July Newsletter




Happy Summer! We have another busy month with a ton of ways for you get more involved with the Park. 

While you're out enjoying the beautiful beaches, don't forget to stop by the IBSP Nature Center or take part in one of the great guided programs. Check out this interview with Kelly Scott, Park Naturalist, as she discusses the Park's Nature Program.

In this Issue:
- Join us Saturday, July 15th at our Membership Meeting to learn about upcoming volunteer opportunities.
- Learn about Project RedBand, and Bandit's and Bay's newly banded osprey chicks. 

See you at the beach!

- Friends of Island Beach State Park 

Volunteer Opportunities 

Thursdays In August: Every Thursday in August, the Friends will be collecting donations at the gate from 9 - 2. We will also have a table set up with information and merchandise at Swimming Area 1. Can you dedicate a couple of hours to help make the event a success? This one of the biggest fundraisers for the Friends and the Park!

For more information, Contact Stevie Thorsen.

Beach Plum Festival, September 9th:  It's almost that time of year! The Beach Plum Festival is a completely volunteer run event, and every year, more than 50 volunteers come together to make it a success. On Sunday, July 15th, join us at our Membership Meeting to learn more about volunteering at this fun festival. 

Can't make the meeting, but still want to volunteer? Contact Stevie Thorsen for more details.   


Summer Membership Meeting
Sunday, July 15th
10:00 - 12:00
IBSP Interpretive Center

Join us for our summer meeting and learn about all of the great ways to get involved with and support Island Beach State Park! This meeting will have a special focus on volunteer needs and the upcoming Beach Plum Festival.

Please note: Plan to arrive to the park early! On summer weekends the park generally reaches full capacity by mid-morning. Attending the membership meeting will not guarantee you access into the park.

Lunch will be provided. Please RSVP so we ensure there is enough lunch for everyone!



Membership dues are just $15 for an individual and $25 for a family. 

JOIN


Ensuring a future for our Osprey
By Ben Wurst, Conserve Wildlife Foundation

 

Over the past decade  Conserve Wildlife Foundation of NJ has lead the  New Jersey Osprey Monitoring Project. Our mission is to continue the groundbreaking recovery efforts conducted over 40 years ago to help the species to rebound from the effects of DDT and habitat loss along the New Jersey coast. From only 50 nesti ng pairs in the early 1970's to over 650 today, species management is based on grassroots volunteerism, government/private partnerships, and community outreach to help maintain a stable population.

In the heat of summer, specially trained "Osprey Banders" conduct ground surveys of the most densely populated nesting colonies throughout the state. From the Meadowlands, south to Cape May and west to Salem County, our goal is to record nest occupancy and productivity to help keep track of the health of the population.

Click hear to read more...
Pete McLain Osprey Cam



The Friends of IBSP would not be able to keep the camera running without the generous support of our members and donors. The osprey camera costs ~$5,000 per year to run. 

Would you consider making a tax deductible donation to help support our Osprey Cam Project? Bandit and Bay, our resident osprey, appreciate your support! 




Healthy Earth, Healthy Life Celebration
Thursdays in August
8:00 - 2:00
Swimming Area 1

Come join us for a celebration of healthy living! Every Thursday in August from 8am - 2pm, we will be in Swimming Area 1 with vendors and activities that promote a healthy lifestyle. Consult with a dermatologist, chiropractor, and local environmental nonprofits. 

Highlights include:

8:00 - Yoga - Dawn Keen from the Center for Health and Healing 
10:00 - GFunk Kids Fitness Class 
11:00 - Cartoonist - Marty Mayo 
12:00 - Seine Barnegat Bay 
1:00 - I See Magic Show - Doug Billingsley 
3:00 - Seine Barnegat Bay

Details and registration.






Save the Date -
21st Annual Beach Plum Festival

The Beach Plum Festival features food, craft vendors, kid's games, and our famous beach plum jelly and ice cream!

Are you interested in being a vendor at this years festival?   If so, fill out the form and we'll let you know if you are a good fit! 
Vendor Interest Form



Save the Date for our 2018 Events

Want to know the date for all of our events in 2018 - we've got you covered! Check out our calendar so that you can mark yours and plan to attend the Beach Plum Festival, General Meetings, Dune Grass Plantings and more ...



We're committed to making Island Beach State Park - one of New Jersey's most popular state parks - one of it's best cared for. Thanks for your continued support!
visit our website at 
http://friendsofibsp.org 

Contact:
Friends of Island Beach State Park
PO Box 406, Seaside Park, NJ 08752
info@friendsofislandbeach.org