Views from

theTowerSPRING 2017 | VOLUME 45 | NO. 1NEWSLETTER

wetlandsinstitute.org | 1075 Stone Harbor Blvd, Stone Harbor, NJ 08247 | 609.368.1211

Horseshoe Crab Connection by Sue Slotterback

An annual ritual is about to commence along our shoreline. It’s time for the migration and spawning of horseshoe crabs. Known as a “living fossil”, horseshoe crabs date back more than 450 million years! They are closely related to spiders, ticks, and scorpions. Limulus polyphemus, the American Horseshoe Crab, is found from Maine to the Yucatan Peninsula. The largest population of spawning horseshoe crabs in the world can be found in Delaware Bay. In late April, horseshoe crabs begin their migration from the deeper offshore ocean waters into the bay. With a male in tow, the female comes ashore on the incoming tide. She digs herself into the sand and with external fertilization from the male, begins to lay sticky, green eggs. As the tide rises, the pair moves up the beach laying more nests along the way. When the tide recedes, they move into the shallows to wait for the next incoming tide. They will continue coming ashore, especially on the higher night time tides, to lay eggs until she has laid her 80,000 to 100,000 eggs for the season.

At the same time, millions of shorebirds from Central and South America descend on these same shores, their rest stop along a 3,000 - 9,000 mile annual

journey to their Arctic breeding grounds. When the birds arrive, they are starving, having used up all their reserves on their long frequently non-stop flight. They must find food and horseshoe crab eggs are perfect: packed with fat and protein, and easily found as each wave of spawning crabs unearth some of the previously laid eggs.

Humans have a long connection to horseshoe

crabs. Native Americans ate their eggs. In the 1800s and early 1900s, a thriving industry on the Delaware Bay collected horseshoe crabs by the millions. They were dried, ground and used to fertilize crops and feed hogs. Perhaps their most important connection to humans is that their white blood cells contain a chemical called LAL, Limulus Amoebocyte Lysate. LAL is used to test for contaminants in all injectable drugs and vaccines; all internal prosthetics, like artificial knees, hips and pacemakers; contacts and contact solution; and it is the test for spinal meningitis.

The 1980s saw a large increase in the number of horseshoe crabs being used as bait to catch eel and channeled whelk, mostly for overseas markets. This overharvesting is cited as a cause for the dramatic decline in shorebirds. As a result, the state of NJ has a moratorium placed on the harvesting of the crabs.

A key issue facing horseshoe crabs is a lack of adequate spawning habitat. With its calm, shallow waters and gentle sloping beaches, Delaware Bay beaches are perfect spawning habitat. Development along the waterfront

with bulkheads reaching the high tide line leaves little access for the crabs to spawn. Restoration efforts have focused on improving sand reserves on Delaware Bay beaches and working to remove hazards that entrap crabs. The reTURN the Favor project works to rescue stranded horseshoe crabs. As horseshoe crabs come onto the beaches they often get caught in exposed rubble, or get turned upside down in the waves and stranded. RTF project volunteers help by freeing crabs and work on projects to help remove debris from beaches.

Our Spring Shorebird and Horseshoe Crab Festival, May 20-21, has workshops, demonstrations, and field trips that focus on the crabs and their role in shorebird migration. Volunteers can help with horseshoe crab spawning surveys, horseshoe crab tagging, and reTURN the Favor walks (returnthefavornj.org) from May to June. Reach out and connect with this ancient phenomenon right here in Cape May County’s backyard.

Photo credit: Terral Jordan

wetlandsinstitute.org

Marsh Musingsby Dr. Lenore Tedesco, Executive Director

As the days get longer, the marsh begins to awaken from its winter slumber. I pause at the dawn of this spring to wonder how things have changed since the fall. It seems that wherever you look, there is change. The election of a new president certainly appears to be a sign of change and our country is very vocal about what those changes mean. In many ways, I am not sure how much people’s feelings have changed or if as a country, people have found their voices once again.

People ask me what does this new administration in Washington mean for the environment and for our natural resources. Should we be alarmed? I think the answer is it depends. It depends on all of us and how loud our voices are. Conservation need not be onerous to our communities and economies. But it also can’t be political. If we demand that science underpin policy and demand that the common good matters, and we raise our voice for common sense conservation – things may just be ok.

That said, if the pendulum is allowed to swing too far to the right and environmental protections are gutted, we stand to lose precious resources that we can never regain. Apathy is the biggest enemy of the environment and preservation of our natural resources. We must protect natural resources repeatedly and constantly, yet we only need to lose them once – and they are gone forever.

