QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER
September 2021
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NEXT MEMBERSHIP MEETING
Celebration of a Year’s Work and President’s Volunteer Service Award
Wednesday, November 10th, 2021
Meeting starts at 6:30 p.m.
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This year CU Maurice River's annual meeting will be held virtually. Taking place on Wednesday, November 10th, 2021 at 6:30 p.m., Board President Jane Morton Galetto will highlight the work accomplished by the organization in 2021. Over the last twelve months, volunteers have been working away busily to power many of CU Maurice River's conservation projects. These include the phragmites mapping, ReTurn the Favor, Green Infrastructure Installations, Feed the Scientists, the Neighborhood Wildlife Garden, and so much more. Join us in thanking them and celebrating their commitment to Down Jersey's environmental health. Those who have volunteered over 100 hours over the last year will be presented with The President’s Volunteer Service Award.
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Celebration of Holly Farm Preserve.
June 3rd CU Maurice River was asked to speak on behalf of all the non-profits that were involved in preserving this land. After three decades of advocating, these partners were successful in securing the c.1,400-acre property’s protection. The celebration was attended by most of the Green Acre staff who were also celebrating their department’s anniversary, as well as the NJDEP Fish and Wildlife Director and his team, NJ Conservation Foundation, The Nature Conservancy, ANJEC, Exelon-Atlantic Electric, South Jersey Land and Water Trust, plus representatives from Cumberland County, the City of Millville, Maurice River Township, and key players from Governor Murphy’s team, among others.
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National Fish and Wildlife Foundation-
Implementing Green Infrastructure to Protect the Maurice River
Grant Completed: 2019-2021
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New Jersey Water Supply Plan 2017-2022 - The Maurice River’s Watershed Management Area is identified as having the highest water supply deficit for potable use in the state. Eight of the nine sub-watersheds north of the Wild and Scenic designated area fall within NJ’s 25% most vulnerable with regard to impacts stemming from water demand. In this scenario, consumption demands on water may be in direct competition with the preservation of aquatic ecosystems. Water depletion is a threat not only to the watershed’s community health and sustainability, but also its environmental integrity. In response to this threat to the Wild and Scenic Maurice River’s outstanding natural values, over the last two years, CU has installed four demonstration rain and pollinator garden systems. These types of projects help reduce further water waste and contamination stemming from stormwater runoff.
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Project #1 Cumberland Family Medicine: Gallons of stormwater saved per year - 66,016
Pounds of pollution kept out of aquatic habitats per year - 11.69
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Millville, the Maurice River Watershed’s second most populated urban area, also has some of the watershed’s highest concentrations of impervious surface coverage (ranging between 15-25%), according to Environment America’s Threats to the Delaware River Basin Interactive Map. By disconnecting water from stormwater systems and promoting percolation into the ground, the drinking water source can be replenished with clean fresh water. Meanwhile, aquatic habitats are protected from contamination, as well as from shrinkage and/or changes in flow regimes caused by groundwater depletion. While continued efforts to end over-consumption of water are of great importance, eco-friendly stormwater management goes a long way toward curbing water waste.
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It was tough work - yet CU volunteers rose to the occasion in support of water again and again! The rain gardens they installed will reduce runoff by approx. 1,200,000+ gallons and remove nearly 200 pounds of contaminants from water per year. They will also serve as settings for community outreach and education, promoting the incorporation of green infrastructure into land management decisions. Each volunteer hour that was dedicated made all the difference for community sustainability and the health of the national treasure in our backyard, the Maurice River. Thank you, CU Volunteers, members, partners, and friends!
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Project #3 First United Methodist Church of Millville: Gallons of stormwater saved - 92,523 Pounds of pollutants kept out of aquatic habitats per year - 16 |
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We would also like to extend a warm thank-you to National Fish and Wildlife Foundation for its financial support of this project, to Rutgers Cooperative Extension Water Resource Program team for lending their technical expertise to the realization of the projects, to our local partners in corporate stewardship: Cumberland Family Medical, Amcor Rigid Plastics, First United Methodist Church, and WheatonArts Cultural Center, to our partners in outreach to businesses, including the Vineland and Millville Chambers of Commerce, and to corporate donors Stanker & Galetto, Dun-Rite Sand & Gravel, Northeast Precast, Home Depot, Appliance Plus, and Mainiero’s Appliances. It is with your help and dedication to environmental and community health that CU Maurice River was able to complete this feat successfully. |
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Project #4 WheatonArts and Cultural Center: Gallons of stormwater saved - 891,000
Pounds of pollutants kept out of aquatic habitats per year - 120
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Project Totals:
Aquifer recharge -
1,216,029 gallons per year
Pollutants kept out of waterways -
173 pounds per year
*An untold number of pollinators and birds will benefit from the revitalization of these former lawn areas into wildlife gardens.
