Views from theTower NEWSLETTER
Winter 2018-2019 | VOLUME 46 | NO. 4
The Celebration of a Milestone Herbert Mills’ daughter, Sallie Mills Oberg, for sending me a box of incredibly important documents last month.
Herbert Mills, documenting skimmer and tern colonies near Avalon.
Milestones are significant and here at The Wetlands Institute we are about to celebrate a milestone. The Wetlands Institute turns fifty in 2019. Fifty years is a notable achievement and especially for a small non-profit. It’s a great time to reflect on the past and also to look to the future. It’s a wonderful opportunity to consider the many watershed moments and personalities that stepped up to serve at their time. 2019 will be a year filled with celebrations and opportunities to enjoy all that The Wetlands Institute has to offer. Over the past few years, the staff have been accumulating and archiving as much of the early history of the Institute as we can and we plan to share that history over the course of the next year. It has been remarkable to learn about the incredible vision – and amount of work - that went into preserving and protecting these marshes. We are so grateful to those before us who archived some of this material and especially to
The chief driver of this vision was Herbert Mills and the World Wildlife Fund. Herb was the Executive Director of the World Wildlife Fund, US beginning in November, 1966. He introduced the New Jersey Wetlands acquisition project to the WWF Executive Committee in October, 1967 and the project was unanimously approved by the WWF board in December, 1967. At the time, Mills and others were dismayed by the largescale loss of wetlands to development and filling. WWF launched this project because “it was an important matter that the US government might not get around to before it’s too late”. By December, 1971, Mills reported to WWF that the land acquisition program costs were $756,905 for approximately 5,000 acres. This equates to more the $4.9 million in today’s terms. These lands and the remaining land acquisitions were transferred to the State of New Jersey for the creation of the Cape May Wetlands Conservation Area with the exception of a 35 acre parcel. When the WWF made its substantial purchases of wetlands in southern NJ, it agreed with the New Jersey Department of Conservation and Economic Development that it would sponsor an education and research institute devoted to shallow ocean and estuary studies. The South Jersey Wetlands Institute was incorporated on February 7, 1969. WWF transferred 35 acres of the purchased land for the design and construction of the new Institute.
by Dr. Lenore Tedesco Herbert Mills, in a September 11, 1971 speech before the Stone Harbor Realty Owners Association reminded us that he felt strongly about “preserving this great area for our children and grandchildren – not only for economic and recreational reasons, but for aesthetic and cultural reasons”. With the land purchase, Mills went on to point out that all of us are the beneficiaries of this action – open space dedicated in perpetuity to the people of New Jersey, local residents, and those who summer here. Truer words may not have been spoken. As we embark on this year of reflection and celebration, we will continue to remind our friends and supporters that they are the beneficiaries of the great vision of the founders. Stay tuned and look for opportunities to help us preserve our future too.
Anne Galli, former employee, director, and board member of The Wetlands Institute, sharing her passion for wetlands.
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 Bonnie Girard, Director of Finance and Administration Brooke Knapick, Director of Educational Program Development Christine Mattera, Director of Marketing and Communications
Research & Conservation Brittany Morey, Research Associate Brian Williamson, Research Scientist
Education
Haley Faith, Outreach Coordinator 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 Jamie Warner, Manager of Advancement
Visit Us Hours: September 24 - May 19, open Saturday and Sunday 9:30 to 4:30. Closed from December 23 - January 3. Check our website for Holiday Hours. 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.
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As I write this column, the monarchs are migrating and the marsh has taken on a multitude of colors reminding us of the changing seasons. By now, you all know that my internal clock is tuned to the annual cycles of migrations and changing patterns of vegetation. As a geologist by training, I also have a distinct understanding of deep time and contemplate changes on much longer timescales – thousands and even millions of years. I seem to struggle with the inbetween time frames but periodically, I ponder the changes that have taken place between these scales to consider the journey of the past several years. This October marks seven years since I assumed the awesome responsibility of stewarding The Wetlands Institute into the future. Seven has always been a lucky number and I think that as I take stock of the Institute’s progress over these seven years – it’s been pretty remarkable overall. In a very short period of time, we have assembled an outstanding team of professional scientists, educators, and administrative staff to elevate programs and experiences to new levels. We have grown across the board in both quality and quantity – and importantly for me – in the depth of the experiences that are offered. Whether it’s the quality of science exploration and discovery provided to school kids in marsh exploration programs, or the research experiences completed by undergraduate students in the internship program, or the significance of marsh monitoring programs, or how we are translating our observations and discoveries into actionable projects and policies throughout the state and region, The Wetlands Institute is a much stronger and more diverse organization that it was in the fall of 2011. When I came on board, we MADE NO SMALL PLANS, and I am pleased to say, it has paid off. Make no mistake
though, this isn’t about me. It’s about all of the people that worked for years to keep this ship on course so we were in a position to take the next steps. It took a courageous Board of Trustees to take risks, a dedicated staff that give a part of themselves every day, and the unwavering support of our members, friends, and supporters to stand with us. These seven years have been incredible for other reasons as well. They have positioned The Wetlands Institute to look ahead with even more bold ideas and to reach ahead for even more greatness. 2019 marks the 50th Anniversary of the founding of The Wetlands Institute. We are planning a year of celebration and also a year where we will work to secure the future of The Wetlands Institute for another 50 years. Stay tuned and I hope you will join us in celebration and learn how you can be a part of the next half century.
