Views From the Tower Spring 2014 · Volume 42 · No. 1
Conservation in Action
by Dr. Lisa Ferguson
Most of us enjoy walks along the beach in the warmer months and are familiar with the sight of horseshoe crabs turned upside down in the intertidal zone. Often they are digging their tails in the sand, flexing their bodies this way and that, even waving their legs in the air, trying frantically to right themselves.
NJ DEP, Conserve Wildlife Foundation of NJ, and Celebrate Delaware Bay, at least five other partner organizations, and many dedicated volunteers, we aim to increase the number of reTURN the Favor beaches to 15 this season, and save at least twice as many crabs.
There is a good reason for this effort. Horseshoe crabs are vulnerable to predation from gulls and the heat of the sun when they are overturned. In fact, thousands of crabs die each year during the spawning season when they become stranded on our beaches or trapped behind structures such as jetties and docks. With the horseshoe crab population at historically low levels, it is important that we do our part to help – especially along the Delaware Bay beaches were the largest concentrations of spawning horseshoe crabs in the North Atlantic are found.
Though many people already know to turn over crabs on the beach (not by the tail!), reTURN the Favor has several key objectives that require an organized and trained force of volunteers. It is important that all walks comply with New Jersey laws meant to protect horseshoe crabs and shorebirds. New Jersey is the only state that has a legislated moratorium on the take of horseshoe crabs - which means that no crabs, living or dead, can be removed from their habitat. New Jersey also enforces the closure of several beaches to protect breeding and migratory shorebirds – which means that only sanctioned groups with special permission from the state can access closed beaches to help the horseshoe crabs. It is also important that the reTURN the Favor program collect data on location and numbers of rescued crabs to aide in the management of horseshoe crabs and the restoration of their habitat.
A new program in New Jersey – reTURN the Favor – is doing just that. Launched in May 2013, The Wetlands Institute led the charge with the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife (NJ DEP) to get volunteers out on eight beaches in New Jersey to rescue stranded crabs. Nearly 5,000 crabs were rescued on 43 walks with the help of several local organizations, local homeowners, teachers, and others – 153 volunteers in all! We are building from the success and lessons of our inaugural year to reorganize and expand the program for 2014. Along with
We are excited to be a part of this new program. If you’d like to learn more, volunteer to lead walks, or just join us for a walk on the beach, check out the new website (designed by our very own Christine Mattera) for more information and a schedule of events: returnthefavornj.org
“To promote appreciation, understanding and stewardship of wetlands and coastal ecosystems through our programs in research, conservation, and education.” Founded in 1969 by Herbert Mills, executive director of the World Wildlife Fund
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Raymond Burke III, Chair Deborah A. Hays, Vice-Chair Jane Rakestraw, Treasurer Anne Galli, Secretary
Michael Craig Roberta DeVries John Flynn Lois Hamilton C. Lee Harp
Dr. Dorothy Ives-Dewey Dr. Daniel Klem Jr. Mary Millar Wayne Renneisen Hank Schellenger
STAFF
Dr. Lenore Tedesco, Executive Director Dr. Lisa Ferguson, Deputy Director of Research and Conservation Brooke Knapick, Director of Educational Program Development Bonnie Girard, Director of Finance and Administration Christine Mattera, Director of Marketing and Communications
Research:
Katie Sellers, Conservation Scientist Brian Williamson, Research Scientist
Education:
Kaitlin Gannon, Outreach Coordinator Sue Slotterback, Environmental Educator Kirby Hoffman, Aquarist/Educator
Administration:
Terrie Campbell, Financial Admin. Assistant Christina Faulk, Administrative Assistant Joyce Ferguson, Tidepool Shop Stephanie Stroble, Front Desk Receptionist/ Admissions Coordinator Bob Oberholtzer, Maintenance Technician Charlene Smith, Gardener
Hours:
Until May 1, we are open: Friday , Saturday & Sunday 9:30am to 4:30pm From May 2 to October 12, we will be open: Monday through Sunday: 9:30am to 4:30pm June 17 to Labor Day - Special Evening Hours until 8pm Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays
General Admission: Members: Free
Non-members: $8 Adults, $6 Children 3-12
Views From the Tower is the quarterly newsletter of The Wetlands Institute and can also be found on our website. 1075 Stone Harbor Blvd Stone Harbor, NJ 08247 609-368-1211
wetlandsinstitute.org
Marsh Musings
by Dr. Lenore Tedesco, Executive Director
