The New York Times Magazine ran this op-ed from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology on passenger pigeons and current endangered species in their new State of the Birds report. To read the full article, click here.
By Derek Noah, CWF Intern, Summer 2014
My name is Derek Noah, I was an intern this summer for Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey (CWF). I am a wildlife and nature enthusiast who likes to kayak, bike, and hike . I live in Monmouth County and I go to the beach during any extra time I have.
The Northern diamondback terrapin is a small to medium-sized species of turtle that lives in coastal salt marshes, including the marsh near the Stone Harbor Boulevard Causeway. Adult terrapins are commonly struck by vehicles while attempting to cross causeways, and terrapin eggs are eaten by raccoon and other mammalian predators. Currently, CWF’s Wildlife Biologist, Stephanie Egger, is working with other researchers and organizations on the best way to protect wildlife and satisfy people’s needs that visit, live, or work in coastal communities in New Jersey. I collected information from visitors, residents, and employees of Stone Harbor about their understanding and perception of terrapins and management of terrapins along roadways through a patron survey. I worked on this project in July and August and surveyed nearly 500 patrons! I conducted the surveys on the beach as well as local stores and shops. The survey introduced general questions of terrapins and ideas on how to limit terrapin road death through different road management practices. The patron survey can be viewed here.
As a thank you for their participation each person surveyed received our newest “Be Terrapin Aware” decal and our “Be Terrapin Aware” Brochure. Continue reading “The End of Another Terrapin Season”
By Juliann Fiorentino, CWF Intern
With the sun shining, everyone set out on a beautiful short boat ride from Island Beach State Park in Seaside, New Jersey to Sedge Island, a small island in the brackish waters (a mixture of salt and fresh water) of Barnegat Bay. There, the winners, proud parents and teachers from the Species on the Edge Art and Essay Contest learned about the island and the Sedge Island Natural Resource Education Center. After the tour of the house and island, the group set off on a fascinating two hour-long kayak journey into the bay.
After paddling through a very narrow water channel, the group stopped at the first man-made Peregrine Falcon nest in New Jersey. This nest was the first hacking site for the once critically endangered Peregrine Falcons, ultimately leading to the rise Peregrine Falcon population in the late 1970’s. Hacking is an old falconer’s term for a process that provides captive-bred youngsters with a sheltered experience, giving them the advantage of a “soft release” into the wild.
As the group paddled on, we traveled through the different areas of the bay including the grassy areas where we learned about the different grasses that could grow in this brackish water, and which ones were edible.
Next we reached an area referred to as the Bahamas because of its shallow clear, calm water. We all got out of our kayaks and walked around to search for animals and plants on the sandy floor. We could see hundreds of fish, mud snails, and sea hermit crabs. Even a green crab made an appearance and the Sedge tour guide lifted him up from under the water to teach everyone about its unique body.
After returning to the island, the group then got to experience the thrill of clamming in the bay, and learned about the efforts of the biologists on Sedge Island to protect the Diamondback Terrapin population that breeds on the island. This was my first time at Sedge Island, along with many others. It was very interesting to learn about the history of this island, and the many wildlife species that inhabit the area. The trip to Sedge Island was a wonderfully breath taking experience – an experience I will never forget.
New Jersey’s Piping Plover population is at its lowest levels in decades, which raises serious concerns, but they also had one of their most successful years ever statewide in producing chicks. There is hope this will jump start the population again. To read the full article, click here.
Today at 8 pm, CWF’s habitat program manager Ben Wurst will speak on Northern Diamondback Terrapins during the Bass River State Forest’s “2014 Lectures at the Lake.” Wurst’s “Terrapins and Tires” program will discuss the history of terrapins and CWF’s efforts to protect them. For more information or to read the full article, click here.
One summer evening, thrilled volunteers watched as over 350 big brown bats flew out of the peak of the historic Tranquility Church. CWF biologist Mackenzie Hall worked to safely rid the church of the large bat population, while still giving these bats a place to live.
During this project, Tranquility Church was very accommodating, Mackenzie installed 5 bat boxes on the back of the church, enabling the bats to still have a home. MacKenzie also performed bat acoustic monitoring surveys, which allow for documentation of the diversity as well as the abundance of bats in any given area.
There was also lots of support from the Antler Ridge volunteers, who helped install the bat boxes, and the wildlife rehabilitators from Mercer County Wildlife Center, New Jersey Bat Sanctuary, and Wildbaby Rescue, all of whom helped rehabilitate any pups that were found after falling from the attic.
