Views from theTower NEWSLETTER
SUMMER 2017 | VOLUME 45 | NO. 2
Share the Beach with Nesting Birds The beaches of Seven Mile Island are beautiful beaches. Characterized by tall dunes, shells galore, and nice swimming opportunities, they are attractive to people as well as many species of nesting birds. We are lucky to share our beaches with some of the most charismatic birds on the Atlantic Coast. Several sensitive species nest on our beaches every summer. Among them are the Piping Plover, American Oystercatcher, Least Tern, and Black Skimmer. Stone Harbor Point is a favored place for them and they rely on the wide open areas with good shell cover. There are few undeveloped beaches left for these birds to nest, so sharing the beach with them helps ensure their survival. Piping Plovers, Endangered in New Jersey and federally listed as “Threatened” under the Endangered Species Act, are the color of sand and perfectly adapted to Atlantic Coast beaches. The American Oystercatcher is a large, charismatic shorebird, with an unmistakable long orange bill and an incessant penchant for arguing loudly with its neighbors. Least Terns feed by diving at high speeds for fish. During the breeding season (MayAugust), Least Terns use fish to “propose”
to their mate. If the female accepts the fish presented by the male, the pair mates for the season, sharing in incubation and defense duties of their nest. Least Terns are listed as Endangered in New Jersey. Black Skimmers, large black and white birds with orange and black bills, nest in colonies, often with Least and Common Terns. They use their unique bill like a spoon, skimming along the surface of the water with their lower jaw open to catch any fish or other prey. Black Skimmers are considered Endangered in New Jersey.
Piping Plover
Beach-nesting birds face many hazards. Their breeding period (May-August) coincides with the busy summer season. Human disturbance and predation negatively impact breeding success. Many predators in our area have abnormally high populations partially due to human activity. They include free-roaming cats, raccoons, foxes, and skunks. Up to 50% of nests are lost to predation each year. Rising sea level is also putting nests at risk to flooding.
Banded American Oystercatcher Adult and Chick
by Allison Anholt
Black Skimmer adult and chick
The Wetlands Institute, along with many others, work hard to ensure the continued success of our resident beachnesting bird species. String-and-post fencing is placed around nesting areas closing the area to people to prevent nests and young from being disturbed. Shorebird Stewards at Stone Harbor Point talk to people about beach-nesting birds. Researchers study, monitor, and conserve the birds through management every day all summer long. The Boroughs of Stone Harbor and Avalon assist with management and conservation efforts. Stone Harbor Point is a designated conservation area, and restrictions are in place to protect sensitive species. You can help by respecting special rules especially not trespassing in closed areas and never bringing a dog to Stone Harbor Point. Support efforts to ensure that these spectacular birds continue to have a home on Seven Mile Island. You can learn more about them by talking to the Shorebird Stewards at Stone Harbor Point or join tours given by The Wetlands Institute. As you bring your family to the beach this summer, remember how fortunate we are to share the beaches with many wildlife also trying to spend family time at the beach!
wetlandsinstitute.org | 1075 Stone Harbor Blvd, Stone Harbor, NJ 08247 | 609.368.1211
A non-profit organization studying, preserving and protecting wetlands and coastal ecosystems. Founded in 1969 by Herbert Mills, Executive Director of the World Wildlife Fund.
Marsh Musings by Dr. Lenore Tedesco, Executive Director
Raymond Burke III, Chair Deborah A. Hays, Vice-Chair Jane Rakestraw, Treasurer Dr. Dorothy Ives-Dewey, Secretary Jeffrey Alderton Michael Craig John Cuthbert Roberta DeVries James Donohue John Flynn
Lois Hamilton Dr. Daniel Klem, Jr. Mary Millar Wayne Renneisen Robert Rich Hank Schellenger
Staff Leadership
Dr. Lenore Tedesco, Executive Director Dr. Lisa Ferguson, Director of Research and Conservation Bonnie Girard, Director of Finance and Administration Brooke Knapick, Director of Educational Program Development Christine Mattera, Director of Marketing and Communications
Research & Conservation Allison Anholt, Research Scientist Brian Williamson, Research Scientist
Education
Haley Faith, Outreach Coordinator Shelby Schmeltzle, Aquarist/ Environmental Educator Sue Slotterback, Environmental Educator
Administration
Terrie Campbell, Financial Admin. Assistant Kimberly Dmytro, Tidepool Shop Christina Faulk, Administrative Assistant Charlene Smith, Gardener Stephanie Stroble, Front Desk Receptionist/ Admissions Coordinator Glenn Thompson, Maintenance
Visit Us Hours: Open daily 9:30 to 4:30 from May 20 to September 24, 2017. Special evening hours until 7pm Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from June 13 to August 31, 2017. 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.