The Natural World Is Important to Me by Evelyn Rider, Herbert Mills Legacy Society Member
Having been a member of the Wetlands Institute for nearly 20 years, I decided to include The Wetlands Institute in my estate planning. The natural world of the shore is both enjoyable and important to me. As a young child, I loved being outside! Nature was a big part of my life. My grandmother could catch a fly in flight and would say “We have to put this fly outside because it is part of nature’s big plan.” I bought a small house in Stone Harbor in 1998. My heart bursts with gratitude for my little home. While there I walk to the beach as often as possible. It’s paradise. I am so thankful for The Wetlands Institute. With every visit I learn something new. The staff and volunteers are superb. Their dedication to education, research and conservation is so evident. Through tireless efforts, they encourage humanity to blend, to coexist with nature’s fragile web. I have never been able to catch a fly like my grandmother, but I can be a small part of the Herbert Mills Legacy Society and be proud of that. As a mother and grandmother, I want the Institute to be an ongoing part of my family’s life and to continue their work which benefits us all. If you would like to join the Herbert Mills Legacy Society, please contact Lenore Tedesco at ltedesco@wetlandsinstitute.org or 609368-1211.
A Sea of Plastic? We Did Something About It! by Dr. Lenore Tedesco This summer, I wrote about the sea of plastic and its impact on marine life. I spent a lot of time working with the Boroughs to craft appropriate ordinance language and educate the councils on the issues. I also challenged everyone to do something about it by finding ways to reduce, reuse and recycle in our daily lives. Great news! This fall, both Avalon and Stone Harbor passed ordinances to ban single use plastic bags, Styrofoam and plastic straws. There are also provisions to make disposable food service products like take out containers, forks, spoons, and knives more environmentally friendly as well. The ordinances take effect next spring ahead of the next busy season but also give merchants time to shift their inventory and select new products that they need to conduct business. 7 Mile is rapidly becoming an ocean-friendly island and with all of our participation, we can make a difference.
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Research & Conservation Just Skimming the Surface by Lisa Ferguson Who doesn’t love the sight of Black Skimmers streaming low over calm waters in our backbays? Or their barks at dusk as they cut the water with their bill in a hunt for fish? We are treated to these sights and sounds during the summer when Black Skimmers settle in our area to nest with other colonial birds. Their options for nesting sites are limited though because they like undisturbed beach or marsh areas with expansive views, good fishing nearby, and low risk of predation and flooding. Competition for such sites on the New Jersey coast and elsewhere is fierce, and skimmers and other species are losing sites to successfully nest and raise young. Skimmers are thus a focal species for understanding changes to our coastal areas. To better understand how skimmers move among sites locally and during their forays south
and location. Pictures are a great way to confirm a code and capture the details.
for the winter, we have started placing bands on their legs in a coordinated effort with biologists in other states. Skimmers captured in New Jersey wear a bright blue band with a white code that is readable from a distance – like the bands on juvenile C90 or adult C03 below. Different colors are used in other states. Reports of our banded skimmers come from near and far and every report helps us learn more! If you see a banded black skimmer, take a record of the color and code on the band, the date/time,
Our 2018 Institutional Sponsors:
INSPIRING HOME DESIGN
What else are we doing to help Black Skimmers and other coastal birds? The past few years we have run stewardship programs at two important beaches for birds in Cape May County – Two Mile Beach Unit in Wildwood Crest (US FWS) and Stone Harbor Point in Stone Harbor (Borough of Stone Harbor). Stewards are there to keep an eye out for the birds, and also provide information about nesting and migratory birds, beaches, and regulations to beach-goers. Their jobs are so important for safeguarding these areas that are protected for conservation, and providing people with more information to enjoy the sights. They even get to help out with banding activities from time to time!
