Cape May sits at the very tip of New Jersey like a punctuation mark on the Atlantic flyway, and the wildlife refuge there is one of the most ecologically significant spots on the East Coast. During migration season, the concentration of birds passing through is almost unbelievable. Getting involved with the Friends of Cape May National Wildlife Refuge means connecting with that phenomenon in a real and active way. The Friends group supports the refuge through volunteer programs that include trail maintenance, visitor outreach, and invasive plant control. Volunteers also staff interpretive programs and help educate the thousands of birders and nature lovers who visit Cape May each year. The educational role here feels especially rewarding given how enthusiastic the visitor community tends to be. Habitat restoration work along the refuge’s diverse ecosystems, including beaches, forests, and freshwater wetlands, gives volunteers a broad view of coastal conservation. Each habitat type presents its own set of challenges and rewards. Seasonal events and monitoring projects keep the volunteer calendar active throughout the year. Cape May has a magnetic quality that keeps people coming back season after season. Being embedded in the refuge community through volunteering deepens that connection considerably. Address: 24 Kimbles Beach Rd, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210.