Views from theTower NEWSLETTER
SUMMER 2018 | VOLUME 46 | NO. 2
Crazy about Horseshoe Crabs The Atlantic Horseshoe Crab (Limulus polyphemus) is an important keystone species of the Delaware Bay. As such, the horseshoe crab is depended upon by many other species participating in the ecosystem. Shorebirds such as the Red Knot (Calidris canutus), Ruddy Turnstone (Arenaria interpres), and the Sanderling (Calidris alba) depend upon the horseshoe crab’s tiny, green, protein-rich eggs deposited along the banks of the Delaware Bay for their own nutritional welfare. Some of these shorebirds make a 9,000 mile migration from their wintering grounds along the southern tip of South America to their breeding grounds in the Arctic tundra. Their journey is timed so they can take a rest along the shore of the Delaware Bay in order to feast upon this large concentration of horseshoe crab eggs. Unfortunately, the Delaware Bay’s horseshoe crab population has declined by 90% over the last 15 years mostly due to overharvesting and habitat degradation. As the number of horseshoe crabs have decreased, so have the number of eggs available for consumption by migrating shorebirds. Shorebird population numbers are therefore plummeting as well, as many cannot gain the amount of energy needed to complete their migrations.
by Shelby Schmeltzle
In an effort to address the Delaware Bay horseshoe crab situation, with proper permitting, The Wetlands Institute (TWI) collects fertilized horseshoe crab eggs from spawning beaches along the Delaware Bay and rears the eggs under controlled Photo by conditions in our aquarium. CariAnne Slotterback After about a month, joint initiative between TWI and the NJ eggs hatch and newly born horseshoe Division of Fish and Wildlife’s Aquatic crabs are maintained in their specially Education program. This program allows designed culture tanks consisting of two teachers across New Jersey to raise large chambers with netted lids that keep horseshoe crab hatchlings in specialized eggs inside the chambers while allowing tanks in their classrooms. In only its them to receive oxygenated seawater second year, the program currently and prevent unwanted fungal growth. has eight participating teachers, each The lower part of the system contains taking approximately 25 horseshoe fine-medium grain sand where larger crab hatchlings and 25 fertilized eggs, hatchlings reside for public viewing. resulting in approximately 400 horseshoe Enclosed in this cultured environment crabs going into classrooms throughout and free of predation, aquaculture New Jersey, more than doubling efforts dramatically increases horseshoe crab from the first year. In the coming weeks, survival both before and after the first the teachers will return their grown molts. These small crabs are kept in horseshoe crabs to TWI so we can release culture tanks until they are ready to begin them back into their natural habitat. feeding. From there, some are released at Want to join in a horseshoe crab release, their respective egg collection locations learn more about the Horseshoe Crabs and others enroll in the Horseshoe Crabs in the Classroom program or see the in the Classroom program, which is a horseshoe crab hatchery display? Then come on over to The Wetlands Institute every Thursday evening for Horseshoe Crab Mania Thursday where our educators give presentations focusing on horseshoe crabs, their conservation, and we release one of our larger horseshoe crab hatchlings. We look forward to seeing you!
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
Deborah A. Hays, Chair Jane Rakestraw, Vice-Chair Robert Rich, Treasurer Dr. Dorothy Ives-Dewey, Secretary Jeffrey Alderton Raymond Burke, III Michael Craig John Cuthbert Roberta DeVries James Donohue
John Flynn Lois Hamilton Mary Millar Wayne Renneisen Hank Schellenger William Wermuth
Staff Leadership
Dr. Lenore Tedesco, Executive Director Dr. Lisa Ferguson, 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 & Conservation Brittany Morey, Research Associate 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 Stephanie Stroble, Front Desk Receptionist/ Admissions Coordinator Charlene Smith, Gardener Glenn Thompson, Maintenance
Visit Us Hours: May 21 - September 23: Open daily 9:30am to 4:30pm with special evening hours until 7pm Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from June 11 to August 30. 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
It’s mid-May as I muse. It’s been a busy few weeks for me – 4th annual native plant sale, World Series of Birding, Return the Favor Horseshoe Crab rescue walks, the Conservation Wine Series release with Jessie Creek Winery, and the Spring Shorebird and Horseshoe Crab Festival. All of these opportunities reconnect me to the natural world and to all of you. From our migratory friends that are returning from their wintering grounds to the freshness of the marsh as it turns vibrant shades of green, there is wonder in all of it. Whether you too are returning from your wintering grounds or sprucing up to be back in your spring glory, it’s a time of connections that I welcome every year.
out late into the night. Terrapin nesting season is just around the corner and there is so much to do to prepare. The education team is in full swing. There are new exhibits in the aquarium and the horseshoe crab hatchery is up and running. SEAS trips are underway providing students an opportunity to be out on a boat doing science and also providing new animals to the aquarium. Otto the Octopus continues to be full of character and personality and is excited by the increase in visitors.