So as we enter into a great debate about the environment and its value, we must collectively demand that science be at the forefront of decisions and we must think for the long term, for our children and grandchildren, and not gamble with the preservation and health of our natural resources.

The Wetlands Institute will stay the course, focus on our mission and be the voice of the plants and animals of these coastal ecosystems. We will continue to work to understand the best ways to protect and preserve these resources. We will continue to train tomorrow’s environmental stewards and scientists. We will continue to help people understand the benefit and value of these resources. Healthy environments are at the root of healthy communities and healthy people.

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.

Jeffrey AldertonMichael CraigJohn CuthbertRoberta DeVriesJames DonohueJohn Flynn

Lois Hamilton Dr. Daniel Klem, Jr.Mary MillarWayne RenneisenRobert RichHank Schellenger

Raymond Burke III, ChairDeborah A. Hays, Vice-Chair

Jane Rakestraw, TreasurerDr. Dorothy Ives-Dewey, Secretary

Staff

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Leadership Dr. Lenore Tedesco, Executive DirectorDr. Lisa Ferguson, Director of Research and ConservationBrooke Knapick, Director of Educational Program DevelopmentBonnie Girard, Director of Finance and AdministrationChristine Mattera, Director of Marketing and Communications

Research & Conservation Allison Anholt, Research Scientist Brian Williamson, Research Scientist

Education Sue Slotterback, Environmental Educator Samantha Sorbello, Aquarist/ Environmental Educator

Administration Terrie Campbell, Financial Admin. AssistantKimberly Dmytro, Tidepool Shop Christina Faulk, Administrative AssistantJoyce Ferguson, Tidepool ShopStephanie Stroble, Front Desk Receptionist/ Admissions Coordinator Charlene Smith, Gardener Glenn Thompson, Maintenance

Views From the Tower is the quarterlynewsletter of The Wetlands Institute

and can also be found on our website.

2017 Hours: Until May 21: Open Saturday & Sunday 9:30am to 4:30pm. May 22 - September 24: Open daily 9:30am to 4:30pm with special evening hours until 7pm Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from June 13 to August 30.

General Admission: Members: Free. Non-members: $8 Adults, $6 Children 3-12.

Come enjoy a pancake breakfast for the whole family! While you are here, earn a few turtle bucks and cash them in for prizes… Go on an egg hunt, create arts and crafts, help a naturalist search for turtle hatchlings along the trail, enjoy special book readings by a local author and stop by the aquarium to say hello to the turtles and watch the animals have breakfast too!

Saturday, April 15 - 9am to 3pmTurtle Fest

Non-Member: $10 Adult, $8 child, $30 family pack of 4Member: $8 Adult, $6 child, $25 family pack of 4

Sponsored by:

One of the many nice things about retirement at the shore is having time to do something besides work! Having brought my children to The Wetland’s during summer vacations years ago, and as a lover of the seashore environment, volunteering with The Wetlands Institute was a great opportunity for me to “give back.”

Time spent here is always appreciated and has never been dull. By working in the Outreach Program, I have helped spread the word about the Institute’s educational programs, research, and conservation efforts. Young and old alike are very interested in learning and sharing. When giving a hand with other projects, I have enjoyed a range of fun experiences - from tagging Monarch butterflies, helping with the Junior Duck Stamp Program, and even being a Wetland’s elf. The wonderful staff and enthusiastic summer interns have taught me so much!

It is great to keep learning and to play a small part in supporting an appreciation of the coastal environment. I very much enjoy the time spent volunteering at a great place with a wonderful group of people.

The common octopus is one of the more interesting inhabitants of our local waters. Typically found offshore, these animals are often caught as bycatch by commercial fishermen.

Both in the wild and in captivity, octopus are masters of disguise thanks to their chromatophores. These small sacs just below the surface of their skin will constrict or relax causing varying levels of pigment to appear which allows octopus to very quickly change colors and patterns.

Known for their intelligence, these mollusks are the only invertebrate found to exhibit tool use – a trait typically reserved for higher order mammals. Because of their intelligence, octopus in aquarium settings have been known to get into all kinds of mischief such as escaping

to grab a midnight snack from neighboring tanks.

Our resident octopus here at The Wetlands Institute is no exception! He is a very fast learner and can open a variety of containers to get his meal of mussels, fish or crab. Just like a child, he has his favorite toys that he can be seen playing with throughout the day. Right now, his favorites are a plastic screw driver and a floating ball, but nothing will ever compare to the magnetic algae scrubber used to clean his tank. He has been known to steal these scrubbers and hide them for days!

When you come to visit, be sure to play a game of octopus tag – move from one side of the tank to the other and have our curious guy chase you!