When it comes to choosing which Island Beach State Park Programs are best for you, it’s tough to decide from so many great options!
So today we bring you the expert naturalists and educators who teach the programs. Hear their own evocative stories behind each program then decide what’s best for you!
Part 1, Monday, summarized these exciting programs. Part 2, Tuesday, highlighted the Harvest the Bay Day happening this Saturday, August 9 from 3-8pm. Part 4, Thursday, will be a round table interview with the Island beach State Park naturalists. And Part 5, Friday, will feature a personal account from one of CWF’s interns who works at Island Beach State Park.
John Leonard, Park Naturalist, Island Beach State Park
As a Park Naturalist for THE best park within the NJ Parks and Forestry system I’ve been able to do some wickedly fun and educational things within its borders for the past five years. From fishing its shores for monster striped bass, to kayaking and seining the waters of Barnegat Bay. Nothing satisfies me more than sharing those experiences and seeing the smiles with the thousands of visitors who visit our park daily. But what if I told you, the adventurous few, we have a program that happens only twice a summer, and is scheduled during a time and at a place where the park becomes virtually deserted. Alone. On a barrier island. Far from the lights and crowds you are accustomed to at the Jersey Shore. Tempted?
The Full Moon Hike begins deep in the park, 3.5 miles past our bathing beaches at our Nature Center, a building many say is haunted by old souls of the sea. After a quick introduction of your guides at dusk we begin our educational journey, slowly working our way westward through the dense maritime forest. Quietly walking all our senses slowly awaken. The sounds of far off birds, rustling of mammals and amphibians in the undergrowth searching for a meal, pungent odors of decaying matter all come into focus. Learning as we walk, taking note of all our surroundings. As we reach Barnegat Bay we are rewarded by a liquid orange sun dipping slowly beneath the horizon illuminating the sky in a spectrum of color, a perfect time to observe the bay and all its glory.
Retracing our steps with natural light fading we begin our trek ocean side. Dense, dark forest gives way to the moonscape like terrain of our secondary, then primary dune system. A place that seems inhabitable, but in fact are home to our famed red fox. In addition to being extremely important barriers of ocean storm surge, these dunes have been rumored to hold buried treasure from pirates as far back as the 1600’s.
As we cross that final dune we leave the quiet solitude of the secondary dunes and are rewarded with an impressive elevated view of the ocean and sands which we’ve all come to love. Immediately we feel the air temperature drop, we hear thundering waves crashing on our pristine shores and view a brilliant burning fire just waiting for us to enjoy. Here we are free to enjoy the beach, collect shells or simply gather around the fire and enjoy the dancing flames as the yellow full moon slowly rises above the waves in the eastern sky. As an added bonus for all guests big and small, we are comforted by the melty goodness of roasting marshmallows, decedent chocolate and lightly sweet graham crackers to enjoy.
Please join us as we begin our journey.
“Seining tours are a fun, interactive way for kids and adults to gain first hand experience with the marine life in our area. They are also an invaluable tool for school groups learning about coastal ecology” – Becca Hanson, Seasonal Supervisor
Did you know that IBSP offers free daily seining tours every day, twice a day? Pull a seine net through the Barnegat Bay and discover the amazing creatures who live here. Can you scare away hungry predators by growing twice your size in less than 6 seconds? A pufferfish can! Scoop up some silversides, the ‘french fries of the bay’, and understand the importance of this abundant fish in the Barnegat Bay food chain. Meet the snails, our bottom-feeding friends who keep the bay clean. What’s today’s catch of the day?
The Snorkel/Kayak Program at Island Beach State Park is a mix of snorkeling and kayaking in the Barnegat Bay. After a brief introduction and overview of the necessary kayaking skills, participants start the tandem kayaking adventure. All snorkel gear and kayak gear are provided. Park educators explain the ecology and importance of the Barnegat Bay and its ecosystems, and also review the different species that can be expected while snorkeling. When the tide is right, kayaks are anchored on a nearby sand bar and participants can snorkel in the adjacent deeper channel. Participants may see a variety of species, such as pipefish, crabs, flounder, hermit crabs, schools of bait fish, as well as different types of aquatic vegetation. This tour is new at the park and is becoming increasingly popular! Come join us for this unique underwater ecosystem viewing experience!