The grounds of the Institute are electrified with the energy of hundreds of school children discovering the wonders of the marsh, intermingled with dozens of bird fanatics with binoculars scanning the marsh for our transient friends. The Purple Martins are back in large numbers and are actively setting up shop and watching over all we do. Their constant chatters is a welcoming sound. Marshal and Lily, our osprey pair, are incubating 3 eggs and are always a joy to see. We are all gearing up. In a few days, the interns arrive and begin their adventure of a summer in the marsh - a lifechanging experience for so many. The beach stewards will be out on Stone Harbor Point and Cape May National Wildlife Refuge protecting beach nesting birds and educating beach-goers about their plight and how we can all share the resource. The research team is already out monitoring bird usage of the nesting habitat that was recently refurbished. Horseshoe crab census work keeps them
Go Paperless
There is so much life and energy at the Institute. We continue our work to ensure these marshes are here for generations to come, that they are teeming with life, and all of you have ample opportunity to experience the wonders of these remarkable ecosystems. I hope to see you here reconnecting as well. When you come by, please take a moment to ask to see me – I would enjoy catching up.
Paperless newsletters are more sustainable and they help reduce our cost. Sign up for our e-newsletter at wetlandsinstitute.org/about-us/newsletter.
Ring Island Nesting Habitat: Common Sense Conservation? by Dr. Lenore Tedesco, Executive Director For the past 4 years, scientists at The Wetlands Institute have been working as part of a project team that includes the US Army Corp of Engineers, NJ Department of Environmental Protection, The Nature Conservancy and many others working to understand if we can provide ecological benefit to marshes stressed by sea level rise. One of those projects used dredge materials to build a sandy platform to provide alternate nesting habitat for several species of colonial and marsh-nesting birds struggling with nest flooding, habitat loss and disturbance. The Ring Island project was constructed in fall of 2014 and was wonderfully successful with good nesting success of Black Skimmers, Common and Least Terns and American Oystercatchers in 2017. Over time the size of the habitat was reduced and plant growth was diminishing its value. This winter, we worked with the Army Corp of Engineers to test methods to add more sand to the site. The goal was to marry dredging needs in the Intracoastal Waterway with the need to restore elevation to the habitat and knock back some of the vegetation. The project was incredibly successful and we were able to add sand without impacting the surrounding marsh creating the potential for repetitive recharging of the site and meeting the maintenance dredging needs of the waterway. Our teams will be monitoring birds at the site for another two years. We are also working to identify other suitable locations to potentially add additional sites as we explore the most effective ways to provide a meaningful boost to populations of these species while balancing the impacts to the marsh, and the dredging needs of our waterways. A delicate balance, but one where we are pleased to be participating.
My Connections to The Jersey Shore by Will Wermuth, Trustee Like many people from Philadelphia, the Jersey Shore was the ultimate summer playground as a child. At a young age, my mother taught me how to build sandcastles, jump waves and appreciate family time together. My wife and I are now passing along those “lessons” to our children, however with one BIG addition: The importance of understanding and protecting our natural wetlands and back-bay habitat. When I was young, I did not realize the amazing, yet fragile, ecosystem that existed right in our backyard. The Wetlands Institute has connected my family to actively participating in protecting our habitat that makes beach life so precious. With everyone’s support, they can continue impacting children’s impressionable minds and attracting passionate people to carry out its mission for future generations.
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Conservation in Action Nesting Season is Here!
by Brian Williamson
As the weather warms up and vacationers begin to arrive, local turtles, especially nesting diamondback terrapins, will be on the move as well. Here are some guidelines for what to do, and not do, if you see a turtle this summer. •
Be aware of turtles on roadways. If you see a turtle on the road, carry it across in the direction it is headed if safe to do so. For snapping turtles, prod it gently with a stick to encourage it to move on its own, or drag it across using a car mat. Never pick any turtle up by the tail, as this can harm it.
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If you see a turtle nesting, please watch from a distance. She may abandon nesting if approached.
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If you find an injured diamondback terrapin, contact The Wetlands Institute- we may be able to help treat its injuries. For other turtle species, please contact a state licensed wildlife rehabilitator-you can find a full list online.
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If you find a dead terrapin with intact eggs, please let us know, as we may be able to incubate and hatch her eggs artificially in our lab.
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If you find a turtle in your yard, please leave it alone and enjoy watching it in its natural habitat. Do not relocate the turtle- all turtles have small home ranges and can become confused if moved away from their homes. Wild turtles often die in captivity and it is illegal to take wild turtles as pets in New Jersey.
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If you find a baby terrapin, release it in some marsh grass or tidal rack near where you found it. Baby terrapins are very capable of surviving with no parental care, and thrive in areas with extensive cover where they can hide from predators.