Octo Antics - by Samantha Sorbello

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Go PaperlessPaperless newsletters are more sustainable and they help reduce our cost so a larger portion of your gifts directly support our research, conservation and education programs. Sign up for our e-newsletter at wetlandsinstitute.org/about-us/newsletter.

Giving Back: My Adventures as an Institute Volunteer by Jan Zimmerman

If you would like to volunteer, and contribute to making a difference, visit wetlandsinstitute.org/volunteer.

Conservation in Action

World Series of BirdingThe countdown to the New Jersey Audubon World Series of Birding on May 6, 2017 has begun. Our team, The Marshketeers, will join with other teams across New Jersey to raise money for bird conservation in this annual 24-hr marathon of birding. The more species we see, the more we can do for conservation.

Do we have your support? This is an important fund-raising event for the Institute. In 2016, The Marshketeers saw 162 species, came in 3rd in the Cape May County competition, and raised more than $5,000. We want to make 2017 even better! This year we’ll be on the lookout for our Bonus Bird, the American Redstart. Proceeds will be used to support coastal bird research and conservative programs at the Institute. There are several ways to support us:

1. Pledge an amount per bird species identified, and mail your contribution after the results are in for the year.

2. Contribute a fixed amount to send in right away. 3. Offer an additional pledge based on whether this year’s “bonus bird”, the

American Redstart is found.

Help support coastal bird conservation programs by supporting the 2017 Marshketeers, call 609-368-1211, or visit wetlandsinstitute.org/wsob to download a printable pledge form or to make your donation online. Special thanks to Burke Motor Group for sponsoring the WSOB!

Photo by Cameron Cox

wetlandsinstitute.org

Volunteers at The Wetlands Institute perform a variety of tasks including assistance with aquarium care, working in public education and outreach, answering the phones and administrative work, greeting and interacting with visitors, special events staffing, research and conservation project assistant, and much more! None of what we accomplish every day would be possible without the dedication of our volunteers.

Environmental Education

If you enjoy interacting with people and animals, consider an opportunity volunteering as a Summer Docent, a Summer Nature Program Assistant, an Aquarium Teaching and Touch Tank Educator or a Community Outreach Events Specialist. As a volunteer, you can play an important and invaluable role in educating the public about wetlands and coastal ecosystems.

Research and Conservation

Are you interested in helping terrapins, horseshoe crabs and birds this spring and summer? We are looking for dedicated volunteers to help with several new and ongoing research and conservation projects.

These opportunities are a great way to get involved and learn more. Training will be provided for all those who commit to help, and only a limited number of volunteers can be accepted for each project. Volunteers must be at least 14 years old unless stated otherwise. Check out the volunteer opportunities on our website by clicking the VOLUNTEER button on the top of our website or visit: wetlandsinstitute.org/volunteer

Volunteers Make it All Possible

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Native Plants Among Usby Dr. Lenore Tedesco, Executive Director

Enhancing your yard and gardens by including native plants is a wonderful way to help area wildlife including butterflies, birds, and a host of pollinators. Creating a healthy, vibrant pollinator and butterfly friendly garden is easy. Cape May is an important migration route for countless species of birds and Monarchs so that providing suitable habitat for them can really count.

On May 13-14, The Wetlands Institute will host its 2nd annual native plant sale. We are working with a local nursery to grow native plants that are suitable for our area and the local conditions. We have selected a beautiful array of plants that will bloom throughout the season, provide food for Monarch butterflies, and provide outstanding color for your enjoyment. We’ll even give you advice on what’s best for you! Knowledgeable native plant and garden naturalists will be on hand to answer questions and many of the plants are in the Institute gardens. Check out the Institute website for plant information and for order forms if you want to per-order plants to ensure the best selection. Last year, we sold out of many plants quickly

Sponsored by:

5th Annual Spring Shorebird and Horseshoe Crab Festival

Located on the Cape May Peninsula between the Delaware Bay and Atlantic beaches, The Wetlands Institute is situated in an area considered to host one of the “wonders of the world.” With an act of timing only Mother Nature can provide, Horseshoe Crabs climb onto the beaches of Delaware Bay to lay their eggs, while thousands of shorebirds time a stop on their northbound spring migration route to feed on these energy-packed eggs. Our shores host the largest concentration of spawning horseshoe crabs in their range, and the shorebird migration is one of the last great migrations on Earth. What an amazing front row view of these spectacular wildlife events we have, and it can be seen right here in Cape May County.

* Some activities will take place in the evening. Check our website for full schedule.