What a new year we have had so far! As I write this, it’s snowing – again. While the marsh is a special place in the snow, I long for the vibrant green to replace the golden browns of winter. This has been a winter to remember – for a lot of reasons – good and challenging. We are excited to have just finished the renovation of the Institute 2nd floor. The dormitory is fresh and renewed and nearly ready for the summer explosion of activities as the education and research interns descend upon us. We carved out some office space as well to accommodate our staff growth and needs. Within hours of the final inspections in early January and the completion of the renovation, we had several pipes burst in the ceiling of the kitchen. So it appears we are now renovating the kitchen area. We are in the middle of this project with a goal to be up and running again before Turtlefest on Easter weekend. We’re sticking with the approach of rebuilding to be better than before! I am thrilled to report that the elevated walkway project is underway! The contractors have removed the old, Sandy damaged walkway and have begun installing the new walkway structure! We are on a very tight timeline for completion so that we have completed the heavy installation work before the return of the Osprey. Its an exciting time and the new walkway will be a major enhancement to the Institute and our research and education programs. Look for photos and updates on our website and social media communications. There are so many amazing things happening at the Institute and our members and supporters have enabled so many of our accomplishments. The response to our end-of-year appeal was record-breaking. Thank you all so much for entrusting us with your support and making a difference in all that we do. We honor our donors in this newsletter and on our Donor Recognition Wall in the Institute entryway. Thank you from all of us at the Institute. We are all really busy planning for another remarkable year. We have announced our schedule of activities and are excited to continue to focus our events on mission and engage our community in impactful conservation activities. Our special events calendar reflects this focus. You will notice some changes and I hope you and your families will take advantage of some of the incredible opportunities these events provide. We will be releasing our first Annual Report in a very long time so that you, our members and supporters can see how we are using your gifts to deliver our programs. Look for copies at the Institute and on our website in the coming weeks. Please stop in and see what all the excitement’s about. I am happy to speak with any of you about our goals and plans for the future.
3 Go Paperless Simple Ways to
1: Email us at staff@wetlandsinstitute.org or 2: Text the keyword PAPERLESS to 42828 or 3: Sign-up at wetlandsinstitute.org/about-us/newsletters Paperless newsletters are not only more sustainable but they help reduce our cost so we can allocate more of your gifts to our programs.
EarthShare New Jersey is the only environmental federation for workplace giving in the state. For more information, call Paula Aldarelli at 609-989-1160 or e-mail paldarelli@earthsharenj.org.
Spring Happenings
Ü
means kid-friendly!
Find us on
As the weather warms up and the marsh begins to green, The Wetlands Institute will be open daily starting May 2, 2014! Unless otherwise stated, all activities occur onsite at The Wetlands Institute. Questions? Please call The Wetlands Institute at 609-368-1211. Please check our website for additions and updates to our schedule.
Ü
Salt Marsh Safari
Starting in Marsh View Hall, watch our award-winning film, Secrets of the Salt Marsh. Then join us for a guided interpretive walk through the wetlands! Together we will travel along the new elevated walkway, down the salt marsh trail and out onto the dock overlooking Scotch Bonnet Creek. To fully experience the marsh, make sure to wear shoes that can get wet and muddy! Free with admission Daily: 11:00am and 2:00pm
Ü
Creature Feature and Craft
We will highlight a different live animal or group of animals each day! Get up close with terrapins, fish, crabs, sea stars and urchins, mollusks, horseshoe crabs and the animals of Finding Nemo. After the presentation, create a take-home craft related to that day’s Creature Feature! Free with admission Monday and Friday: 12:30pm
Ü
Catch ‘o the Day
Get your feet wet (or wear waders!) as you discover what swims in the back bays. Help us drag a seine net through the water to find crabs, shrimp, fish and more. Activity recommended for ages 8 and up. Younger children are welcome to attend and can assist in removing creatures from the net! (This activity is tide dependent and may not occur during low tide). Free with admission Wednesday: 12:30pm
Ü
Ü
Seashell Sundays
Starting a shell collection? Want to know where shells come from? Can’t figure out what you found on the beach? Bring it in and we will tell you all about seashells, how to collect them without harming the environment and feature an assortment of live mollusks and cool artifacts. Free with admission Sunday: 12:30pm Summer hours and activities start June 16, 2014! The Wetlands Institute will be open daily from 9:30am to 4:30pm with special evening hours until 8:00pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Please check our website calendar for programming updates as we transition from spring to summer hours!