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The World-Famous Chili Bowl
September – October
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As you probably know by now, CU’s Events Committee has decided to postpone the Chili Bowl dinner until April 30, 2022. Many considerations went into this decision.
However, the auction is still on! We are going forward with that part of the event via batched emails, with over 140 items. There will be no Live Auction but rather Prized Picks, the normally bigger items that tend to be sold at the Chili Bowl itself. So please check your emails often. The email auction will allow everyone to participate. Items will span a wide price range from $5 on up. And remember that last year many items sold within three hours of introduction.
Interested in supporting CU’s mission? Click HERE to donate to a Chili Bowl Favorite - Ain’t Doin’ Nothin’ wit Jane!
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Holiday Match
November – December
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The goal is to match an anonymous donor’s pledged contribution of $20,000. Can you help us raise 20K in matching dollars? Every donation counts! No donation is too small; no donation is too big! We are thankful for your support.
Who knows what theme Jane will devise this year? One year it was rowdy birds, another was cows in space, and another was a trip along the Bayshore powered by donations. Her fun-raising themes are wacky. They’re wild. They’re silly. They are… - well, they are what they are! Do they make sense? You bet they never do! If you’re a new member, just a heads-up: our fundraising style at CU is often unorthodox and zany but our mission is real. In order to continue to serve it, we all need to… you guessed it: put skid marks on the plastic by donating to CU Maurice River. Be on the lookout for wacky emails that you won’t want to miss!
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Online Calendar -
Considering the changing nature of the current health crisis, the staff is recommending that members, volunteers, and friends use CU Maurice River’s web calendar or follow our e-newsletter for the most up-to-date information on upcoming events. A new tool has also been created and sent via USPS to all members - This year we created a quarterly mailer, a simple card listing CUMR’s calendar offerings by season. Keep an eye on your mail! Your next card will be on its way in July.
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EXPERIENCE DOWN JERSEY’S OUTSTANDING RESOURCES (Outings and Presentations):
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Oct. 5, 9:00 a.m. Tuesday on The Fly – Raptors of the Salt Marsh
Learn the ins and outs of spotting salt marsh raptors at Thompson’s beach with Dr. Paul Kosten. To sign up click here.
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Oct. 10, 3:00 p.m.
Delaware Bay Lighthouse Cruise (Rescheduled from September) Tour the lighthouses of the Delaware Bay on the Bonzanza II with her crew. To sign up click here.
Oct. 16, 9:00 a.m.
CU Saturday: Lichen Mushrooms
Fungi are neither plant nor animal and yet they play a vital role on our planet. Join Karla Rossini to unearth the world of fungi together. To sign up click here.
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Oct. 22, 6:00 p.m. Family-Friendly Friday: The Jersey Devil Hunt
Adventure into the wilderness of the pinelands at night and you may spot the Jersey Devil. This outing will be led by New Jersey Conservation Foundation’s Russell Juelg. To sign up click here.
Oct. 23, 9:30 a.m. 4th Saturday Walk
This is a regular walk held on the fourth Saturday of every month. Join CU Naturalists and World Series of Birding Team Members Tony Klock and Mary Watkins for a morning stroll to get your day started. Later some of the group often visit the family-friendly Glasstown Brewery with a packed lunch in tow. To sign up click here.
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Oct. 23, 1:00 p.m. Fall Foliage Paddle
Experience the autumn color change from the water of the Menantico ponds. Dave Scheffler, a certified kayak guide, will lead this outing. To sign up click here.
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Nov. 2, 8:00 a.m. Tuesday on the Fly
Take a ride on the Cape May Ferry with Joe Moore. This year’s Tuesday on the Fly program was designed to highlight the cultural resources to be found along the Bayshore Heritage Byway. This is the last outing of the series and we hope you won’t miss it. To sign up click here.
