Paulsboro High School seniors and recent graduates visited Sedge for two, one-day programs. Under the sponsorship of Exxon Mobil, these students traveled to Sedge to enjoy another in their series of environmental education experiences coupled with a work related program in their hometown.
Because Paulsboro students come for one day only, it is difficult to fit in many activities. Both groups enjoyed paddling in the salt marsh natural channels and mosquito ditches where they viewed a variety of birds including egrets, osprey and the peregrine falcon. With the water warming up, a long stop at the “Bahamas” (the sandbar to the southwest of Sedge) was in order. Here we were treated to an up close view of several brown pelicans. We watched as they took off, circled and then dived for fish right near where we had stopped the kayaks. After lunch the students did some water quality sampling prior to leaving.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
NJ Audubon Island Explorers Group 2
July 20 – July 24 2009
This second Island Explorers group consisted of 13 incoming and current middle school children from northern New Jersey. We started our five-day session off with a number of icebreakers, and observation based activities following with a mile kayak tour of the surrounding marshes. On Wednesday, the group was given a rare opportunity to listen to a lecture by Scott Haag from Rutgers University on eelgrass distribution in the Barnegat estuary using GIS software and aerial photography. The children then assisted Mr. Haag in surveying various GPS coordinates by kayak in order to confirm or deny the presence of eelgrass in certain locations ascertained by aerial photographs. This was an excellent opportunity for the kids to see how actual field work was done, and its application once the data was collected. It also helped to tie many of the things the children learned over the previous days together and gave them the chance to listen to an excellent speaker on such an important issue.
The following day the group was lead out to the Army Corps of Engineers Dike for the traditional long paddle, and to spend a few hours at the beach. However, it could not have been anything other than traditional. Upon starting out, the sky was steely grey with overcast, and a wind out of the east was beginning to pick up. With these conditions, we wound our way through the back waterways of the marsh; using the natural protection of the sedges, we found ways that were rarely used but offered ideal protection from the wind. Upon coming to a portage area that would have been no more than 20 feet, the sky lost the pensive feeling it kept for most of the morning and opened up. The wind stopped, but the rain came down in drops as big as a man’s fist. It was exhilarating! There was no hint of lightening, but the decision was made to return to the Sedge house, where upon arrival, everyone got out bars of soap and shampoo and showered off in the refreshing summer rain. We then filled the rest of the afternoon up with marsh and conservation based games before an excellent dinner was prepared followed by a round of Electric Moon Snail.
The Island Explorer group came to a successful close as their parents were invited out to Sedge on the children’s last day for lunch and a chance to see where and what their children were learning about the previous week. The children set up stations dealing with various aspects of their trip in order to pass on to their parents what they have learned including kayaking, fishing, crabbing, water quality and weather, edible plants of the marsh, and a touch tank. The weather could not have been better for this day.
This second Island Explorers group consisted of 13 incoming and current middle school children from northern New Jersey. We started our five-day session off with a number of icebreakers, and observation based activities following with a mile kayak tour of the surrounding marshes. On Wednesday, the group was given a rare opportunity to listen to a lecture by Scott Haag from Rutgers University on eelgrass distribution in the Barnegat estuary using GIS software and aerial photography. The children then assisted Mr. Haag in surveying various GPS coordinates by kayak in order to confirm or deny the presence of eelgrass in certain locations ascertained by aerial photographs. This was an excellent opportunity for the kids to see how actual field work was done, and its application once the data was collected. It also helped to tie many of the things the children learned over the previous days together and gave them the chance to listen to an excellent speaker on such an important issue.