Friday, April 25 at 6:00pm.
George Clarke Lecture The Life, Death and Rebirth of the Mississippi Delta: How to Harness the River to Build New Coastal Wetlands Presented by Dr. Douglas J. Jerolmack, Associate Professor, University of Pennsylvania. Refreshments will be served. RSVP requested by April 24. Admission: $5
Aquarium Feeding
Help us feed the fish and octopus, or just watch them gobble down their food. We will open up feeding three times each week so you can see the turtles chasing minnows and the horseshoe crab gobbling shrimp. (Not all animals are fed every day). Free with admission Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday: 12:30pm
Tidepool Shop Welcome Spring, sunshine and warmer weather! Welcome members and visitors, we missed you too! We attended several trade shows and know that you will be delighted with the new books and gift items that we found. The Shop is brimming with Made in America merchandise and custom items with The Wetlands Institute logo. New jewelry lines will greet you as well as Fair Trade bags with embroidered birds, turtles and horseshoe crabs. Our custom turtle crossing T-shirts are now available in white, black or gold and you will also find infant onesie’s in the popular design. We heard your request for wide brimmed hats for adults and bucket hats for youth. They will be arriving soon.
by Joyce Ferguson In preparation for the visiting school groups we have organized our center island to feature $5.00 and under items. Puppets, plush animals, puzzles, games are sure to please any child as well as a wide selection of books relating to nature. Two children’s authors will be at Turtle Fest on April 19: Nancy Viau will present her book, Look What I Can Do! , celebrating baby animals overcoming challenges. Donna Zappala is returning with two books about Diamondback Terrapins: What Kind of Turtle Am I ? and Izzy’s Crossing. Don’t miss all of the festivities at Turtle Fest! We look forward to seeing you soon!
3
Volunteer Opportunities Terrapin Storm Drain Rescue Volunteer Workshop Thursday April 24, 6pm – 7pm at The Wetlands Institute
Data collected by volunteers show that large numbers of emerging diamondback terrapin hatchlings get trapped in storm drains while on their way back to their native salt marsh habitat. Join our network of volunteers to rescue these hatchlings. No commitment is too small. The Institute will host an information session and training to organize and deploy a network of volunteer rescuers. To register for this workshop, please e-mail Katie Sellers at ksellers@wetlandsinstitute.org with your name and number of people attending.
Research and Conservation Volunteer Opportunities
Are you interested in helping terrapins, horseshoe crabs, and birds this summer? Our Research and Conservation team could use your help! We’re looking for dedicated volunteers to take the lead or commit to contribute to several of our projects. Check out the opportunities below for some great ways to GET OUTSIDE, LEARN and ENJOY more about this amazing place, and CONTRIBUTE to the work we do. Training will be provided for those who can commit to help and we can only accept a limited number of volunteers. Volunteer opportunities are available to ages 14 and older unless otherwise noted.
Bird Identification on Institute Property
reTURN the Favor Walks
Walk our trail or perch on one of our viewing platforms and keep a list of bird species you see and hear. We will post the lists on our website so everyone can enjoy what this property has to offer! Your contributions will help us track which species are here, and how they are using the Institute property. Optics will be available for loan.
The Wetlands Institute is adopting several beaches in Cape May County to rescue stranded horseshoe crabs through the reTURN the Favor program. We need volunteers to lead walks with the public, follow protocols, and collect and submit data. Training and schedule will be provided.