wetlandsinstitute.org
The season has turned and the meadows, beaches – and island – have awakened from their winter slumber. The Wetlands Institute has shifted gears too and the chorus of resident birds in the marsh that welcomes me to work every day is now joined by the laughter and excitement of hundreds of school children, families, and visitors alike that are exploring the wonders of these special places through Institute programs and visits. Many things are very similar – Lily and Marshal, our osprey parents – returned to their nest. Our Purple Martin colonies have returned from their wintering grounds in South America and are busy nesting – and eating thousands of insects. Diamondback terrapin hatchlings are emerging from hibernation and adults are laying the eggs of the next generation. Horseshoe crabs are spawning and shorebirds have moved through. Finally, plovers, oystercatchers, terns and skimmers are nesting on Stone Harbor Point. It’s a glorious time to be at the shore, for people and for all of the inhabitants that make this such a special place. To be aware of them and the wonder of it all enriches my life and I am so thankful to be here to witness it
Osprey Nest LiveCam Lily and Marshal are parents! The first two chicks both hatched on June 1st and chick #3 arrived a few days later. We are excited to have a full nest to watch this season. We are hopeful our 3 will grow into healthy and strong fledglings in a few weeks! You can watch them grow LIVE on our website at wetlandsinstitute.org/livecams
– and to participate actively in ensuring that the richness of wildlife and nature we enjoy is here for generations to come. All of us at the Institute invest time, energy, resources – and sheer willpower every day working to preserve, protect, restore, understand, and monitor these sensitive species and this sensitive place. It’s so much bigger than all of us and our part in healing a small part of this wonderful place at times seems trivial. But at other times, it’s the most meaningful thing that we can do. Healthy marshes and coastal ecosystems are at the heart of healthy communities and our health and wellbeing. We have invested heavily, for nearly 50 years, in working to ensure these marshes are here for generations to come. We are looking for investors to join with us on this journey. As a nation, we are at a critical point in the progress we have made in the environmental arena. We rely increasingly on private philanthropy to help in addressing lifesaving issues of the natural world. Are you ready to invest in our work and guarantee it continues for at least another 50 years? Let me know. You can reach me at 609-368-1211 or ltedesco@wetlandsinstitute.org.
Connections to Stone Harbor and The Wetlands Institute by Dr. Dottie Ives-Dewey, Trustee My family’s roots in Stone Harbor and Cape May County date back generations to when my maternal grandparents, Hugh and Dorothy Grove, purchased their house on 104th street. Some of my earliest memories include trips to the shore with my brothers to visit my grandparents, where we learned the simple joys of crabbing off the dock, lazy days on the beach, and long walks to the point. Our roots grew deeper when my paternal grandparents purchased a house on 111th street. And when my parents purchased their own house in Stone Harbor, our summers grew longer. Much has changed on the island over the years, but the beauty of the natural environment has remained constant. Growing up, my parents and grandparents tried to ensure that my brother and I, and our children, understood and appreciated the intricacies and beauty of the physical environment. Stone Harbor and Cape May County have a special sense of place, in large part as a result of the distinctive natural environment and unique coastal ecosystem. Coming to better understand the functions and value of the natural system was always a part of my family’s shore-time experience. The Wetlands Institute held special meaning for my father and mother, Blair and Lynne Ives. My father served on the board of trustees.. During that time he drew on his business experience to strengthen the organization. My mother was a tireless advocate for the education programs at the Institute and my children had the benefit of the educational programs. Last year,
my family was pleased to announce my father’s estate bequest to the Institute, a final gesture of his passion and commitment to its mission. I am honored to be able to extend his work and offer my own contributions as a Member of the Board of Trustees. Like the island, the Institute has evolved with new leadership. But the core mission has remained the same. Protecting what is special about Cape May County requires continued awareness, understanding and appreciation of the unique ecosystem. In the face of a changing global climate and continued development pressure, the work of the Institute is more important than ever. Through conservation, education, and research, the Institute can play an important role in protecting this special place for the benefit of future generations of my family, and for others who share these special connections.