The following day the group was lead out to the Army Corps of Engineers Dike for the traditional long paddle, and to spend a few hours at the beach. However, it could not have been anything other than traditional. Upon starting out, the sky was steely grey with overcast, and a wind out of the east was beginning to pick up. With these conditions, we wound our way through the back waterways of the marsh; using the natural protection of the sedges, we found ways that were rarely used but offered ideal protection from the wind. Upon coming to a portage area that would have been no more than 20 feet, the sky lost the pensive feeling it kept for most of the morning and opened up. The wind stopped, but the rain came down in drops as big as a man’s fist. It was exhilarating! There was no hint of lightening, but the decision was made to return to the Sedge house, where upon arrival, everyone got out bars of soap and shampoo and showered off in the refreshing summer rain. We then filled the rest of the afternoon up with marsh and conservation based games before an excellent dinner was prepared followed by a round of Electric Moon Snail.
The Island Explorer group came to a successful close as their parents were invited out to Sedge on the children’s last day for lunch and a chance to see where and what their children were learning about the previous week. The children set up stations dealing with various aspects of their trip in order to pass on to their parents what they have learned including kayaking, fishing, crabbing, water quality and weather, edible plants of the marsh, and a touch tank. The weather could not have been better for this day.
Monday, July 27, 2009
ANJEE
The Association of New Jersey Environmental Education held its summer meeting at Sedge. Twenty members of the group came from all over the state. Paired up in a kayak with a paddling partner they did not know, each person shared information on how they are working in their particular environment to heighten environmental awareness. As we paddled among the many osprey nests, it was interesting to note that no matter whether they were from north or south Jersey almost all members of the group had osprey experience in their own neighborhoods. One of the highlights for the group was walking on the salt marsh. Even though many of the participants had some experience with a salt marsh, few had actually slogged across the flooded Spartina.
Much of the afternoon was taken up with a huge barbecue lunch. In addition to the traditional burgers and dogs cooked on the grill, a wide variety of other foods from homemade appetizers to hand picked blueberries in a delicious pie made this an especially enjoyable experience. After lunch the group split up for kayaking, clamming and seining. Everyone had such a good time that many found it difficult to leave. We hope that in the future ANJEE will return for an overnight experience.
Jim Merritt
Much of the afternoon was taken up with a huge barbecue lunch. In addition to the traditional burgers and dogs cooked on the grill, a wide variety of other foods from homemade appetizers to hand picked blueberries in a delicious pie made this an especially enjoyable experience. After lunch the group split up for kayaking, clamming and seining. Everyone had such a good time that many found it difficult to leave. We hope that in the future ANJEE will return for an overnight experience.
Jim Merritt
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Conserve Wildlife Foundation Poster Contest Winners
Students, who won the CWF poster contest by creating artwork depicting an endangered animal from New Jersey, visited Sedge Island with their teachers, parents and siblings. These students came from as far north as Sussex County. Although they were as young as eleven, they were extremely knowledgeable about not only about the animal they had selected to study but also about endangered species in general. It was a pleasure to hear them describe why they had chosen their particular animal and them tell about its habitat.
We paddled into the salt marsh to view some of the less commonly seen animal species. We were treated to an aerial display as the Peregrine Falcons took flight off their hacking tower and cruised around for a few minutes. Later we passed close to an osprey platform. We were able to see two juvenile osprey that although they are quite large, they are still unable to fly. But they are grown-up enough to be curious about their surroundings. Two unusually bold chicks peeked out of the nest as we paddled past.
We paddled into the salt marsh to view some of the less commonly seen animal species. We were treated to an aerial display as the Peregrine Falcons took flight off their hacking tower and cruised around for a few minutes. Later we passed close to an osprey platform. We were able to see two juvenile osprey that although they are quite large, they are still unable to fly. But they are grown-up enough to be curious about their surroundings. Two unusually bold chicks peeked out of the nest as we paddled past.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Somerset County Environmental Education Center ~ July 2009
The group from Somerset County is a fine example of how people can participate in programs at Sedge no matter how old they are. While I do not know their exact ages, I do know that at least three women were in their seventies and one turned eighty-three the day after she left the island. Fourteen people paddled 1.2 miles to the island on Friday before lunch. After eating, we paddled an additional mile in the marsh south of the Sedge House. We stopped to pick some of the last big mussels before they all die from the warm water. We ate an incredible dinner prepared by the trip leaders before retiring for the night.