Nov. 13, 9:00 a.m.
Nothing Fancy; Just Birding
Joe Moore is a budding birder with a strong passion for learning and teaching. Join him on this impromptu outing to the headwaters of the Maurice River Watershed, Scotland Run Park. To sign up click here.
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Nov. 10, 6:30 p.m. Annual Meeting
Board members, members, and staff gather virtually to celebrate the environmental stewardship and outdoor education activities that were completed successfully over the last year by CUMR’s dedicated volunteer team. To sign up click here.
Nov. 20, 9:00 a.m.
CU Saturday– Turkey Tales w/ Jane
This is an outing fit for turkey season! While the group searches for turkey tail fungus in an old-growth forest, Jane will share tales about her run-ins with turkeys over the years. To sign up click here.
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VOLUNTEER TO PROTECT NATURAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES (workgroups): |
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Oct. 2,
Festival of Fine Craft at Wheaton Arts
Help represent CU Maurice River at the Festival of Fine Craft. We will be creating a new weaving on the weighted warp loom to replace the one that was destroyed during a storm in 2020. At the entrance circle, we will be hosting a wildlife garden educational activity while also introducing the public to the rain garden system and its ecological benefits. Email D.Scheffler@CUMauriceRiver.org to sign up.
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Oct. 7, 9:00 a.m.
Brunch in The Weeds
ECU Volunteers making a difference for wildlife right in the heart of Millville's downtown. Email J.Moore@CUMauriceRiver.org to register.
Oct. 9, 9:00 a.m.
International Waterways Cleanup
Volunteer Cleanup at Waltman Park in Millville. To sign up click here.
Oct. 15,
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Two CU Socials Featuring the Sutton Duo
*These virtual offerings will be held at 6:30p.m. RSVP required
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1. October 28, 6:30 p.m. CU Social: The Unfolding of a Wildlife Garden
One year in the Sutton Garden caught on film. Over the last year, Pat has been creating a video that captures the unfolding of her garden throughout the four seasons. It will surely showcase her favorite backyard visitors while also demonstrating what she does to maintain her garden habitat. Pat will join us to answer questions. Click here to sign up.
2. October 29, 6:30 p.m. CU Social: Raptors and Waterfowl
Enjoy a presentation on the region’s dynamic raptor and waterfowl populations from Clay Sutton! Clay has been leading a raptor and waterfowl study on the Maurice River for 35 years. He will present on his team’s findings from previous reports and as they prepare a new paper for publishing. The audience will gain insight into the diverse suite of birds that rely on the river corridor during the winter months. Click here to sign up.
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An Outing Associated with Clay’s Presentation: November 6, 9:00 a.m. CU Saturday w/ Jim Blumenstein Interested in visiting the sites included in the Winter Raptor and Waterfowl Study along the Maurice River? Join CU Naturalist Jim Blumenstein to retrace the steps of the research team, and enjoy a morning filled with outdoor learning and birding fun! Click here to pre-register.
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The First Annual
RAISE THE RIVER FUNDRAISER:
A Wild and Scenic Paddle on the Maurice
July 15, 16, 17, and 18
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CU Maurice River added a new fun-raiser to the calendar of events: a Kayak-A-Thon! Proceeds benefited CU Maurice River’s conservation work to protect stream habitats, engage youth with the river, and maintain public access to paddle trails as well as open spaces. For kayakers, this was a wonderful opportunity to put their love for the water to work and paddle for a cause.
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The event-packed weekend started with a sponsor’s dinner at the Union Lake Sailing & Tennis Club. 79 guests attended. It was a blistering hot evening but fun was had by all! The CU Events Committee deserves a special thank you for pulling all the bits together to host this soiree. The attendees gathered in support of the paddlers, who set off on their first paddle the very next day. Over the weekend, CU Staff and Naturalists led four paddles within the Wild and Scenic designated area of the Maurice River. Over 75 paddlers joined the flotilla, and many CU members donated to the cause by sponsoring the paddlers’ runs. It was a team effort! In all, over $18,000 was raised in support of CU’s stream conservation and education work. |
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PAST PROGRAMMING:
Jun. 5th Bluebirds with Allen Jackson. Due to weather conditions, there was a significant negative impact on young bluebirds in our area. It was decided that this event would be canceled for 2021.