Learn, Support, Experience! Our newly revamped Adoption Programs offer the chance to learn more about the coastal animals you love while supporting the work we do to research and protect them. Each program has several options to symbolically adopt an animal – Diamondback Terrapins, Horseshoe Crabs, and American Oystercatchers - and receive an adoption certificate, educational newsletter, stickers, and at some levels the chance to participate in our work. Adoptions make a great gift too. Check them out on our website!
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Conservation in Action Volunteers Rescue Thousands of Stranded Horseshoe Crabs by Allison Anholt, Research Scientist
Extra high tides during the new moon in May, combined with warm water temperatures and high sustained winds caused mass strandings of spawning horseshoe crabs on the Delaware Bay over Memorial Day weekend. The water overflowed the sandy beaches and crabs ended up stranded in large numbers in the grassy marshes. Receding tides meant a sure death for the tens of thousands stranded. Our reTURN the Favor program was well-poised to jump into action. We were able to coordinate a mass volunteer effort, with assistance and special allowances provided by New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife. Over 200 volunteers went on over 100 walks to rescue crabs throughout the Delaware Bayshore beaches during the busy holiday weekend, with the amazing achievement of over 22,000 crabs rescued (and counting)! We thank everyone involved for taking time away from their holiday to assist in this amazing, though muddy and tiring, work!
Planting for Nature: The Stone Harbor Wildflower Meadow by Lenore Tedesco, Executive Director The triangle near 118th St between 3rd Ave and Dune Drive has been transformed into an oasis for butterflies, songbirds, hummingbirds, and pollinators of all types. Thanks to a collaboration between the Borough of Stone Harbor’s Natural Resource Committee and The Wetlands Institute, and a group of volunteers, the area has been planted with more than 1100 native perennial plants. The plants were especially selected to provide benefits to wildlife and are suitable for growing in our area. The plants were grown by a local native plant nursery, Clemenson Farms, to our specifications and importantly do not contain insecticides that are known to contribute to mortality of pollinators especially honey bees. Twenty-seven species of flowering plants and two species of grasses were planted. The plants include four species of milkweed to support the nectar and food resources for Monarch Butterflies. Several species produce large flowers and then seeds for songbirds including American Goldfinches. The plants will bloom from early spring through late fall. Several species of asters and goldenrods were included to extend the flowering season well into October to provide fuel for migrating Monarchs. The first Monarch butterfly showed up within 30 minutes of the last plants going in the ground. If you build it – they will come. A complete list of plants, along with descriptions can be found on the Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary website. Be sure to stop by and see how native plants and gardening for wildlife can be included in your yard.
wetlandsinstitute.org
2017 SUMMER
INTERNSHIPS
Coastal Conservation Research Program: We’re having a great summer with our interns in the Coastal Conservation Research Program: Elliott Fackler, Bloomsburg University; Sydney Godbey, Ursinus College; Adeline Schlussel, St. Mary’s College of Maryland; Matthew Shippee, University of Virginia; Michael Stankov, University of Connecticut; and Charles (Pat) Williams, Stockton University. And back leading the group this summer is CCRP Program Coordinator Victoria Musumeci, a CCRP intern alum.
Environmental Education Program: Our interns in the Environmental Education Program are educating their way through a successful summer: Amanda Devers, West Chester University; Phoebe Shoap, Ursinus College; Hannah Locke, Eckerd College; and Danielle Meeker, Christopher Newton University. And proudly mentoring them is Brooke Knapick, Director of Educational Program Development and the entire Education staff.
Welcome Haley Faith! I joined the Wetlands family in April as the new Outreach Coordinator. I graduated from Stockton University in 2013, with a BS in Marine Science, and a concentration in Marine Biology. While in college, I started my marine biology career as an aquaculturist. From there, I have worked at the Atlantic City Aquarium, Cape May Whale Watch & Research Center, National Aquarium, Jenkinson’s Aquarium, and USDA. I have also volunteered with NJDFW, USFWS, and Bryn Athyn College on various trapping and banding projects with: American black ducks, mallards, Canada geese, wood ducks, whitetail deer, and horseshoe crabs. I am a South Jersey local from birth. Growing up close to the coast sparked my interest for marine life at a very young age. My passion for animals and conservation, combined with the desire to share that passion, is what ultimately led me to a career in environmental education. I am an outdoors girl at heart and spend my free time hunting, fishing, hiking, crabbing, and clamming. Because I try to live off the land, I personally have a reason to care about wildlife and coastal habitats. My main goal, while at The Wetlands Institute, is to inspire others to care about these critical habitats just as much as I do. I want to spark a fire in others to want to conserve these habitats for future generations to experience. If I can encourage just a few individuals to take action towards a brighter future for the wetlands, then any work I do here will be worth it.