Photo credit: Shayna Marchese
Environmental Education Migrating Monarchs: Making Connections along the Way by Sue Slotterback Monarch tagging began in 1940, in efforts to learn where monarch butterflies went during the winter. It took 36 years before the first tagged monarch was finally seen… in Mexico! Last February, I got a chance to travel to Mexico to see millions of monarch utilize these special overwintering sanctuaries in Mexico. The monarchs I saw were the very same monarchs that had passed through Stone Harbor just a few months prior. It took four to five generations for the monarchs I saw in February to migrate up into New Jersey and Canada. The generation we are seeing now is heading back to Mexico’s sanctuaries where their great-great grandparents spent last winter. It was nothing short of miraculous for early researchers to spot a tagged monarch amongst the millions covering the trees and meadows. Today, tagging efforts have changed, and are focused on finding the specific routes monarchs take to get to Mexico. The Wetlands Institute (TWI) Monarch Ambassadors have joined that effort, tagging monarchs they find in the
Stone Harbor area. Meanwhile, Cape May Monarch Monitoring Project taggers tag and wait in Cape May on the lookout for TWI’s tiny green tags. Both parties are hoping to learn if our monarchs depend on Cape May as a stopover before crossing the Delaware Bay en route to Mexico. Recovering tagged monarchs is always exciting, as each one tells another part of the journey and makes incredible connections. On September 29 TWI’s Monarch Ambassador Jan Zimmerman found a tagged monarch in the gardens of Stone Harbor Point. It was tagged in Mount Holly on September 11 by Michele Horvath, a former TWI research intern from 1992. So, if you see a tagged monarch, be sure to record the number of the tag – it just might have an unexpected connection to you! To report a tagged monarch, go to Monarch Watch: https://monarchwatch.org/report-tag.
Home-Sweet-Home: Fostering Community Partnerships by Brooke Knapick Environmental education for our youth is key to ensuring a future for the wetlands and coastal ecosystems. For many years, The Wetlands Institute has maintained long-standing partnerships with local schools in both Middle Township and Ocean City. Beginning in 2016, we extended these partnerships to include schools within Stone Harbor and Avalon. Each year, approximately 450 children in grades K-2 from Middle Township Elementary, 1,050 children in grades K-9 from Ocean City Schools and all students in K-8 from Stone Harbor and Avalon Elementary Schools experience multi-day engagement environmental education programs ranging from aquariums in the classroom to terrapin tracking to beach and wetland explorations. All of our programs emphasize place-based education and allow students to explore and understand the surrounding south Jersey ecosystems they call home. During
these programs, students research, identify, investigate, and apply scientific methods through hands-on activities and experiences. Although programmatically the activities vary according to grade-level, all lessons and field experiences are designed and intended to allow students to develop a deeper understanding of the organisms and ecosystems within their local community. From turtles to salt marshes, water testing to sustainable seafood, we seek to leave a lasting impression on the students. As we reflect on the longevity of these partnerships, we look forward to giving future students a deeper appreciation for their local environment while watching them grow from children into environmental stewards. If your school is interested in forming a partnership with The Wetlands Institute, our door is always open.
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Around the Marsh Give the Gift of Membership! Our members are the foundation of The Wetlands Institute. When you give the gift of Membership to The Wetlands Institute, you not only support our mission but you also allow us to advance our impactful research, conservation and education work. Annual memberships start at $25 and provide free admission to the Institute, a 10% discount at our Tidepool Shop, and discounted rates on most special events and programs. You can purchase memberships on our website, by phone at 609-368-1211 or by visiting The Wetlands Institute.
ADOPTIONS make GREAT GIFTS
ADOPT
ADOPT
ADOPT
a Terrapin
a Horseshoe Crab
an Oystercatcher
Our symbolic Adoption programs allow YOU to contribute directly to the conservation of Diamondback Terrapins, Horseshoe Crabs, and American Oystercatchers. Adoption benefits and levels are listed on our website at wetlandsinstitute.org/conservation.
Tidepool Shop Our book and gift shop is open every weekend from 9:30am to 4:30pm. Can’t visit us? Call and purchase by phone. We will ship your purchase anywhere in the United States. Looking for a meaningful gift that also supports our mission? Find it at the Tidepool Shop. Not sure what to get? We also have gift cards!
Reusable Shopping Bags Join us in our efforts to reduce, reuse and recycle! Stock up on our customized reusable shopping bags made from 100% recycled plastic.
Local Honey for Your Honey
Little Birder Set
Satisfy your sweet tooth (and your spicy tooth!) with a favorite local honey producer, Busy Bees! We have 1 Pound jars of plain, lemon or Habanero to choose from.