Photo credit: Clay Myers

MAY20-219:30am-4:30pm*

Join us and help us celebrate this amazing spectacle of nature. Activities include:

• Guided shorebird viewings• Horseshoe crab workshops and

spawning survey demonstrations• reTURN the Favor rescue walks• Aquarium teaching tank and

aquaculture tours• Naturalist-led Salt Marsh Trail walks• Native plants workshops and

wildlife habitat garden tours

For tickets and more information:wetlandsinstitute.org/SSHC

wetlandsinstitute.org

Spring Happenings

2017 Special Events

Summer hours and activities start June 12, 2017! The Wetlands Institute will be open daily from 9:30am – 4:30pm with special evening hours until 7:00pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Please check our website calendar for programming updates as we transition from spring to summer hours!

As winter becomes spring, The Wetlands Institute will be open daily starting May 22, 2017! Unless otherwise stated, all activities are free with admission and occur onsite at The Wetlands Institute. For additional information, check out our website calendar at wetlandsinstitute.org/calendar.

Start by watching our award-winning film, Secrets of the Salt Marsh, then join us for an interpretive marsh walk along our elevated walkway and out onto the dock overlooking Scotch Bonnet creek!

Salt Marsh Safari11am and 2pm Daily

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!

Creature Feature and Craft12:30pm Monday and Friday

Help us feed the local marine life! We will open up feeding three times each week so you can see the turtles chasing minnows and the horseshoe crab gobbling shrimp.

Aquarium Feeding12:30pm Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday

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.

Catch ‘o the Day12:30pm Wednesday (tide dependent)

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.

Seashell Sunday12:30pm Sunday

Fall Migration Festival

September

23

Summer Celebration

July

29Crabulous Crab Day

July

14

Spring Shorebird & Horseshoe Crab Festival

May

20-21

TurtleFest

April

15Native Plant Sale

May

13-14

Our 2017 Institutional Sponsors:

I N S P I R I N G H O M E D E S I G N

Around the Marsh

Tidepool Shop

Native SeedsWe now carry a selection of heirloom and open-pollinated seeds for your native flower garden. The artwork on each pack is by a different artist and includes seed story and planting information on the inside.

Osprey ReadingAs the Ospreys return to the marsh, we will be hopeful for a successful nesting season for Marshall and Lily. Our Livecam is still running, awaiting their return. What a great time to learn more about these amazing creatures with a beautifully illustrated book!

Weather LearningYoung scientists can learn more about how weather and climate works with Laura Howell’s dramatically illustrated book and learn through experiments with Green Science’s activities.

Welcome Kimberly Dmytro as the new Tidepool Shop Manager. Thank you Joyce Ferguson for your many years of service. Stay tuned for Joyce’s retirement celebration. We will miss her but know we will see her volunteering. Our book and gift shop is open every weekend until May 21 and daily from May 22 to September 24. Can’t visit us? Call and purchase by phone. We will ship your purchase anywhere in the United States.

Did you ever walk into a place and think to yourself….I feel energized here? From the very first time I walked through the double doors of The Wetlands Institute more than 30 years ago, my curiosity was peaked and I knew this was going to become a special place for me and my family.

It started with my friend Sally Herd. She got me involved and I became a docent. The exciting thing for me was knowing that I would learn something new every time I walked through the door: the door that led into the Lecture hall, the door to the tower, the door to the Aquarium, the door to Terrapin Station, and the door to the offices and labs. There is something wonderful behind each of those doors for all to discover.

We have supported The Wetlands Institute through the years because we believe in its mission. We have included the Institute in our estate planning and became members of the Herbert Mills Legacy Society. By financially supporting The Wetlands Institute, we are helping to keep all those doors open to us, our grandchildren, and everyone else who believes in their mission and who walks through those doors.

Lois Hamilton, Trustee

My Wetlands Story

A non-profit organization studying, preserving and protecting wetlands and coastal ecosystems

1075 Stone Harbor Blvd. Stone Harbor, NJ 08247-1424

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.

PresortNon-ProfitUS Postage

PAIDPermit 1940Bellmawr, NJ

Views from theTower

The Wetlands Institute’s Summer Nature Program has never been so much fun! But, you better hurry because discounted registration ends May 1, 2017!

For children ages 5-13, programs are held weekly from July 5 – August 16, 2017 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, 2017.

For complete details, including theme descriptions, pricing and registration information, please visit our website at wetlandsinstitute.org.

at �e Wetlands In��ute

July 5-7

CreationNation

July 17-21

Fins, Skins, Scales, Tails: Fashion & Function in the Wild Outdoors

July 31-Aug. 4

Amazing Mammalsin the Sea

Aug. 14-16

Seashore Scientist & Their Tools for Exploration

July 24-28

Go With the Flow

Aug. 7-11

Weather or Not

July 10-14

Explore the Shore: Have to Have

a Habitat