“From my personal experience with this program I find that it gives the children a wonderful hands-on approach to understanding the natural balance that takes place at Island Beach State Park.”- Josephine, Park Educator
This program is specifically designed for children ages 3 to 5 years old and takes place at the Nature Center. Age-appropriate hands-on activities, stories, crafts and hikes guide your child’s natural curiosity as they explore the animals and plants of Island Beach State Park. Natural Educators provide an educational hour of fun for parents and their children.
“From an educators stand point, I find that this program truly enriches the child’s love of learning. This program is supported with appropriate children’s literature and affords the children the opportunity to learn hands on; which in my experience is the most beneficial. It is delightful to take part in helping to create memories that are sure to last for a life time!” – Lisa, Park Educator
This program is specifically designed for children ages 6 to 12 years old and takes place at the Nature Center. With the help of Natural Educators, children get the chance to explore the outdoors, make crafts, listen to stories, learn about animals, and investigate the local ecosystem. This is a two hour program that explores different topics each week such birds, turtles, jellyfish, and much more!
IBSP Kayak Tours
Most people come to Island Beach State park to enjoy the swimming beaches. They drive to Ocean Beach Area 1 or 2, spend a few hours on the beach and go home feeling satisfied with their visit to the park. Little do they know they have only scratched the surface in terms of what this park has to offer!
Kayak tours are one of the more popular activities provided by IBSP park educators. Below is a list of tours and a brief description of each:
Learn about the history of Island Beach dating back to the first recorded description in 1609 by Robert Juet, the first mate to Henry Hudson, the parks involvement in the Revolutionary war, the War of 1812, pirates in the park, all the way to present day uses. All of this is done while kayaking around the Island visiting important historical landmarks and enjoying the beautiful Island ecosystems.
“The sunset paddle is one of my favorite programs offered at the park. Being on the water, witnessing the natural serenity of the area and its inhabitants, and watching the brilliant colors of the sunset is an experience like no other.” – Kelly Scott, Park Naturalist
Enjoy a peaceful and relaxing evening paddle through the famous Sedge Islands and watch the sunset over Barnegat Bay. This is prime time for observing the parks different wildlife species, including egrets, herons, gulls, turtles and maybe even a lingering fox watching from shore.
Learn about one of the largest estuaries in NJ by kayak! Park educators will discuss the bay’s geology, ecological function and importance, and local flora and fauna. In addition, the Eco-tour also includes a seining event to observe marine life and park educators will teach the “clammers dance.”
Expert Park Natural Educators will guide you on a peaceful paddle through the dynamic Barnegat Bay estuarine ecosystem. Discover the diversity of birds that inhabit Island Beach State Park in the summer. We will discuss migration patterns and year-round residents. Keep an eye out for additional birding tour during the upcoming fall migration!
Nature Center/Interpretive Center
Do you want to see wildlife close-up – and spend a day at the beach? Then come visit the Island Beach State Park Nature Center!
Once a coast guard building, the Nature Center showcases a unique combination of amazing views and lots of interactive fun for the whole family. Our Nature Center is home to a wide variety of local creatures from our 2 year old albino corn snake Newton, to our baby diamondback terrapins. Dont forget to take in the spectacular view from the top floor where the bay, the ocean, and Barnegat Bay lighthouse are all visible.
Just across from the Nature Center is the Forked River Interpretive Center where visitors can enter the world of yesterday and explore the incredible history of Island Beach State Park. Visitors can learn about the massive effort to bring Ospreys back to the Island, the historic Reeds Hotel and many other amazing stories and tales of life as it used to be on this breathtaking island.
Before you leave, make sure you take a visitors guide and check out the Summer Programs offered by IBSP Park Naturalists and educators! Let us show you how much fun nature can be!
“Surfing Safari is by far the most popular WILDCHILD program offered at IBSP. Space is limited, and classes typically fill up fast. Register early to reserve your spot!” – Tom Seager, Park Educator
Surf’s Up Dude!
Learn about waves, what they are, where they come from, and why they break. Paddle out with expert Natural Educators and IBSP Lifeguards, and maybe you’ll be hangin’ 10 by the end of the summer! Drop off your child for two hours of fun!
Part 1, Monday, was an introduction to these exciting programs. Part 3, Wednesday, gave the “Insider’s Look” into the amazing outdoor programs, told through the words of the experts teaching the programs at Island Beach State Park. Part 4, Thursday, was a roundtable interview with the Island Beach State Park naturalists. And Part 5, Friday, will feature a personal account from one of CWF’s interns who works at Island Beach State Park.