Everything a young nature lover needs to become a great birder! These binoculars feature 4x magnification and come with a strap and an easy to use pocketsized guide to bird watching.
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Winter Happenings Join us all winter long for activities on the marsh every Saturday and Sunday. Unless otherwise stated, all activities are free with admission and occur onsite at The Wetlands Institute. For more information, visit wetlandsinstitute.org/events.
Seasonal Science Activities & Crafts 10AM to 4PM
Saturday and Sunday
Each month we will offer a new self-guided science activity related to seasonal changes in nature. We provide the supplies and you create the learning!
Aquarium Feeding 11AM
Saturday
Help us feed the local marine life! We will open up feeding time so you can see the octopus eating fish and the horseshoe crab gobbling shrimp.
Creature Feature 2PM
Aquarium Teaching & Touch Tank Sunday 11AM Learn about local creatures found in the salty waters of the ocean or back-bay! Join an Institute educator for a unique, interactive learning experience as they teach about whelk, sea urchins, sea stars, mud snails, and more!
Science Feature Sunday 2PM Each Sunday we will focus on a different conservation issue including Bat Conservation, Marine Debris, Osprey Conservation, Dredging, Alternative Energy, Horseshoe Crab Conservation, Terrapin Conservation and the world of Plankton.
Saturday
During this live animal presentation, get up close with turtles, fish, crabs, sea stars and urchins, mollusks, horseshoe crabs, or the popular animals of Finding Nemo. After the presentation, create your very own take-home craft.
2019 Special Events lineup: Turtle Fest Native Plant Sale Spring Shorebird & Horseshoe Crab Festival 50th Anniversary Celebration Crabulous Crab Day Summer Celebration Fall Migration Festival
April 20 May 10-12 May 18-19 June 22-23 July 19 July 27 Sept. 21
Visit wetlandsinstitute.org/events for details
Fridays, January-March – Save the Dates!
Lunch and Learn Join us for a weekly exploration of topics important to our coastal and wetland ecosystems. Bring your lunch and The Wetlands Institute will provide coffee and dessert. Each week we will feature a different speaker and topic of discussion! Please check our website for complete details.
The Wetlands Institute’s Annual
Program Fee: $3 for members and $5 for non-members Friday, 11:45am. January 11 - March 22 except on date of Covered Dish Dinner (January 25 and February 22)
Covered Dish Dinners Nothing could be better than an evening filled with meeting new people, eating great food and engaging in scientific discussion! Join us the last Friday of each month, January - March, as we bring in guest speakers from around the region to share their knowledge of important issues in the field of environmental science and biology. In the spirit of covered dish dinners, please bring an appetizer, entrée, salad or dessert to share with at least eight people. Please check our website for complete details. Program Fee: $7 for members and $12 for non-members, plus a covered dish to share. RSVP requested. Friday, 6:00pm. January 25, February 22, and March 29
Call 609.368.1211 or stop in to buy tickets. Drawing: December 18, 2018, 1:00pm at The Wetlands Institute
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 (1-800-4262537). 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.
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 Yes! I want to support The Wetlands Institute!
It All Starts Here
$500 $250 $100 $50 Other ______
For nearly 50 years, The Wetlands Institute has been preserving, protecting and stewarding our wetlands and coastal ecosystems. In 1962, we preserved 6000 acres of endangered wetlands and in 1972, we built the Institute, making southern New Jersey a focal point of research, conservation and education about these marvelous places. Every day since, we have been learning about wetlands and sharing our knowledge, providing opportunities for exploration and connection between people and the natural world. The support of our members and friends have made it all possible. Your support has made a difference.
The Wetlands Institute is a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization.
3 Simple Ways to Give: • Call 609.368.1211 to donate by phone, • Complete and mail to: The Wetlands Institute, c/o: Christina Faulk, 1075 Stone Harbor Blvd, Stone Harbor, NJ 08247, or
• Donate online at wetlandsinstitute.org/donate
My check payable to The Wetlands Institute is enclosed. Place a one-time gift on my credit card for $_________. Bill my credit card $________ Monthly Quarterly Annually. My/my spouse’s employer or company will match my gift. CREDIT CARD:
___________________________________________________________ Card Number 2018-4QDMA
Please join with us to ensure these marshes are here for generations to come. Your gift – no matter the size – helps us continue to steward our fragile ecosystems and preserve them for the future.
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I have already included The Wetlands Institute in my will or other estate plan. (If you have already included The Wetlands Institute in your will or other estate plan, please let us know so that we can welcome you into the Herbert Mills Legacy Society!)