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Jun. 12th CU Saturday: Butterflies of the Swamps with Steve Glynn.
13 participants. CU Naturalist Steven Glynn led participants on this tour of the best butterfly spotting sites within the Maurice River Watershed. Despite the overcast and cooler temperatures, the participants learned about many species including Coral Hairstreak, southern Cloudywing, and European Skipper, among others. This event quickly filled with 12 attendees.
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Jun. 19th Spring Paddle: The Wild and Scenic Manumuskin, a Freshwater Tidal System. 13 participants. Campfire and Potluck: Maurice River Originals. 38 participants. In the morning 13 paddlers explored the freshwater tidal area of the Maurice. Many species of wetland plants were found and interpreted by Karla Rossini and Tom McKee. In the evening, a campfire was to be held at the Burcham Farm. Due to inclement weather, the venue was changed to a member’s home. Local musicians were invited to attend. The evening’s playlist showcased original songs written about the Maurice River, Pinelands, and/or Delaware Bay. 39 people were in attendance.
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Jun. 24th CU Social: Flora Diversity of the Manumuskin. 25 participants. Gerry Moore, of the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, expounded upon the incredible diversity of plant life on the Manumuskin River, including its many rare species, like sensitive joint-vetch, and critical habitats, such as freshwater tidal marshes and Atlantic white cedar bogs. He reviewed how early land use, such as the bog iron industry, shaped parts of the watershed’s landscape. This event marked CU Maurice River’s first in-person presentation in a year. The event was hosted on the shorelines of the Manumuskin River overlooking an expansive wetlands vista.
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Jun. 25th Family-Friendly Friday: Nature Aglow. This event had 51 attendees composed mostly of families with school-age children and was led in partnership with Belleplain State Forest. The programming involved an introduction to Belleplain’s preservation history, followed by an educational lightning bug activity, a night-time walk looking at all the things in nature that phosphoresce, a hands-on lesson about moths, and a lakeside campfire with s’mores. Leaders included Executive Director Karla Rossini, Program Manager Jamie Warner, CU Naturalist Jim Blumenstein, CU Volunteers Dale Schweitzer, and Peter Manzelmann, and Burlington County Park’s Naturalist Jennifer Bulava.
Jun. 26th 4th Saturday: Waltman Park Walk. CU's regular 4th Saturday walk was led by Naturalist Mary Watkins. This program is an oldie, but still one of the favorites for regular attendees as well as newbies! 5 participants
Jul. 6th Tuesday on the Fly: Manumuskin Trail. 11 participants. This Tuesday on the Fly focused on the natural resources of Manumuskin Trail and how their abundance impacted the cultural development of the area over the years. Participants were introduced to the Fries Mill Ruins that are found along the trail as well as to New Jersey’s mining history and hiked c.3 miles on a wooded path while exploring native flora and fauna before arriving at an old mining pit, known in Down Jersey as a blue hole.
Jul. 15th Bi-monthly Meeting: Bog Garden Workshop. Participants gathered at Betsy and Michael Loyle's house for a riverside stewardship workshop and a CUMR business update. Joe Russell of Summersweet Native Nursery taught about bog habitats and led the construction of container bog gardens. Karla, Elizabeth, and Joe led a garden tour highlighting the best management practices that the Loyles have implemented. 30 participants
Jul. 24th 4th Saturday: Waltman Park Walk. - 11 participants. This 4th Saturday Walk gathered a larger group whose primary interest was flowers. Along with this, the group was treated to a rare sighting of a Great Cormorant in the Maurice River. During this time of year, it is unusual for a cormorant to be so far upstream.
Aug. 3rd Tuesday on the Fly: Bridgeton City Park. 20 Participants This Tuesday on the Fly highlighted the unique trails around Bridgeton City Park. Located next to the City Zoo, they peel off the beaten path and hustle-and-bustle found in the downtown area. Several attendees who live in and directly around Bridgeton were amazed to see the extent of the trail system.