When: April - October, mornings and late afternoons. Eligibility: Bird ID experience, beginner and above. Required Commitment: Weekly, or minimum twice a month.
Trail Walks to Monitor Terrapin Nests
When: May - mid-July (trainings mid-May and mid-June). Sites may require early mornings and late evenings. Eligibility: 20 years or older, able to walk on sandy beaches, record data, and willing to interact with the public. Required Commitment: Minimum 1 walk/week for 4 weeks.
Do you know about the exclosures we put around terrapin nests along our trail to keep the predators away from the eggs? We patrol our trail several times each day in order to spot nesting females and newly hatched terrapins. Help us keep an eye on trail activity this summer so that nests can stay protected.
Terrapin Barrier Fence Maintenance
When: April – mid-July; mid-August – October. Eligibility: 14 years and up. Required Commitment: A minimum of 5 days.
When: May – August. Eligibility: 18 years or older and work in hot, buggy conditions around poison ivy. Equipment will be provided. Required Commitment: 1-2 days a month.
We have over 4 miles of barrier fencing along Stone Harbor Boulevard that helps prevent terrapins from making hazardous road-crossings. The fencing is most effective when it is securely in place and free of weeds. We could use the help of a few volunteers to keep our fencing in shape.
To get involved, contact research@wetlandsinstitute.org with your project of interest and details on eligibility and availability.
2014 Summer Nature Program Get registered and have the best week of your life while discovering the New Jersey Shore in a fun and hands-on way! Engage in science experimentation and exploration, play games, go on field trips, explore the beach, create arts and crafts, and much more all while enjoying new themes each week: Forces of Nature; Eco-Trails and Treasures; Fins, Scales and Tails; “Thar She Blows!”; See Life at the Seashore; All Hands on Deck!; and Bugs, Bats and Butterflies, Oh My! For children ages 5-13, programs are held weekly from June 30 – August 11, 2014 and include field trips, beach days and exclusive activities. Children age 4 can enjoy special programs during the weeks of July 14, July 28 and August 11, 2014. For complete details, including theme descriptions, pricing and registration information, please visit our website at wetlandsinstitute.org or call 609-368-1211. 4
Discounted registration ends May 1, 2014!
Upcoming Events Turtle Fest
Find us on Saturday, April 19 - 9am to 3pm
Come enjoy a pancake breakfast for the whole family! While you are here, earn a few turtle bucks and cash them in for prizes… Go on an egg hunt, create arts and crafts, help a naturalist search for turtle hatchlings along the trail, enjoy two special book readings by local authors and stop by the aquarium to watch the animals have breakfast too! Non-Member: $10 Adult, $8 child, $30 family pack of 4 Member: $8 Adult, $6 child, $25 family pack of 4
We are pleased to present our
2nd Annual Spring Shorebird and Horseshoe Crab Festival.
Friday, Saturday & Sunday, May 16-18 Two-Day Ticket Non-Member:
$15 Adult, $10 Child
Member:
$13 Adult, $8 Child
One-Day Ticket Non-Member:
$10 Adult, $8 Child, $30 Family Pack of 4
Member:
$8 Adult, $6 Child, $25 Family Pack of 4
Sponsored by:
The Wetlands Institute is situated in an area considered to host one of the “wonders of the world.” With an act of timing only Mother Nature can provide, horseshoe crabs climb onto the beaches of the Delaware Bay to lay their eggs, while thousands of shorebirds time a pit stop in their spring migration route to feed on these energy-packed eggs. With so much life and a myriad of rare and endangered species on our beaches, it is impossible not to appreciate this phenomenon! Join The Wetlands Institute and the Delaware Bay Shorebird Initiative for a festival that celebrates an amazing spectacle of nature – the shorebird migration and horseshoe crab spawning season. • • • •
Shorebird Banding Volunteer Opportunities On Water Back-Bay Nature Tours reTURN the Favor Horseshoe Crab Rescue Walks Horseshoe Crab Teaching Tank and Aquaculture Tours • Guided Shorebird Viewing Walks • Horseshoe Crab and Shorebird Themed Family Workshops • And more!