This group paddled and paddled and paddled. No one seemed tired after yesterday’s trips of more than two miles so we just kept going. On Saturday we had no trouble covering the seven miles to and from the dike. Sunday morning many participants got up before sunrise to greet the dawn on the water. Nine of us paddled “Beluga” our big canoe. Others joined us in kayaks as we paddled around Gull Island and around the north side of Sedge. After breakfast many people elected to join Tom as he led the group through the narrow mosquito ditches to the Oyster Creek Channel and back. Others stayed on the island to snorkel in the thorofare. Naturally the group paddled back to the dock at the end of their stay. I estimate that most of these folks paddled nearly fifteen miles in the time they were at Sedge. Not bad for senior citizens.
Jim Merritt
This group paddled and paddled and paddled. No one seemed tired after yesterday’s trips of more than two miles so we just kept going. On Saturday we had no trouble covering the seven miles to and from the dike. Sunday morning many participants got up before sunrise to greet the dawn on the water. Nine of us paddled “Beluga” our big canoe. Others joined us in kayaks as we paddled around Gull Island and around the north side of Sedge. After breakfast many people elected to join Tom as he led the group through the narrow mosquito ditches to the Oyster Creek Channel and back. Others stayed on the island to snorkel in the thorofare. Naturally the group paddled back to the dock at the end of their stay. I estimate that most of these folks paddled nearly fifteen miles in the time they were at Sedge. Not bad for senior citizens.
Jim Merritt
New Jersey Governer's School on the Environment I
The New Jersey Governer's School on the Environment arrived squeaky clean and ready for an adventure on Sedge. Students first caught a glimpse of snails piled with sea stars, scavenging for a meal below the dock.The group chose to have lunch on the marsh, so we kayaked out past the perigrine falcon nest and watched as four of the birds flew around the tower and perched next to their igloo. Returning from the marsh we took a short vacation to the Bahamas where we collected the last of the season's mussels, a few clams, and an abundance of sea stars. The water was warm, the sun was shining, and it was amazing to think we were still in New Jersery. Tuseday started bright and early with eight of the twelve students getting up to witness a beautiful sunrise and test their luck fishing off the dock. After breakfast Sedge intern Taylor Sehein demonstrated her water sampling techniques and equipment as the students looked on with interest. The group then paddled out to the dike for lunch and a trip to the beach, but the storm clouds soon rolled in and we got stuck paddling back to Sedge in a downpour! After everyone dried off and got into warm clothes, the students began journaling, an exersize which culminated in each student writing about their experience in their own five foot "world" somewhere on the island. The students came up with wonderful and imaginative reflections which they shared later on that evening, and eveyrone left the island with a special experience to carry with them for the rest of their lives.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
American Littoral Society
Students from North Star Academy in Newark and the students from the Urban Trecker program in Camden came together for three days on Sedge Island. Kayaking on the first day was a challenge, as most of the students had never paddled in a salt marsh or on open water before. As we passed close to the Peregrine Falcon tower we noticed that the adults were quite active on the platform. After watching for several minutes, we observed one of the juveniles as it came out of the igloo and began stretching its wings as it prepares for its first flight. This was especially exciting for all the students as they learned that falcons are now living on tall buildings and other structures in the urban areas they inhabit.