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Aug. Youth Education: Nature Journaling Class. 11 children, 4-6 adults, two Barn Studio teachers, and two CU leaders participated. Each week, CU Staff led the interpretative part of the program. While on the trail the students were asked to look closer and interpret what they learned and saw in their nature sketchbooks. The following day the same group of children attended a class at the Barn Studio of Art to elaborate on their drawings and perfect their journal entries. The first walk was led at Waltman Park 8/4. There the group learned more about trees, their parts, and the variety of species in the area. On 8/11 the group visited the Peek Preserve. The lesson’s focus was “Life under a Log,” which taught about insect species as well as their habitats, ecological roles, and the need for their protection. On 8/18 the group visited the Bluffs Preserve. The kids drew and compared characteristics of different grass species as well as grassland landscapes. On 8/25 we visited the Manumuskin Trail to learn about plants and flowers.
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Aug. 21st CU Saturday - Forgotten Grasses. 22 participants. This program gave attendees an up-close and personal lesson on the native grasses that inhabit southern New Jersey. At the head of the group was CU Naturalist Karen Williams and her co-leader Tony Klock. Afterward, participants were pleased to learn they could purchase native grasses and other plants directly from Flora for Fauna, Karen’s plant nursery.
Aug. 27th Family-Friendly Friday: Nature Stream. This event was canceled due to inclement weather.
Aug. 28th 4th Saturday: Waltman Park Walk. Attendees 6. On this installment of the 4th Saturday Walk at Waltman Park, the group started at 8:30 a.m. and was able to catch 20 species of birds within their two-hour walk. The event concluded a bit early so people could grab a pint at Glasstown Brewing Company, but it will take place at 9:30 a.m. next month.
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Sept. 7th Tuesday on the Fly: Cold Spring Village. Participants 13. On this Tuesday on the Fly, our group explored Cold Spring Village in lower Cape May County. We enjoyed touring the grounds and hearing about the 28 historically local buildings onsite. Our interpreter, Bill, showed us regionally specific aspects of several buildings and enjoyed answering the groups’ questions.
Sept. 8th Bi-Monthly Meeting: Environmental Justice. 22 participants. The Bi-monthly Member Meeting covered the activities at CUMR since June. We gave the membership an update on new staff members, an overview of programs completed, and discussed what is to come in the fall. Afterward, Lee Clark of the NJ League of Conservation Voters gave a presentation on Environmental Justice in New Jersey that highlighted the need for urban greening and outdoor education in urban areas.
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PAST VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: |
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Jun. Bluebird Trails – CU Maurice River Wildlife Management Director Allen Jackson has been working with volunteers to band the young bluebirds and maintain the boxes between broods. This activity occurs along bluebird trails located throughout southern New Jersey and beyond.
Jun. 1st, 8th, 15th ReTurn the Favor. These walks were guided by CUMR staff and/or volunteers who are especially dedicated to this program, including Wendy Walker, Jan Dwyer-Lobiondo, Kathy Geiger, Jackie Kehrman, and others. RTF - Guided Walk - 06.01.2021 30+ volunteers attended all together.
Jun. 18th NFWF: Brunch in the Weeds at First United Methodist Church. Volunteers gathered to clean up the garden after planting the previous month. 15 volunteers
Jun. 18th Paddle - Scouting the Maurice River. 9 volunteers from the Raise the River programming committee scouted the stretches of northern Maurice to evaluate their condition and see if they were passable. It was decided not to include these routes in the fundraiser.
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Aug. 5th Elevate. 24 CU staff members made this youth education program possible for 18 participants from Word of Life Christian Worship Center. Per tradition, four outdoor learning stations were set up for everyone to enjoy. They included a pollinator garden tour, a canoe ride on the Wild and Scenic Maurice River, Paint-A-Landscape, and a motorboat trip. Inspira’s Emergency Medical Services and the local Fire Department generously volunteered to provide an extra layer of safety for the event.
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Aug. 12th-14th Dragonfly Sampling Project. 30 volunteers. Over a three-day period, volunteers conducted sampling activities as part of a national study on mercury contamination trends led by the University of Maine at national parks throughout the country. This year CU Maurice River samples were collected from the Wild and Scenic Manumuskin River, Big Neal Branch, and the Menantico River at Leaming Mill Road.
CU Citizen Scientists sampling efforts have been spotlighted! The National Park Service's Air Resources Division created a short video clip highlighting CU Maurice River's involvement in the Dragonfly Mercury Sampling, a nationwide study led by the University of Maine. Since 2016, nearly 200 CU volunteers have participated in this program! The samples that we have collected from streams within the Wild and Scenic Maurice River Watershed are being studied in order to better understand mercury deposition trends throughout the country as well as in the Wild and Scenic Maurice River Watershed.