The rich ecological resources of Barnegat Bay and IBSP, coupled with high numbers of visiting park patrons serves as the perfect backdrop for our Harvest the Bay Festival. IBSP, has two extensive natural areas, coupled with two large points of recreational usage and a marine conservation zone, making it an easy link to demonstrate the function of healthy coastal ecosystem, the effects of human interaction and beneficial aspects of management. Each year, the park hosts over 1 million guests that that engage in boating, clamming, fishing, swimming, and hiking along the 10 miles of shoreline.
Barnegat Bay acts as an early life history nursery for many species of fish/invertebrates that are both recreationally and commercially significant in terms of harvest. The bay supports healthy aquatic flora including submerged aquatic vegetation and phytoplanktonic growth. Subsequently, early life history stages of coastal bivalves, crustaceans and forage fish occur along the bay because of high levels of primary productivity. However, some fisheries resources in Barnegat Bay have experienced a decline in recent years. Despite healthy levels of biological productivity in Barnegat Bay, anthropogenic effects do require monitoring and education to better promote coastal stewardship including coastal development along the watershed, increased nutrient loading, decreases in dissolved oxygen/pH, habitat loss, and the effects of over-harvesting marine resources.
The Harvest the Bay Festival was designed to promote the value of shellfish and finfish as food resources in Barnegat Bay by highlighting their ecological, economic and social importance. Vendors from governmental, non-profit and private organizations will be present to discuss with the public, the importance of Barnegat Bay to their mission. Also, local restaurant vendors will be present to display locally caught food selections of Barnegat Bay and the adjacent coastal ocean. Ultimately, the goal of the Harvest the Bay Day is to celebrate the importance of Barnegat Bay and educate the public about its significance, while promoting the following Harvest the Bay educational programs:
Harvest the Bay Clamming
Harvest the Bay-Clamming is one of the best ways to experience Barnegat Bay. Join park educators and learn about the anatomy of Quahog clams, their ecological importance in the bay, harvesting restrictions, and more. The program provides clam rakes or you can use your feet! Learn the skills and “clam-dance” of the baymen that still live in the area. While clamming, you are also likely to encounter some of the birds of Island Beach State Park such as the Osprey and Oyster Catcher.
Harvest the Bay Crabbing
Discover the fascinating life cycle of the Blue Claw Crab, its niche in the ecosystem, when and how to harvest them, and what you can do to assure their populations remain at a healthy level.
Harvest the Bay Fishing
Bluefish, Fluke, Black Drum – the bay is host to a variety of local fish. Explore the role of finfish in the bay’s ecosystem and discover techniques for successful fishing. Cast a line into the bay and reel in your catch of the day!
The Jersey Shore has changed immeasurably over the past century. But one place gives you the chance to recapture the beauty and wild feeling that once encompassed the entire coast – Island Beach State Park.
At Island Beach State Park, you can still find hands-on adventures along the Atlantic Coast and the Barnegat Bay. You can still be immersed in the nature of coastal beach dunes, maritime forest, and vast saltmarsh. You can still find wildlife like osprey, red fox, diamondback terrapins, piping plover, sea turtles, and an incredible array of fish and shellfish.
This week CWF is highlighting the hands-on interactive learning programs offered at Island Beach State Park. This marks the first of five blog stories that will spotlight these programs.
Part 1, Today, will be an introduction to these exciting programs. Part 2, Tuesday, will highlight the Harvest the Bay Day happening this Saturday, August 9 from 3-8pm. Part 3, Wednesday, will give the “Insider’s Look” into the amazing outdoor programs, told through the words of the experts teaching the programs at Island Beach State Park. Part 4, Thursday, will be a roundtable interview with the Island Beach State Park naturalists. And Part 5, Friday, will feature a personal account from one of CWF’s interns who works at Island Beach State Park.
CWF is excited to partner with New Jersey State Parks and offer incredible programs about New Jersey’s natural world at Island Beach State Park.
Become a WILDCHILD, take a sunset kayak tour, try your hand at surf-fishing, go bird watching, or enjoy a movie night at the park! Whatever you decide, you will be guided by professional educators and naturalists who have plenty of natural and wildlife stories to share with you.
At nearly 10 miles long, Island Beach is New Jersey’s most expansive stretch of undeveloped barrier island. Our programs help you to connect with the beauty of this ecosystem and its ample natural resources. Have your kids participate in a WILDCHILD program including surfing, surf-fishing, and island exploration. Try and catch the big one during a surf-fishing class or discover the beauty of Barnegat Bay through kayaking.