One of the most unique aspects about the Littoral Society program takes place on the last day when students give short oral reports on animals they have learned about while they were on Sedge. This is a unique opportunity for these students not only to talk about a wild animal that interests them, but also to explain why the animal has significance for them. After the other students listened to the presentations they asked questions and gave feedback making this a great learning experience for everyone
One of the most unique aspects about the Littoral Society program takes place on the last day when students give short oral reports on animals they have learned about while they were on Sedge. This is a unique opportunity for these students not only to talk about a wild animal that interests them, but also to explain why the animal has significance for them. After the other students listened to the presentations they asked questions and gave feedback making this a great learning experience for everyone
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Marine Academy of Technology and Environmental Science
Fog, drizzle, and rain did little to deter four groups of freshmen from MATES. The water was not as warm as it has been in past years but these students got right in when they were seining and clamming. The teachers also spent time in the water as they free dove in the thorofare south of the McClain House. When the conditions are tough, the tough get going. These MATES are tough!
The mussels are still growing fast and we were able to eat some of these in addition to the clams we caught. A great addition to our dinner was a beautiful fillet of Striped Bass that had been recently caught by teacher Dave Werner. Taylor, a senior at MATES and a new intern at Sedge for this summer, was terrific as she led groups in a variety of activities. Perhaps even more importantly, she was very calm when on one of our return trips from the Island Beach dock in the jon boat we became temporarily confused in the dense fog.
The mussels are still growing fast and we were able to eat some of these in addition to the clams we caught. A great addition to our dinner was a beautiful fillet of Striped Bass that had been recently caught by teacher Dave Werner. Taylor, a senior at MATES and a new intern at Sedge for this summer, was terrific as she led groups in a variety of activities. Perhaps even more importantly, she was very calm when on one of our return trips from the Island Beach dock in the jon boat we became temporarily confused in the dense fog.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Watershed Ambassadors
May 6 & 7
The spring weather continues to be cold and rainy but groups at Sedge usually do well under adverse conditions. This was especially true for the Watershed Ambassadors. After Akili concluded their regular monthly meeting, we had lunch. And we still had time for kayaking, fishing, crabbing and clamming. Because we are still without solar power, our pump does not work without the generator being turned on. Lack of water was never a problem as we supplemented the bottled water carried out to the island with water we had caught in our new rain barrel.
The red fox is becoming a common sight on Sedge. The Watershed Ambassadors saw it several times. Once it appeared to be resting in a bed of dried eelgrass. On another occasion it was stalking something on of one of the mosquito ditches. Later the fox walked directly under an osprey platform causing the adults to call loudly as they flew off their nest leaving their eggs uncovered. It is likely that this fox will cause a significant decrease in the number of young bird and Diamond Backed Terrapins that will survive on Sedge Island this summer.
Thanks again to Gary Patterson for helping out at Sedge. Gary is great at seeing what needs to be done and then getting it done with the help of group participants. In addition, he frequently engages the group with stories, anecdotes, and interesting facts about the flora and fauna of the salt marsh.
The spring weather continues to be cold and rainy but groups at Sedge usually do well under adverse conditions. This was especially true for the Watershed Ambassadors. After Akili concluded their regular monthly meeting, we had lunch. And we still had time for kayaking, fishing, crabbing and clamming. Because we are still without solar power, our pump does not work without the generator being turned on. Lack of water was never a problem as we supplemented the bottled water carried out to the island with water we had caught in our new rain barrel.
The red fox is becoming a common sight on Sedge. The Watershed Ambassadors saw it several times. Once it appeared to be resting in a bed of dried eelgrass. On another occasion it was stalking something on of one of the mosquito ditches. Later the fox walked directly under an osprey platform causing the adults to call loudly as they flew off their nest leaving their eggs uncovered. It is likely that this fox will cause a significant decrease in the number of young bird and Diamond Backed Terrapins that will survive on Sedge Island this summer.
Thanks again to Gary Patterson for helping out at Sedge. Gary is great at seeing what needs to be done and then getting it done with the help of group participants. In addition, he frequently engages the group with stories, anecdotes, and interesting facts about the flora and fauna of the salt marsh.
Master Naturalists
April 25 & 26
The first official group of the Sedge Season spent the weekend in somewhat cold, cloudy, rainy conditions. In addition to the weather hardships, the Master Naturalists dealt with limited electricity due to the lack of solar power and our group decision to run the propane generator for a limited amount of time. Many in the group said spending time in the dark actually enhanced the experience for them.