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Aug. 20th, 26th, Sept. 11th NFWF: Brunch in the Weeds at WheatonArts 1 08.20.21. 36 volunteers in total. At each weeding party, the workgroup took on one of the four upland pollinator gardens. A special thanks goes out to the anonymous volunteers who return on their own accord to help maintain the beds. We don’t know who you are, but we have seen and noticed your hard work!
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PAST COMMUNITY AND OTHER SPECIAL EVENTS:
Jun. 6th Barn Day. CU Maurice River was represented by volunteer ambassadors at the Barn Studio of Art, an organization that inspires creativity in children and adults by connecting them with natural areas. CU led its Paint-A-Landscape activity. Approximately 100 people were in attendance.
June 7th Scotland Run Park’s Water Fest. CU Program Manager Jamie Warner and volunteers led an Enviroscape activity at this community event that taught children and adults about the natural functions of watersheds and how impervious surfaces negatively impact water resources. Approximately 300 community members attended.
Virtual Story Time – Adaria Armstrong of the Bridgeton Public Library contacted CU Maurice River to partner on creating a video about the installation at WheatonArts. Between May and June, the library released three videos highlighting the community’s support of the project and the positive impacts this green infrastructure installation will have on natural resources, as well as interviews with staff and volunteers. Each video also included a reading of a nature-themed book and a nature craft for children.
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Aug. 11th – 14th Purple Martin Spectacular Cruises 239 attendees. Guests were treated to four nights of hundreds of thousands of purple martins as the birds made their way toward wintering grounds in South America. No one night disappointed but Friday night was seen as the cruise with the highest number of martins - somewhere in the ballpark of half a million!
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OFFICE AND STAFF HAPPENINGS/ PROGRAMS |
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Jun. 24th and 25th Field Outing with Gerry Moore. Gerry is a native to Cumberland County, a longtime CUMR member, and currently the Director of the USDA Natural Resources and Conservation Service, National Plant Data Center. In June, Gerry led a group of CU staff, naturalists, and flora enthusiasts on an outing to check on the status of rare plant stands that he had previously located. Needless to say, this was a fantastic learning experience for everyone who attended.
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Wild and Scenic Rivers Coalition- Elevate Highlight: In June, Karla met with Lisa Ronald who is putting together a diversity-focused webinar for the Wild and Scenic Coalition meeting in October. After a conversation about this program, Lisa asked to include it in the coalition’s agenda as a model for inclusion in river recreation and education. Lisa and Karla have been working together to design the event.
Connie Jost Scholarship – Each year, this program awards a scholarship to one high school senior whose creativity is inspired by nature and who plans on attending art school. Due to the effect the current health crisis had on school scheduling and curricula in 2020/21, there were no applicants this year. The money was instead granted to the Barn Studio of Art in support of their programs that introduce young artists to the synergy between nature and inspiration.
Centerton Dam – Beth Syler of The Nature Conservancy’s statewide dam removal program reached out to CU Maurice River to see if we would be interested in leading the removal of an extant dam at Centerton Lake. Karla has attended a host of meetings with Beth, Edward Samanns of WSP environmental consultants, the president of the homeowner’s association, the homeowner’s association, and the USFW Partnership Program. Karla is currently coordinating with the above-mentioned partners and the NRCS to secure funding for a feasibility study. After the removal of the defunct dam, there is a potential for the preservation of the 80 acres of land within the headwaters of the Maurice River.
Diesel Fuel Spill in Leesburg – CUMR received calls from the National Park Service and the United States Coast Guard about a diesel fuel spill on the Maurice River. The spill occurred during a slack tide with the wind blowing towards a developed shoreline contributing to an easier clean-up. All essential parties (spill responders as well as regulatory entities) were quick to react. The first call that the CUMR office received was from the National Park Service informing us of the spill. Karla and a handful of volunteers visited the site to speak with remediation specialists and gather information.
Citizen-led Advocacy for Conservation – In the first six months of 2021, many concerned community members brought an array of development proposals to CUMR’s attention. All of these were located within the Maurice River Watershed, some in sensitive areas. Jane and Karla worked together to field inquiries, connect citizens with resources, and provide advice on possible paths forward. One of these led staff to review zoning board submissions to the City of Vineland for variances adjacent to Wild and Scenic designated river areas. As of September, this project is currently on hold.
