QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER
January – March 2022
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NEXT MEMBERSHIP MEETING
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Part 3 of 7 in
THE WETLANDS PROTECTION SPEAKING SERIES
Wednesday, May 11th, 2022
Meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. / Presentation starts approx. 7:10 p.m.
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Join us at CU Maurice River's Member Meeting on Wednesday, May 9th at 6:30 p.m. to catch up on recent happenings and learn about upcoming outdoor opportunities. This meeting will be held virtually. Afterward, stay connected for the next installment of 2022’s speaking series that explores the need for wetland protection and restoration within the Wild and Scenic Maurice River corridor. On this occasion, Ken Strait will be presenting on the importance of wetland health for fish populations as well as on his work with wetland restoration in southern New Jersey.
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Ken is the Manager of Biological Programs for PSEG Nuclear, LLC, and manages PSEG’s Estuary Enhancement Program. His expertise in wetland restorations and biological monitoring is extensive. He has spent the last 29 years working to restore degraded wetlands within the Delaware Estuary. PSEG’s Estuary Enhancement Program (EEP) has restored more than 10,000 acres of Delaware Bay tidal wetlands. Three of the wetland sites were formerly diked salt hay farms. The other sites were dominated by non-native Phragmites. Restoration of the former salt hay farms required the removal of dikes and construction of channels to restore natural tidal flow to the sites. To restore the wetlands dominated by Phragmites, invasive reed was able to be controlled, allowing native vegetation to recolonize these brackish marshes. |
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Restoring Phragmites-dominated sites allows more beneficial, native fauna to recolonize the area, improving wetland geomorphology and habitat for other species. The wetland restoration activities provide immediate and measurable benefits for fish, waterfowl, wading birds, and other wildlife. Join Ken virtually for his presentation on the positive impact wetland restoration has had specifically on the fish communities that use the Delaware Bay estuary. RSVP HERE.
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CU’s BIG DAY – A full day of fun and appreciation for our volunteers
Join us for a day of birding, paddling, and fellowship on land and water! In the early morning, walk Hansey Creek Road to take in the dawn song and hopefully spot warblers as they migrate through southern New Jersey. Then mid-morning unload your kayak or canoe for a paddle on the back creeks that should be lined with shorebirds. Finally, join us for CU's big celebration of eco-volunteerism, the Ah Why Knot Awards. You can participate in one, two, or all three activities.
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Dawn Song
7:00 a.m.
On the morning of Saturday, May 21st there will be a guided walk led by the World Series of Birding Fish Hawks' past and present team members. Hansey Creek is one of the team’s favorite warbler hot spots. The walk begins at 7:00 a.m. at the Hansey Creek Road boat ramp. RSVP below. We set off early to listen to the song of these neotropical feathered visitors. This easy stroll down an asphalt road will take the group through many habitats that attract a great diversity of avian life. RSVP here.
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Hansey Creek Paddle
Boats in the water by 9:30 a.m.
After the walk, CU Naturalists Tony Klock and Executive Director Karla Rossini are leading a paddle to explore the Bayshore’s back creeks off Hansey Creek Road. This excursion has been timed to highlight the shorebirds that visit the Delaware Bay in spring without disrupting them. In the past, participants have been impressed by seeing such a variety of wetland denizens at eye level, up-close and personal: otters, herons, osprey, eagles, harriers, muskrats, pollinators, among many, many others! Not to mention that the vista of the expansive wetlands is breathtaking. The hobby photographers will want to bring their cameras if they are comfortable on the water with them. Everyone should bring binoculars. Paddlers will need their own kayak or canoe; kayaks can also be rented from Al and Sam's. CU Maurice River can lend a limited number of canoes to members, but we ask that you transport them yourself. RSVP below and meet the group at the Hansey Creek boat ramp at 9:30 a.m. RSVP here.
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Campfire, Pig Roast,
and Ah Why Knot Awards
4:30p.m.
Join us at the 2022 Annual Ah Why Knot Awards, with special guests, the Shorebird Recovery Team. All members, volunteers, friends, and families are invited to attend this annual get-together with the international shorebird scientists, where we will also present the Ah Why Knot Awards to volunteers who have gone above and beyond in protecting Down Jersey's natural character. There will be oysters, curly fries, pot-luck dishes of all varieties, and a pig roast - as well as live music and a campfire. This is a great celebration located right on the Wild and Scenic Maurice River, and we want you to come! When you register, let us know what side dish you will be adding to the spread. Meet at the home of Jane and Peter Galetto at 4:00 p.m. - the exact address will be given to registrants the day before the event. RSVP here.
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THE WORLD-FAMOUS CHILI BOWL IS BACK!