The water temperature was in the low 50’s and it was crystal clear. These factors probably contributed to the fact that we did not catch any fish and the only crabs that we got were green crabs. The clams were farther down in the mud than usual but we managed to rake more than we could eat, so a good number were returned.
The Master Naturalists had the good fortune to be joined by two friends who know a great deal about the Barnegat Bay Watershed. Dr. Bob Schwartz, a retired chemist, shared his knowledge of some of the chemical processes affecting the bay. He was equally at home discussing the recent nuclear waste release at the Oyster Creek Nuclear Power Plant as he was talking about nitrogen and phosphate from non-point source pollution. Dr. Gary Patterson, former head of the Environmental Education graduate program at Rowan University, provoked lively discussions about land use issues in the Barnegat Bay Watershed. Thanks to both Bob and Gary for joining us.
The first official group of the Sedge Season spent the weekend in somewhat cold, cloudy, rainy conditions. In addition to the weather hardships, the Master Naturalists dealt with limited electricity due to the lack of solar power and our group decision to run the propane generator for a limited amount of time. Many in the group said spending time in the dark actually enhanced the experience for them.
The water temperature was in the low 50’s and it was crystal clear. These factors probably contributed to the fact that we did not catch any fish and the only crabs that we got were green crabs. The clams were farther down in the mud than usual but we managed to rake more than we could eat, so a good number were returned.
The Master Naturalists had the good fortune to be joined by two friends who know a great deal about the Barnegat Bay Watershed. Dr. Bob Schwartz, a retired chemist, shared his knowledge of some of the chemical processes affecting the bay. He was equally at home discussing the recent nuclear waste release at the Oyster Creek Nuclear Power Plant as he was talking about nitrogen and phosphate from non-point source pollution. Dr. Gary Patterson, former head of the Environmental Education graduate program at Rowan University, provoked lively discussions about land use issues in the Barnegat Bay Watershed. Thanks to both Bob and Gary for joining us.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Let the Sedge Season Begin
The air was 75F and the water was 62F. The sky was clear. The sun was bright. Conditions were perfect as ten Friends of Sedge joined three staff members and four interns for our annual “Open the House” weekend.
One of our priorities was to get the place ready for the first group. We turned on the water and got the generator running. (Karen and I were able to accomplish this with help some of the Friends and long distance consultation phone calls to Tony Raniero in Florida.) This being done, we were able to accomplish many of our usual chores. We washed windows, cleaned the cabinets, washed the dishes, put up screens, cleared out the boathouse, cleaned both Clivus, re-rigged the fishing rods, checked the composter, and moved empty propane tanks to Island Beach. In addition, because we had so much help, we were able to work on some new projects. We worked on the garden rain barrel irrigation system. We finished construction on the platform to hold the kitchen rain barrel. We raised the level of Jackie’s garden by eight inches.
Our interns are, as usual, an incredible group of individuals. All have had prior experience at Sedge. Emily Olson, who is just completing her freshman year at University of Delaware, spent most of last summer at Sedge. Madalyn Kulas, is finishing her sophomore year at the Stevens Institute where she is studying environmental engineering. Taylor Sehein is graduating from MATES and will be attending the University of Florida where she will study Marine Biology. Tom Segear will be at Rutgers in the fall and he will study ecology and environmental science.
Our staff training was a real success. Because everyone had spent time with groups at Sedge last year, we were able to move quickly through many of the basics. Jason took the group on the short kayak trip through the marsh as a refresher on one of our basic programs. Katina did a session on journaling and Karen updated some of the paper work necessary for volunteering at Sedge. In the evening former staff member, Dr. Tom Verzi talked about his research and invited interns to join him as he works with oyster catchers and osprey. Dr. Gary Patterson talked about some of he political battles he has fought during his long career as head of the Rowan University Graduate program in Environmental Studies.