Photo by Geoff Coe - Wildimagesfla.com
Activities will be held in several locations. Check our website for details and a complete schedule. Tickets are available for purchase on our website. The Spring Shorebird and Horseshoe Crab Festival is a conservation collaboration that includes:
2014 Special Events Lineup
Save the dates!
9:30am 9am - 3pm - 3pm
(details above)
9:30am - 3pm
6pm to 10pm
9:30am - 4:30pm
9:30am to 3pm
Crabulous Turtle FestDay Crab
Spring Shorebird & Horseshoe Crab Festival
Crabulous Crab Day
Wings ‘n Water Benefit Auction
Fall Migration Festival
Wetland Wonderland
Thank you Donors! The Wetlands Institute is pleased to acknowledge all of the contributions we received towards our Capacity Building Initiative, Annual Appeal, and in support of programs. The response was amazing! The following list includes donations received through 2/28/2014.
Capacity Building Initiative
General Donations
$50,000 and up
$50,000 and up
Jim and Barbara Summers Spike and Mary Yoh
$10,000 to $49,999
Ray and Ellen Burke Jennifer and Ken Zeigler
$5,000 to $9,999
Anne Galli Chip and Nancy Roach Hank and Julie Schellenger
up to $4,999
Cape May Beach Plum Association Michael Craig and the Washington Inn Carl and Carol Cutler Dr. Constance P. Dent Gifts to Joe Jacobs Memorial Fund Dr. Ann Gundry Julian and Betsy Miraglia UMH Properties
Laura Hare Charitable Trust
$10,000 to $49,999 Anonymous Donor Dr. Constance P. Dent Mrs. Mary Millar
$500 to $999
Ms. Therese Esperdy Mr. and Mrs. David Gilbert Mr. and Mrs. C. Lee Harp, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Michael Hays Mr. and Mrs. Coleman Henry
$1,000 to $9,999
Mr. Joseph Jehl Lang Rogers Family Foundation Patagonia Footwear Dr. and Mrs. A. F. Wood
Annual Fund Appeal $10,000 and up
Mr. and Mrs. Henry Schellenger, II
$5,000 - $9,999
Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Burke, III Glenmede Trust Co, NA Mr. and Mrs. Barry Hamilton Mr. and Mrs. C. Lee Harp, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. G. Wayne Renneisen Mr. & Mrs. Charles G. Roach, Jr.
$2,000 - $4,999
Mr. and Mrs. G. Wayne Renneisen Ms. Karen E. Welke
$1,000 - $1,999
Mr. Dennis T. Dutton Mrs. Barbara R. Eckhardt Eden Charitable Foundation Eisenhofer Family Foundation Mr. & Mrs. Cameron Fowler Mr. and Mrs. Edward L. Jones, Jr. Drs. George and Lisa Kenis Mr.and Mrs. William Kronenberg III Mr. and Mrs. John Mazzo Mr. and Mrs. William McMahon Mr. Leonard Pfeiffer, IV and Ms. Anna Gunnarsson Ms. Catherine Shamlian Mr. and Mrs. James Summers Mr. and Mrs. Philip Welsh Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth B. Zeigler
$500 - $999
Mr. Paul R. Barbin Ms. Beverly Cassidy Mr. Geoff Coe Mr. and Mrs. Benton Crisman Mr. and Mrs. John Dewey & Family Mr. and Mrs. Louis Eni Mr. and Mrs. Ritson Ferguson Ms. Joan Galli Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Georganna
Ms. Mary Louise Hartman Mr. and Mrs. E. Richard Irrgang Mr. and Mrs. Gary and Pamela Kern Mr. & Mrs. Larry Kravet Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Majka Mr. and Mrs. Joseph G. Mattos Mr. & Mrs. William E. McCracken Mr. and Mrs. Julian Miraglia Ms. Diane Quinn Ms. Jane Rakestraw Mr. and Mrs. Gregg Reich Mrs. Nancy Roberts Dr. Lenore Tedesco and Ms. Nancy Fribley Ms. Laura J. Wilson
$250 - $499
Lee and Jim Amigh Mr. and Mrs. Ben Atkinson Mrs. Audrey Buckingham Mr. Bill Craft Dr. and Mrs. John Cuthbert Mr. & Mrs. Carl and Carol Cutler Mr. and Mrs. John B. DeVries Mr. John Flynn Mrs. Alfred M. Frank Mr. and Mrs. Edward H. Hanway Ms. Graysha K. Harris Mr. and Mrs. William J. Koehl, Jr. Ms. Stephanie Low Ms. Lisa McNichol Mr. and Mrs. Hugo Monformoso Mr. and Mrs. Gregory Osberg Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Parker Mr. Steven B. Pfeiffer Pfizer Foundation Matching Gifts Mr. and Mrs. Seymour S. Preston, III Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Roach Ms. Elizabeth Schellenger Mr. Greg Stahl Mr. and Mrs. John E. Tunnell Ms. Janice Zimmerman
