Noticing Nature
Begins September 15
Tuesdays, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
at locations throughout Atlantic County
Autumn 2026 Connections
Pre-registration is required.
To Register Contact: Ann Erik, Health and Wellness Director at aerik@jccatlantic.org
Like being outside and learning new things about the world we live in? Noticing Nature is exactly what we do! We get outside, take a short walk, have some hands-on fun exploring the many facets of Nature, and use a variety of simple creative processes to express our experiences. Each week we will meet in a different field site location around Atlantic County. Some places may be familiar; some may be a novel niche to add to your list. Our explorations are fun opportunities to move and stretch our minds and bodies with newfound, or freshly remembered, insights about the natural world and our place in it.
The creativity part is a fun way to express our thinking about our explorations in whatever ways calls to us: perhaps you like to write, draw, or try a mixed media approach. We’ll delve into some creative examples as well. No previous experience required. Come enjoy being outside and Noticing Nature!
Program Details
Week 1: September 15 – Do You See What I See?
Nature Journaling Introduction You and I can look at the same object, the identical view, and have the exact experience, yet we will interpret it in totally different ways. Let’s celebrate our unique perspectives while taking a deeper dive into our nature journals. No previous experience necessary. Come have fun!
Week 2: September 22 – Coastal Wildlife
The wetlands between mainland and barrier beach are a haven for wildlife of the land, air, and sea, offering rest, food, and nesting areas. Let’s explore this (almost) forgotten ecosystem.
Week 3: September 29 – Barrier Beach Dynamics
Living on the beach might sound like a relaxing dream to some, but it’s one of the most active, energetic, ever-changing places to settle—24/7/365. Come investigate why you can never step onto the same beach twice.
Week 4: October 6 – Leave the Leaves
The trees are covered with the most extraordinary things. They take in sunlight and make oxygen and sugar, they’ve got beautiful, integrate patterns, and they change color almost before your eyes, not to mention providing a whole host of ecosystem benefits…. It will blow you away!
Week 5: October 20 – What Color is Nature?
When we look at nature, often we are drawn to the many colors, patterns, and their combinations. But color serves several important functions.
Week 6: October 27 – What’s in a Name: How to Use a Field Guide
How many times have you been on a walk and see something you haven’t seen before? What is it called? In this session we’ll focus on the details and then use those details to look it up in a variety of resources to find out the name and so much more.
Week 7: November 3 – Energy Transfer: Sun to Soil
Through “chains” and “webs” we’ll trace the sun’s energy as it moves from one organism to another creating a cycle of energy flow.
Week 8: November 10 – Nature of Night
“There’s nothing at night that isn’t there in the daytime” or maybe not. We’ll explore what’s going on as the sun’s setting down.
Week 9: November 17 -Micro Beasts & Rotting Logs
Get ready for some dissection as we delve into the underground world of mini beasts and find out how we owe our lives to these Decomposition Heroes!
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.