Thank you to everyone who helped out this weekend. Sedge could not go on without you.
One of our priorities was to get the place ready for the first group. We turned on the water and got the generator running. (Karen and I were able to accomplish this with help some of the Friends and long distance consultation phone calls to Tony Raniero in Florida.) This being done, we were able to accomplish many of our usual chores. We washed windows, cleaned the cabinets, washed the dishes, put up screens, cleared out the boathouse, cleaned both Clivus, re-rigged the fishing rods, checked the composter, and moved empty propane tanks to Island Beach. In addition, because we had so much help, we were able to work on some new projects. We worked on the garden rain barrel irrigation system. We finished construction on the platform to hold the kitchen rain barrel. We raised the level of Jackie’s garden by eight inches.
Our interns are, as usual, an incredible group of individuals. All have had prior experience at Sedge. Emily Olson, who is just completing her freshman year at University of Delaware, spent most of last summer at Sedge. Madalyn Kulas, is finishing her sophomore year at the Stevens Institute where she is studying environmental engineering. Taylor Sehein is graduating from MATES and will be attending the University of Florida where she will study Marine Biology. Tom Segear will be at Rutgers in the fall and he will study ecology and environmental science.
Our staff training was a real success. Because everyone had spent time with groups at Sedge last year, we were able to move quickly through many of the basics. Jason took the group on the short kayak trip through the marsh as a refresher on one of our basic programs. Katina did a session on journaling and Karen updated some of the paper work necessary for volunteering at Sedge. In the evening former staff member, Dr. Tom Verzi talked about his research and invited interns to join him as he works with oyster catchers and osprey. Dr. Gary Patterson talked about some of he political battles he has fought during his long career as head of the Rowan University Graduate program in Environmental Studies.
Thank you to everyone who helped out this weekend. Sedge could not go on without you.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Early March 2009
I visited Sedge several times this past month. The first two trips were by kayak in near-freezing temperatures (both air and water). One time I paddled out from the dock at Island Beach. The following week, I paddled from my house in Seaside with some friends from the Jersey Shore Sea kayak Association (17 miles round trip)
Everything looked pretty good. The lights had not blown off the poles on the dock. None of the buildings had been broken into. The house had the usual accumulation of dirt but it was not filthy. The pile of broken clamshells on the deck (dropped by gulls) was no larger than usual. I measured the location of the raised bed vegetable garden we plan to develop in the spring. I made a diagram of the rainwater collection system we will build using 55 gal rain barrels. These will be our new projects for the spring.
Karen, Jason and I have been planning for the 2009 season. Our schedule is as busy as ever with many returning groups and a smattering of new ones. Karen has ordered new equipment including ten new kayaks. Construction on the solar and wind power systems is scheduled to begin in April.
We are excited about our interns. One is returning after working last year. The other three have helped out at Sedge so they know what to expect. We will have a very good crew. We are all looking forward to the Staff orientation/Friends of Sedge weekend on April 25 and 26th.
Jim
Everything looked pretty good. The lights had not blown off the poles on the dock. None of the buildings had been broken into. The house had the usual accumulation of dirt but it was not filthy. The pile of broken clamshells on the deck (dropped by gulls) was no larger than usual. I measured the location of the raised bed vegetable garden we plan to develop in the spring. I made a diagram of the rainwater collection system we will build using 55 gal rain barrels. These will be our new projects for the spring.
Karen, Jason and I have been planning for the 2009 season. Our schedule is as busy as ever with many returning groups and a smattering of new ones. Karen has ordered new equipment including ten new kayaks. Construction on the solar and wind power systems is scheduled to begin in April.
We are excited about our interns. One is returning after working last year. The other three have helped out at Sedge so they know what to expect. We will have a very good crew. We are all looking forward to the Staff orientation/Friends of Sedge weekend on April 25 and 26th.
Jim
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