Embark on a culinary journey with Nature Center Director Gretchen Whitman's husband Mark as he creates his signature dish, Cioppino. Not a bouillabaisse, nor is it fish-stew or a paella. This is CIOPPINO! When roughly translated from Italian we get, "torn-to-pieces." The dish dates back to the mid-19th Century when Italian fisherman returned home to their San Francisco docks and combined a medley of leftovers from the days' catch, with onions, tomatoes, peppers, herbs and wine to create a true gastronomic wonder. By leftovers, we mean: shrimp, scallops, clams, mussels, monkfish and cod. Mark's recipe comes by way of Bodega Bay. This class will be hosted in the newly constructed Zero-Waste sustainable home of Justine and Daniel Magariel in their spacious designer kitchen. It includes take home aprons by the Flying Fish Studio for all participants and all the ingredients for the culinary creation. Of course, a hearty loaf of bread and two specially selected bottles of red wine to be paired with your group's creation will complete the meal. Limited to 8 participants. Date to be determined.

Nature Center Program Director, Emily Reed and US Coast Guard Lieutenant Commander Brittany Fifer have thrown down the gauntlet. These two intrepid and very talented ladies are challenging two gentlemen to a round of golf at the beautiful Cape May National Golf Club. These woman WON the challenge last year. Are you brave enough to challenge these winners? This is an opportunity not to be missed in that it not only includes a round of golf at one of South Jersey's premier courses, but it's a round of golf played with these two fascinating women. Will you earn bragging rights or be eating humble pie?

An exclusive one-of-a-kind evening includes a candlelight dinner for 8 on the second-floor deck of the Nature Center overlooking lovely Cape May Harbor. Nature Center Director Gretchen Whitman and her husband Mark Allen will prepare a scrumptious three course meal featuring Jersey Fresh gazpacho, grilled salmon or chicken entrees with seasonal vegetables followed by specialty desserts to cap off this exclusive experience. Includes two bottles of Prosecco and a sampling of beach plum cordial too!

Join local wildlife expert Tom Reed and Captain Bob on a sunset cruise aboard the Osprey (Saltmarsh Safari boat) for an incredible ecological experience. Enjoy a tasting of seasonal craft brews with the owners of nearby Gusto Brewery while you are birding and boating. A once-in-a-lifetime experience!

For up to 15 people

Jay McPhillips Original Oil Painting
"VIB Section" 2024 18" x 18"

Former Comedy Central TV staffer and NYC ad agency art director, James McPhillips has worked for many years in Princeton, NJ. Originally he was McCarter Theatre's graphic designer and for the past few years has independently created and sold his creations online and in various galleries and shops. McPhillips has also created commissioned pieces for Princeton residents and alumni.