor nature adventures—all within a short drive of anywhere in the state. Nature author and Conserve Wildlife Foundation executive director David Wheeler spent a year exploring the state’s unparalleled diversity of wildlife species that call New Jersey home, its dramatic range of wildlife habitats and its ample opportunities for thrilling nature activities like dogsledding, mountain hiking and wildlife boat tours. From bald eagles and bobcats to horseshoe crabs and tiger salamanders, wild New Jersey brings nature to life!

David Wheeler has served as the executive director of the nonprofit Conserve Wildlife Foundation (CWF), which works to protect rare wildlife in New Jersey and beyond, since 2012. CWF has partnered with the renowned artist James Fiorentino C’99 on Rare Wildlife Revealed, a popular three-year traveling exhibition that has reached audiences throughout New Jersey and New York. Mr. Wheeler also teaches environmental communication at Rutgers University’s School of Environmental and Biological Sciences. He has written for the Star Ledger, E the Environmental Magazine, NJEA Review and other media. He wrote the 2011 book Wild New Jersey: Nature Adventures in the Garden State, and wrote the foreword to the Jim Wright book Bald Eagles in the Meadowlands and Beyond. Mr. Wheeler earned his MBA from New York University’s Stern School of Business and his BA from American University in Washington DC, and was a 2017 Fellow with Lead New Jersey.

The peregrine falcon, also known as the duck hawk, is the largest falcon in New Jersey, and the world’s fastest animal, capable of flying at speeds over 200 miles an hour. Just a few decades ago, peregrine falcons disappeared east of the Mississippi River — yet today we can celebrate 28 active falcon nests in New Jersey. For the world’s fastest animal to again thrive in New Jersey speaks both to the peregrine falcon’s inspiring resiliency and to the hard work and visionary leadership of those who worked for their successful comeback. The Peregrine falcon – the Fastest Animal on Earth, gives the public a glimpse into the life of the peregrine falcon, the adaptations that make him unique and how he overcame adversity in the Garden State.

Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey (CWF) is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to the protection and preservation of New Jersey’s endangered and threatened wildlife and the habitats they depend on. We carry out our mission by researching and managing rare animal species, restoring habitat, educating New Jersey’s residents, and engaging volunteers in our conservation projects. Since the early 1990’s, CWF scientists and educators have helped conserve and protect a variety of at-risk species of wildlife in New Jersey, the most densely populated state in the nation.

Join us for a FREE family day of fun and show your pirate spirit! Lots of activities for everyone! Find treasure at our flea market and take a paddle on the bay! Dress as your favorite pirate and walk the plank in our pirate parade! Prizes awarded for age groups 0-5 yrs old, 6-10 yrs old, 11-15 yrs old & 16 and up! Visit our Nature Center and learn about the animals, watch a live snake feeding, free crafts and more!

Learn about amphibians and reptiles of New Jersey and how they live throughout the seasons! What do they eat? Learn about their offspring. Join us for a walk in hopes that we can spot some in the area. The walk will be on natural trails, protective footwear is recommended. Event is FREE.