It’s Time to Explore the Shore! Summer Nature Program spots are filling in quickly! For children ages 5-13, programs are held weekly from July 5 – August 16 and include field trips and beach days. Children age 4 can enjoy special programs during the weeks of July 5, July 17, July 31, and August 14. Children ages 4-5 attend programs daily from 9:30am – 12:00pm and children ages 6-13 attend programs daily from 9:30am – 2:00pm. For complete details, including theme descriptions, availability, pricing and registration information, visit our website call 609-368-1211.
July 5-7 Creation Nation
Explore the Shore: Have to Have a Habitat
July 31-Aug. 4 at e Wetlands Inst ute
July 17-21
July 10-14
Amazing Mammals in the Sea
Fins, Skins, Scales, Tails: Fashion & Function in the Wild Outdoors
Aug. 7-11 Weather or Not
July 24-28 Go With the Flow
Aug. 14-16 Seashore Scientist & Their Tools for Exploration
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Summer Happenings and Events The Wetlands Institute will be open daily from 9:30am-4:30pm with extended evening hours and activities until 7:00pm TuesdayThursday from June 13-August 31, 2017! Unless otherwise stated, all activities are free with admission and occur onsite at The Wetlands Institute. For more information, visit wetlandsinstitute.org/events.
Salt Marsh Safari 10AM, 12PM & 2PM 11AM & 1PM
Monday - Friday Saturday - Sunday
Watch our award-winning film, Secrets of the Salt Marsh, then join us for an interpretive marsh walk along our elevated walkway and onto the dock overlooking Scotch Bonnet creek!
Creature Feature 11:15AM & 1:15PM
Monday - Friday
During this live animal presentation, get up close and personal with turtles, fish, crabs, sea stars and urchins, mollusks, horseshoe crabs, or the popular animals of Finding Nemo.
Aquarium Feeding 3:15PM 2:15PM
Tuesday and Thursday Saturday
Help us feed the local marine life! We will open up feeding three times each week so you can see the octopus eating crabs and the horseshoe crab gobbling shrimp.
Special Evening Happenings 5PM
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights are bursting with fun as we highlight our favorite reptiles, birds, plants, pollinators and arthropods. Meet live animals, release a terrapin or horseshoe crab from our dock and make a difference!
Crabbing at the Dock 2:15PM
Monday, Wednesday, Friday 3:15PM 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.
Seashell Sunday 10AM
Sunday
Seashells at the seashore! Join us to learn all about seashells, how to collect them without harming the environment and touch an assortment of live mollusks and cool artifacts.
Sunday
Drop a line in the water and see what pinches it! We’ll provide the bait and handlines - You reel in the blue crabs!
Hooked on Fishing 9:30AM
Saturday
Go fishing! We’ll teach you how to bait a hook, cast a line, catch a fish and reel it in. We’ve even got fishing poles and bait.
Dune and Beach Walk 9:30AM
Catch ‘o the Day
Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday
Wednesday
Meet at 48th Street and Dune Drive in Avalon for an interpretive walk along the maritime forest and dune trails to learn about the flora and fauna that call this area their home. Suggested $3 donation to The Wetlands Institute.
Exploration Point 9:30AM
Monday
Bring your buckets! Meet at the trailhead at 122nd Street in Stone Harbor and explore Stone Harbor Point for awesome seashells, cool birds, and fun things that live under the sand. Suggested $3 donation to The Wetlands Institute.
Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary Tour 10AM
Sunday (June 4 - August 27) Saturday (July and August)
Grab binoculars and your best bird guide! Then meet us at Egret Espy trail, 2nd Avenue Entrance in Stone Harbor for a guided tour of the Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary.
