Wildlife Center Friends, Inc.

06/13/2026

That couch sure looks comfy… but that is no place to spend National Get Outdoors Day!

Whether it is a bike ride through Mercer County Park, bird watching at Baldpate Mountain, or a scenic stroll through the Wildlife Center’s Outdoor Education Environment, Mercer County is filled with opportunities for you to connect with nature and get outside!

We welcome visitors to our Outdoor Education Environment adjacent to our building Wednesday through Sunday from 10:00am to 4:00pm for free, self-guided tours! For more information, visit: http://www.wildlifecenterfriends.org/outdoor-education-area.

06/10/2026

Stop! That is not an orphan! Each year, well-meaning people take tiny turtles from the wild, thinking they are orphaned. However, young turtles are capable of surviving on their own after hatching. Removal of any turtle from the wild can hurt local populations, so let’s and remember that .

06/09/2026

This year, June 8th celebrates both and the start of by spotlighting one of New Jersey’s most incredible seasonal visitors, the leatherback sea turtle.

Each year, leatherbacks migrate to the nutrient-rich coastal waters of New Jersey from spring through fall to forage for jellyfish. These remarkable animals are the largest sea turtles on earth, growing up to 6.5 feet long and weighing more than 2,000 pounds. They are also among the deepest diving vertebrates in the world, capable of diving more than 3,280 feet below the surface.

Unlike other sea turtles, leatherbacks are covered in smooth, rubbery skin instead of hard shells, making them truly one of a kind.

As we celebrate our oceans and the wildlife that depends on them, we can all help protect marine ecosystems and the species that call them home:

💧 Conserve water
🪸 Reduce waste — especially plastics
🎣 Fish responsibly and never leave monofilament or lures behind
🚤 Practice safe boating
⚡ Use less energy
🛍️ Shop sustainably
🌱 Respect wildlife and coastal habitats

Here in New Jersey, we are fortunate to share more than 130 miles of beautiful coastline with extraordinary marine life. Let’s work together to keep our oceans healthy for generations to come.

06/08/2026

Happy ! Black bears are the largest land mammal in New Jersey. They are an integral part of our home's natural heritage and a vital component of healthy ecosystems. As our state works hard to foster the coexistence between people and bears, follow these safety tips from the NJ Department of Environmental Protection if you ever encounter one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVGvDD4MZt4&t=99s

Visithttps://static1.squarespace.com/static/53eb9f34e4b0a70179a5d26a/t/661ecfe5a3dc2159044fbea1/1713295340118/Black+Bear+Facts.pdf for additional guidelines and black bear facts.

Black bears are not true hibernators and may be active throughout the year. If you encounter a black bear this winter, follow these safety tips. ...

06/06/2026

If we care, our planet will care for us.

This World Environment Day, healthier and happier ecosystems start with you. Small actions from all of us provide big benefits to our local wildlife. Here are some ways you can help:

🌳Plant native plants & trees
❌Reduce pesticide use
🦅Volunteer to clean up your community or help out your local wildlife
♻️Reduce, reuse, recycle
📚Educate yourself on the environment, ecosystems, and wildlife in your area

06/04/2026

What goes up, must come down.
Graduations, weddings, BBQs, and other celebrations are in full swing! We hate to burst your celebratory bubble, but think twice before adding balloons to your outdoor decor. Once released, they can pose a significant threat to wildlife. Read more: https://www.fws.gov/story/2015-08/balloons-and-wildlife-please-dont-release-your-balloons

06/01/2026

Summer is just around the corner, and New Jersey’s beaches, marshes, and coastlines are beginning to come alive with incredible wildlife activity. From migrating shorebirds to nesting coastal species, June marks the start of one of the busiest and most important seasons for many animals that depend on our shoreline habitats. As beach season begins, it is time to bust a myth and learn how we can help protect the wildlife that shares our coast.

Myth: The shorebirds you see on New Jersey beaches during the summer live here year-round.

Fact: BUSTED! Many shorebirds spotted along the Jersey Shore in July and August are actually long-distance migrants making an important stop during their journey south.

These birds have only a short window to breed in the Arctic before beginning their migration as early as mid-July. The flocks you see resting and feeding on beaches, mudflats, and marshes are often refueling before continuing thousands of miles to South America.

That is why protecting coastal habitats is so important during the summer months.

How you can help:
👣 Give shorebirds space to rest and feed
🐕 Keep pets away from nesting and feeding areas
🏖️ Respect fenced-off habitat areas
📸 Observe wildlife from a distance

📷: Piping plover chick (Charadrius melodus)

06/01/2026

Did you know that lights can disorient migrating birds, confusing and exhausting them? Lights can also make them more vulnerable to window collisions. Remember to flip the switch and help our feathered friends during peak migration.

📷: Fledgling cedar waxwing

05/30/2026

Do not just plant. Plant with purpose.

People often ask us what they can do to help save wild. When we turn our own little piece of Earth into a thriving habitat for birds, butterflies, and other wildlife, we become true wildlife heroes.

Garden for Wildlife Month is more successful when we all participate. Whether your space is small or large, it is possible for us to make a collective impact for wildlife. Planting native plants, not using chemicals, and adding a water source like a bird bath or a fountain, are all easy ways to make a difference this May and every month!

05/29/2026

Happy World Otter Day! To celebrate, we think you “otter” know the difference between a sea otter and a river otter!

1. Sea otters spend most of their lives in the water, while river otters spend most of their lives on solid ground and use water to travel and find food.

2. River otters hunt in freshwater and saltwater environments, while sea otters are found only in saltwater.

3. Sea otters are much larger than river otters and have extremely dense fur coats.

4. River otters swim belly down like most animals, while sea otters float on their backs to eat and sleep.

5. The tail of a sea otter is short and flattened. A river otter’s tail is long and pointed.