$100 - $249
Mr. Andrew R. Blair Mr. Brian Borak Mr. and Mrs. William Bowen Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Branda, Jr. Mrs. Barbara Burton - Sharp Meredith and Steve Cheryba Dr. Young Chung Concord Suites Mr. and Mrs. Philip Dahlen Ms. Margaret B. Diskin Mr. and Mrs. Lewis E. Ferguson Donna Ferraioli Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Gallagher Mr. John Gaydos Ms. Valerie Gehr Ms. Katherine Gifford Dr. Ann T. Gundry Mrs. Patricia B. Greenwood Mr. Tom Hipple George and Martha Hodges Mr. Tiemann and Virginia Horn Dr. and Mrs. Henry Huffnagle Mr. and Mrs. Robert Hunter Johnson & Johnson Matching Gifts Mr. and Mrs. Henry Justi Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Kilroy Dr. and Mrs. George Kipel Ms. Kristin Klingenberg Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell B. Kowal Mr. John Kowchak Mr. and Mrs. David S. Kratz Ms. Helen Kushla Ms. Carol D. Lane Mr. & Mrs. Charles Q. Livingston Mr. and Mrs. Michael Mattise Mr. and Mrs. John Michalski Mr. Stephen W. Miller Mr. and Mrs. Esther & Ralph Milnes Mrs. Carol M. Miner
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Movsovich Ms. Joan L. Murray Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. Mutzel Dr. and Mrs. Robert Owen Mr. and Mrs. Richard T. Palmerchuck Mr. Richard O. Pike Ms. Janice Pruch Mr. and Mrs. Scott Reese Ms. Elizabeth Rita Mr. Philip H. Rowland Mr. Grant Salstrom Mr. James Schellenger Kimberly & Eric Schiela Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey A. Smith Ms. Allison Stattner Mr. and Mrs. Ward Stone Mr. Mike Surak Mr. and Mrs. Charles Tomlinson, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. John C. Trinkl Mr. Bob Turkelson Mr. and Mrs. E. Norman Veasey Mr. and Mrs. Michael Veneziano Mr. Larry A. Wehr Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Werner Mr. & Mrs. H. Drake Williams, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Ronald L. Workman Mr. and Mrs. Louis J. Zucca, Jr.
$99 and under
Mr. and Mrs. Richard P. Adams Mr. and Mrs. Steve and Susan Ahern Ms. Kathleen Allen Pat Aspinwall Sidne Baglini Ms. Dorothy M. Bair Ms. Gail L. Ballerstedt Scott and Evelyn Barron Mr. and Mrs. Robert Bartke Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Beisel Ms. Carrie Bell Mr. & Mrs. Stan Benarick Mr. David Blair
Thank you Donors! Ms. Ginny Renzi Blair Ms. Maureen Blair Ms. Susan Bobinyec Ms. Susan Brastow Mr. and Mrs. John H. Bretherick, Jr. Dr. and Mrs. Jerald S. Brodkey Mr. and Mrs. Jason Brown Ms. Margot Brubaker Mrs. Harriet Burg Christopher and Patricia Buziak Ms. Priscilla Campbell Mr. and Mrs. Stewart Campbell Mr. Everett Cassel Barbara Cherekjian Mr. and Mrs. John J. Chopack Mr. and Mrs. Robert Clapham Mr. and Mrs. Corbin Cogswell Mrs. Neil Cohen Mr. Frank Coladonato Mr. John Connor Mr. and Mrs. Osman M. Corson, Jr. Ms. Barbara Crowe Ms. Elizabeth Crowley Mrs. Miriam Cunningham Mr. & Mrs. Doug Davidson Jr. Mr. and Mrs. James W. Davis Drs. Robert and Trude Day Mr. Robert T. DeGavre Mr. and Mrs. Paul DeLong Mr. and Mrs. Gary and Diane Dieli Mr. Joe Dolcini Mr. and Mrs. Donald Douglass, Jr. Ms. Barbara Driscoll Ms. Kara Dunigan Mrs. Azalea Ellis Ms. Mary Falese Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Fay Mrs. Jane Foster Kathy Foster Mr. and Mrs. John Fowler, Jr.