Jersey Cape Shell Club Show Friday, August 18 - Sunday, August 20. Stop in to see incredible collections of shells from around the world, including shells and shell artwork that will be available for sale. Free with Admission. Shell Show only: $3, children under 12 free.
Summer on the Water Ocean City Back Bay Birding and Wildlife Tours Join us aboard the Duke o’ Fluke for a special sunset sail on the Ocean City back bays. Cruise past endangered skimmers, dozens of osprey, and the area’s largest rookery of herons and egrets. Trip departs from the Bayside Center, located between 5th and 6th Streets, in Ocean City. Call 609-368-1211 for reservations.
Reservations required for all activities. Please check our website for complete schedule and pricing. Unless otherwise stated, all activities leave from The Wetlands Institute dock.
Back Bay Birding and Wildlife Tours Board The Skimmer to cruise the beautiful back bays of Stone Harbor. Highlights include bird watching, salt marsh wildlife viewing and marine life touch tanks. Trips depart weekly, Tuesday through Thursday, with both daytime and evening tours available. Call 609-884-3100 for reservations or book online at skimmer.com.
Back Bay Kayaking and Paddle Boarding Kayaking and paddle boarding have become very popular ways to explore the marsh. Join us Monday through Friday, day or evening, for a guided kayak or paddle board tour of the coastal marsh ecosystem in a single or tandem kayak or atop a paddleboard. Call 609368-1211 for reservations.
Full Moon Paddling For two nights each month, hop into a kayak as the sun sets and the full moon rises. During this guided tour, if needed, we’ll paddle with lights on for safety beneath the moonlight. Call 609-3681211 for reservations.
Junior Duck Stamp Competition Winner Congratulations to New Jersey’s 2017 Junior Duck Stamp Competition winner, Paige Min. “I’m honored that the judges liked my piece!” says Paige Min. At age 14 she is a life-long resident of New Jersey, currently residing in Tenafly and studying art at One Art Studio in Norwood. “I chose the Black-bellied Whistling Duck because it looked cute and quirky. These ducks can be found in areas with shallow water year-round in our southern states from Texas to Florida. Their most interesting characteristic is their high-pitched whistle! I’ve been drawing for as long as I remember. I’m really passionate to improve and continuously raise the bar for myself. My favorite medium is definitely pencil. I always have pencils with me and I’m the most comfortable with them.”
Tidepool Shop Our book and gift shop is open every day from 9:30am to 4:30pm with evening hours until 7pm Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from June 13 to August 31, 2017 . Can’t visit us? Call and purchase by phone. We will ship your purchase anywhere in the US.
Natural Skin Care Gently care for your skin with these natural skin care products! Be sure to get your Cactus Juice insect repellent before you walk down the Marsh Trail! It works great on greenheads!
All Things Turtles It’s nesting season! Show your support of Terrapins with our official Terrapin Conservation Project t-shirts or decorate your garden with colorful turtles.
The Painted Bird From the studio of wildlife carver Richard Morgan come these beautifully reproduced shorebird decoys. Finished by hand, no two are exactly alike.
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Presort Non-Profit US Postage PAID Permit 1940 Bellmawr, NJ
1075 Stone Harbor Blvd. Stone Harbor, NJ 08247-1424 A non-profit organization studying, preserving and protecting wetlands and coastal ecosystems
As a conservation organization, we have a special responsibility to address the global challenges of climate change and sustainability. We are committed to minimizing environmental impacts in all aspects of our operations. Visit our website at wetlandsinstitute.org/about-us/ sustainability/ for more on our sustainability initiatives.
Views from theTower - the 3rd annual -
The Wetlands Institute’s Annual
• • • at Icona Golden Inn • • •
benefiting The Wetlands Institute
Call 609.368.1211 or stop in to buy tickets. Drawing: December 19, 2017, 1:00pm at The Wetlands Institute
JULY 29, 2017 tickets:
Only 240 tickets being sold... Get yours today! *$12,000 if all 240 tickets are sold. No substitution of the offered prize may be made. Winner does not need to be present to win. Must be 18 years of age or older to participate. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call toll-free 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537). Net proceeds will be used to To further environmental education and conservation programs at The Wetlands Institute. RA# 14-17 481-5-25895 Middle Township.
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$200 PER PERSON
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purchase online at: WETLANDSINSTITUTE.ORG
- Presented by THE DILLER FAMILY
& FOUNDATION
6-9PM
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