South Jersey Bayshore Coalition - CUMR organized a meeting with ANJEC and South Jersey Land and Water Trust in order to revisit the future of the South Jersey Bayshore Coalition. Various conservation leaders have expressed interest in reviving the Coalition over the past two years. CUMR and SJLWT have offered to coordinate the reconvening of this group. ANJEC will continue to participate in the coalition but was ready to pass the responsibility on to other willing partners. Karla has been organizing this effort.
Wild and Scenic Coalition and the Wild and Scenic Partnership Program - CU Maurice River has been attending both the organizations’ meetings, which have been quite helpful in connecting our team with available resources as well as updating us on current activity within the program.
NJ DEP Division of Fish and Wildlife, Endangered and Nongame Species Advisory Committee Meetings CU Maurice River continues to hold a seat on the committee.
Aquaculture Stakeholder Committee - CU also continues to participate in the State and Federal conservation measures involving the oyster harvest and its impacts on shorebirds. This is specific to the federally endangered red knot and its migration on the Delaware Bayshore.
New Hire – In June, CUMR managing staff in concert with the Personnel committee hired two new employees after the departure of Jamie Warner and Rebecca Roberts. Both new hires started in July. David Scheffler will be the organization’s Community Outreach and Outdoor Discovery Manager, while Joseph Moore will function as the Program Coordinator. Both have had a successful start!
NFWF: Interpretative Signage – Staff has been working with Donna Vertolli to develop interpretative signage for each of the four green infrastructure and pollinator garden systems that were installed in 2020/21.
Girl Scouts’ Pollinator Garden- CU Maurice River mentored a Girl Scout Troop on the revitalization of a planted area behind the Riverfront Renaissance Center for the Arts. CUMR developed an installation plan for the troop, helped with the removal of non-native species, and connected them to Flora for Fauna for their plant purchases.
Chili Bowl Organization and Cancellation Tasks – Staff organized the dinner aspects of the Chili Bowl and secured the necessary permits for our activities from the City of Vineland. This event has been postponed until April 30th, 2022.
Ducks Unlimited Fundraiser – Staff attended a Ducks Unlimited Fundraiser as this organization has been a phenomenal supporter of CUMR’s effort to grow awareness of the phragmites encroachment on the Maurice and to move towards invasive species control.
SNJ Today- CU Maurice River Board President Jane Galetto and staff submitted stories to this weekly free newspaper that highlight the natural and cultural aspects of our watershed. The articles have generated a lot of interest among the membership and readers. The paper is circulated in print and online.
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STAYING CONNECTED AND ENGAGED
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Calendar - Remember to check our calendar online at www.cumauriceriver.org for any changes or updates to events and volunteer opportunities.
Social Media – CU Maurice River’s Facebook page is more active than ever! You can view videos, see pictures from outings, read volunteer stories, and so much more. By following CUMR and liking our posts, you not only stay better connected but you also help us get more information out to more people in the community.
Address Changes - Please keep us posted about any changes in your email or mailing address. Our communications contain a helpful stream of reminders and updates that you won’t want to miss.
Membership and Renewals - Please help us by ensuring that your membership is up-to-date and/or invite a friend to join. Membership is set at $20 for individuals and $30 for families, although our average annual donation is approximately $75. Mail your check to PO Box 474, Millville, NJ 08332, or join online at www.cumauriceriver.org. If you are interested in learning more about the monthly giving program, please reach out to CitizensUnited@CUMauriceRiver.org, (856) 300-5331.
A special thanks to all those who give the equally important gift of your time.
We couldn’t do this without you!
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A special thanks to all those who give,
the equally important gift of your time.
We couldn’t do this without you!
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CONTACT US:
Membership and Special Events
Programs and Projects
Office Phone
(856) 300-5331
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STAFF CONTACT INFORMATION: |
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Jane Morton Galetto
Board President
Karla Rossini
Executive Director
Jamie Warner
Program Manager
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Doreen Homan
Membership, Events, and Office Manager
Meghan Thompson
Assistant Office Manager
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CU Maurice River is an Xspero participant.
Download the Xspero application on your smart phone and let 20% your gift card purchase go to CUMR!
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