Mr. Anthony Galatola Mr. and Mrs. Rob Gannon Ms. Jennifer Gensemer Mr. and Mrs. John Gergely, Jr. 10529 Golden Gate LLC Ms. Judy-Lynn Goldenberg Mr. and Mrs. Carl Graf Mr. and Mrs. Larry Hamermesh Mr. Tim Harp Ms. Barbi Harris Mr. and Mrs. Michael F. Henahan Mr. Steven W. Hepding Ms. Mary Lou Hesser Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Hickman Mr. Peter A. Holter Mr. and Mrs. John Howard Mr. and Mrs. William J. Hughes Ms. Sonya Hulbert Mr. Thomas F. Hynd Mr. Chris Idler Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Johnston Dr. Stephen Johnson Mr. & Mrs. David M. Junkin Ms. Sherry Jurasinski Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Keightley Ms. Valerie Keller Ms. Jayne Kelly Ms. Mary Kay Kennedy Mr. Raymond Kenny Dr. Richard B. Kent Dr. and Mrs. Daniel Klem Dr. Vicki D. Lachman Ms. Cherry Landis Ms. Charlotte Lansinger Mr. and Mrs. Clark Lare Ms. Sally Leathersich Lund’s Fisheries, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Robert A. MacFarland Mr. Edward Mahler Ms. Kelli Marcotte
Mr. and Mrs. Chuck Matthews Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Mazur Mr. Robert McGarvey Dr. Mari M. McLean Ms. Paul and Martha McNamara Dr. Kathleen W. McNicholas Mr. and Mrs. Allen Meyer Mr. and Mrs. Charles Nash Mrs. Cassandra S. Naylor Mr. A. Cesar Nogueira Dr. Helen Pappas Ms. Marya Parral Mr. Connie Pascale Mr. and Mrs. Gabriel Pascuzzi Mr. and Mrs. John C. Peltier Ms. Nancy Pfeffer Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G. Phillips, III Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Pierson Ms. Vilma F. Pombo Mrs. Priscilla Purse Mr. William F. Quinn Ms. Lora Radzieta Mr. & Mrs. William Raupp Mr. Joseph Reale Mr. & Mrs. Brian Reynolds Ms. Evelyn Rider Ms. Evelyn Roberts Mr. Atlee Robinson Mr. David Rogan Ms. Kathleen Ryan Patrick Sahukar and Family Ms. Susan Schmidt Ms. Jane Shalaway Ms. Sandra Shapiro Mrs. Virginia Shen Ms. Christine Singer Mr. and Mrs. Charles O. Slugg Ms. Eileen A. Smalfus Mr. and Mrs. David Smith Morgan and Patricia Smith
Mr. and Mrs. William Smith, Jr. Ms. Shannon Snow Mr. and Mrs. Stewart Stroble Ms. Barbara Stone Ms. Cheryl S. Struble Ms. Barbara Tomlin Mr. and Mrs. William H. Tozour Jr. Mr. Chris Tsiouris Jr. Mr. Steven F. Ulrich Dr. and Mrs. Charles Valentine Ms. Elisabeth Van Every Mr. and Mrs. George Van Gilder Mr. and Mrs. Martin Vasquez Ms. Catherine Ann Wagner Mrs. Alice Wallerstein Mrs. Grace M. Walton Mr. Francis Warnock Mrs. Robert Weaver Mr. and Mrs. Benton G. Weimer Mrs. Dorothy T. West Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Zepka Ms. Barbara U. Zimmerman
Donations in Honor of: Raymond Burke, III Paul Burton, III Sandra Clapham C. Lee Harp Doris Raker
Donations in Memory of: Anita Borak John Capelli Patricia Windrow Howard Joyce Leonard Annie Linch Geoffrey Moskowitz Julia Peifer Samuel Roberts Jim “Daddy” Schellenger Charles Brooke Worth
The Power of Giving Dr. Constance Dent made a wonderful gift to the Institute this year and reminded us all of the power of giving. I want to share a portion of her letter. It is the generous support of our friends that propels all that we do and reminds us everyday that giving is transformative – to the donor as well as the recipients. I am so pleased that the Dent family had the vision to help preserve these wetlands by supporting Herbert Mills’ as he founded the Institute – and that they are supporting our vision now. “... my family has had a long history of support for [the Institute]. This contribution is a