Learn, Support, Experience! Our 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!
wetlandsinstitute.org/adopt
wetlandsinstitute.org
2018
Coastal Conservation Research Program: The 2018 Coastal Conservation Research Program interns have been fully immersed in their summer at the Wetlands, learning new skills, contributing to our projects, and developing their own individual studies: Kirstine Grab, University of Minnesota; Jamie Infanti, University of Connecticut; Sarah Kerr, Clemson University; Amanda Lillie, Tufts University; Amanda Lyons, Brown University; Danny Stoner, Kutztown University. Steven Luell, our CCRP Program Coordinator, is making sure all projects run smoothly this summer.
Environmental Education Program: Our Environmental Education interns are settled in and already busy leading public programs: Gregory Fischer, Stockton University; Joseph Hernandez, Stockton University; Samantha Najarian, College of Charleston; and back for a second year as Lead Environmental Education Intern, Diana Moczula, Carleton University. Be sure to come learn more about their experience at our Annual Intern Symposium on August 6!
Meet Brittany Morey This spring, Brittany has joined the Research and Conservation Department as a research associate. She has previously worked seasonally with The Wetlands Institute monitoring American Oystercatchers and Piping Plovers at Stone Harbor Point. During her undergraduate studies as an intern, she has researched Common Terns at breeding sites in the Great Lakes and banded Saw-whet owls in Pennsylvania. After graduating in 2014 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from Penn State University she continued to work with seabird species in Maine and band owls in Idaho. Brittany will be conducting avian surveys on Ring Island and helping out on many other projects involving diamond back terrapins, shorebirds, and horseshoe crabs.
Do Your Kids Love Summer Camp? Summer Nature Programs are filling up quickly! Don’t miss this opportunity for your kids to 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 a new theme each week! For children ages 5-13, programs are held weekly from June 27 – August 22, 2018 and include field trips and beach days. Children age 4 can enjoy special programs during the weeks of June 27, July 9, July 23, August 6 and August 20, 2018. 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.
June 27-29 Solar, Polar, Fire and Ice
at e Wetlands Inst ute
July 23-27 Nature of Night
Explore the Shore: Beneath the Shell July 30Aug. 3 Tagged, You’re It!
July 16-20
July 9-13
July 2-6
Get in Shape: Structures in Nature
Aug. 6-10 Herps and Terps
Marine Micro Macro: Lifestyles of the Wet and Tidal
Aug. 13-17 Common Ground
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Aug. 20-22 Safari in the Saltmarsh
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 12-August 30, 2018! Unless otherwise stated, all activities are free with admission and occur onsite at The Wetlands Institute. For more information, visit wetlandsinstitute.org/events.
Special Evening Happenings
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!
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!
Creature Feature Monday - Friday
11:15AM & 1:15PM
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.
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
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. Free to attend and generously sponsored by Avalon Free Public Library.
Catch ‘o the Day 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.
Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday
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.
Seashell Sunday 10AM
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.
Crabbing at the Dock 2:15PM
Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary Tour
Sunday
10AM
Sunday (June 3 - August 26) 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. Program free to attend.
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!
Jersey Cape Shell Club Show Friday, August 10 - Sunday, August 12. 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.
Crabulous
Crab Day
FRIDAY JULY 13 | 9:30AM - 3PM
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.
• Crabby Crafts & Games • Crab Cake Cook-off • Crabbing Tournament • Meet the Crabs Teaching Tank • Appearances by Crabby Scute • And More! Sponsored by:
Non-Member: $10 Adult, $8 Child, $30 Family 4-pack Member: $8 Adult, $6 Child, $25 Family 4-pack
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 12 to August 30, 2018 . Can’t visit us? Call and purchase by phone. We will ship your purchase anywhere in the US.
For the Kids Fun reusable water bottles help encourage young stewards of the environment. Colorful matching card games that use strategy, observation and memory.
Ebroidered Hats Our new TWI embroidered hats are here! Shelter from the sun while proudly diplaying your support for conservation!
Miniature Art Hand crafted artwork designed for small spaces. Come see our new selection of mini canvases, decorated stones, candle-holders, night lights and more.
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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 SAVE THE DATE The Wetlands Institute’s Annual
The 4th annual
Summer celebration • • • • ICONA GOLDEN INN • • • •
Cocktail reception and auction THE WETLANDS INSTITUTE
Call 609.368.1211 or stop in to buy tickets. Drawing: December 18, 2018, 1:00pm at The Wetlands Institute
E V EN T T ICK E T S | $200 PER PER SON SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE
TICKETS AND EVENT INFORMATION: 609.368.122/WETLANDSINSTITUTE.ORG
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# 11-18 481-5-25895 Middle Township.
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