Learn About Birds At ‘Coffee & Conservation’ Walks In Chester Township

CHESTER, NJ — Patrons can enjoy a hot cup of coffee and a morning bird walk as New Jersey Conservation Foundation begins its fall season of “Coffee & Conservation” events at the Bamboo Brook Outdoor Education Center at 170 Longview Road.

Naturalist Bill Lynch, who coordinates nature education events for the New Jersey Conservation Foundation, will lead fall migration bird walks from 8 to 10 a.m. on three consecutive Wednesdays, Sept. 14, Oct. 12, and Oct. 19.

All events will begin with a free cup of hot coffee from Black River Roasters and a discussion about local birds. The group will then go for leisurely strolls through the 100-acre park.

The first hike, scheduled for Sept. 14, will focus on migrating warblers. “This is the best time during autumn migration to see these colorful songbirds on their journey south,” Lynch said.

As the weather gets colder as the season changes, the species of birds seen will change. “Our October walks will begin to focus less on warblers and more on migrating raptors and sparrows arriving from the north,” Lynch said. “These weeks and months really show off the spectacle of bird migration in New Jersey. Things can change drastically – sometimes overnight – with the right weather conditions.”

The Coffee & Conservation series is free, but advance registration is requested for planning purposes. To register online, click here.

The New Jersey Conservation Foundation is a private non-profit organization whose mission is to protect New Jersey's land and natural resources. The Foundation has protected over 125,000 acres of open space, farmland, and parks since 1960.