continuation of my family support. My sister Jane is doing the same and a huge amount more by leaving a percentage of her estate to the Wetlands. Because early family support is important, I cite the following. Years ago the World Wildlife Fund learned that Stone Harbor was going to continue filling in wetlands so that it could expand its land base. My mother Edith Hastings Crane Dent, my sister Jane Crane Dent, and I (Constance Penn Dent) sent a very generous contribution to the World Wildlife Fund to help in the land purchase that saved the wildlife and coastal area adjacent to Stone Harbor. Moreover, my sister was a docent for the Wetlands Institute for the many years that she had a place in Stone Harbor. Your leading position in an organization that my family and friends all cherish is greatly appreciated. You can count on our continued support in the future.” -- Constance P. Dent February 4, 2014
1075 Stone Harbor Blvd. Stone Harbor, NJ 08247-1424
or Current resident
A not-for-profit education and research organization studying, preserving and protecting wetlands and coastal ecosystems
World Series of Birding The Marshketeers are gearing up for another 24 hours of birding madness on Saturday, May 10, 2014. Our team is stronger than ever with a new expert birder and some experienced returning members. This year’s team co-led by Dr. Lenore Tedesco and Dr. Lisa Ferguson, is pledging their commitment to 24 hours of sunshine, darkness, wind, rain, sand and mud to locate as many species as they can, by sight or sound. Most importantly the team hopes to spot the 2014 Bonus Bird, the Black-Crowned Night-Heron. This is an important fund-raising event for the Institute - please support us. Proceeds from this year’s event will be used to support avian research and conservative programs at the Institute. In 2013, the Marshketeers spotted 129 species and raised nearly $5,000! We ask for your generous support. 1. Pledge an amount per bird species identified, and mail your contribution after the results are in for the year. 2. Contribute a fixed amount to send in right away. 3. Offer an additional pledge based on whether this year’s “bonus bird”, the Black-Crowned Night-Heron is found. Please note: To save paper and reduce our costs this year, we will not mail out forms. All our fundraising will be done online and through this newsletter. This way, we can devote all monies directly to our avian research and conservation programs. Fill out and return the pledge form to the right or pledge online at: wetlandsinstitute.org/conservation/WorldSeriesofBirding
2014 Pledge Form Mail to: The Wetlands Institute 1075 Stone Harbor Blvd Stone Harbor, NJ 08247 Name: _______________________________________________ Email: ___________________________ Member?
Yes
No
Address: _____________________________________________ City: _________________________ State: _____ Zip: _________ Enclosed, please find my donation of $__________ Check#_____ or Credit Card #_______________________________________ Exp. Date: _____________ cvv#________ (3 digit security code) Please read the categories carefully and mark all those that apply to you:
For each species The Marshketeers spot, I wish to pledge : 25¢_____ 50¢_____ 75¢ _____ $1 _____ Other $______ In addition to any other pledges that I have made, I agree to donate an additional $25 if the “bonus bird” is spotted. I prefer to contribute a fixed sum of : $____________ Thank you for supporting avian research and conservation programs at the Institute.