Past event: Saturday, April 30th, 6:00 p.m. at St. Padre Pio’s Rosary Hall in Vineland
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CU Maurice River is finally able to have the Chili Bowl in person again! This is the organization’s largest fun-raiser that brings 250 members and friends together to celebrate and support the mission. A diverse offering of chilis is cooked by twelve volunteer chefs. Over the last two months, CU members donated items and experiences for the auction that the volunteer Event Committee worked away at organizing. Staff and volunteers put their collective energy into making this night special. Thank you to everyone who supports this annual event by donating, volunteering, and attending. An update on this year's Chili Bowl success will be given at the Bi-monthly meeting and will figure in the next Quarterly Newsletter.
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THE WORLD SERIES OF BIRDING
The Fish Hawks take to the road on Saturday, May 14th.
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Quite possibly one of the world’s most famous birding competitions is happening on May 14th in our region: The World Series of Birding. The CU Fish Hawk team will once again shine a spotlight on the avian diversity found in southern New Jersey. The team members will spend an intense 24 hours traveling from one birding hotspot to the next while tallying the species seen and/or heard. CU Maurice River is thankful for the efforts of the team Captain Mary Watkins and her crew Tony Klock, Jim Blumenstein, and Dr. Kathy Michel. “What’s their cause” and “what does my donation support,” you ask? The group is raising funds to support CU Maurice River’s avian management projects as well as cultural and natural resource awareness programming. The goal is to raise $21K in support of the Maurice River’s feathered residents. Can you help the Fish Hawks and Jane get there?
Donate today by calling (856) 300-5331
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2022 SECOND QUARTER EVENTS & VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES
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To register, click the hyperlinks in blue below.
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Tues., Apr. 5, 9:00 a.m. Tuesday on the Fly
DuPont Environmental Center.
Sat., April 16, 9:0 0a.m. CU Saturday
Canceled due to unforeseen circumstances
Thurs., Apr. 21, 6:30 p.m. CU Social
Virtual event: Restoration of the Lower Maurice w/ LeeAnn Haaf
Sat., Apr. 23, 9:00 a.m. 4th Saturday Walk
Meet Tony and Mary at Waltman Park
Sat., Apr. 23, 5:00 p.m. Campfire and Potluck
New Member Orientation at the Russell’s House
Tues., May 3, 9:00 a.m. Tuesday on the Fly
Elephant Swamp Trail with Jane Galetto
Led by Bert Hixon, Allen Jackson, and Joe Moore.
Fri., May 27, 6:00 p.m. Family-Friendly Friday
Sat., Jun. 4, 9:00 a.m. CU Saturday
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Wed., Jun. 8, Time/TBD WEDNESDAY on the Fly
Wed., Jun 9, 5:30 p.m. New Member Orientation
Welcome new Members! How to get involved. RSVP here.
Fri., Jun. 10,6:00 p.m. Introduction to Kayaking
Thurs., Jun. 16, 6:30 p.m. CU Social
Forestry Management with Kristen Meistrell. RSVP here.
Sat. Jun., 18, 9:30 a.m. Paddle at Shaw’s Mill Pond. Dragon- and Damselflies. RSVP here.
Sat. Jun. 18, 6:00 p.m. Campfire and Potluck
Local musicians play songs inspired by Down Jersey. RSVP here.
Fri. Jun. 24, 6:00 p.m. Family-Friendly Friday
Nature Aglow at Belleplain State Forest. RSVP here.
Sat. Jun. 25, 9:00 a.m. Fourth Saturday Walk Join Mary and Tony at Waltman Park. RSVP here.
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SECOND-QUARTER VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES: |
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VOLUNTEER WORKGROUPS
Wetland vegetative change analysis mapping
Saturday – April 9, Clean-up and mapping
RETURN THE FAVOR!
Training for new RTF leaders at East Point Lighthouse
Saturday - April 9, 9:00 a.m.
CU LED RETURN THE FAVOR WALKS
East Point Lighthouse Beaches
CU IN THE GARDEN
- First United Methodist Church of Millville
Thursday, April 14, 9:00 a.m
- Neighborhood Wildlife Garden
Thursday, April 21, 9:00 a.m.
- WheatonArts Circle Oasis: tidy up gardens before the Eco Fair on one or more days
- Neighborhood Wildlife Garden
BAYSHORE CENTER AT BIVALVE
Help lead nature walks for high schoolers
Tuesday, May 3rd. 9:00 a.m. Woodstown High
Tuesday, May 7th. 9:00 a.m. OLMA Academy
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COMMUNITY FESTIVALS
Saturday - April 23 Barn Studio Earth Day
May 7 WheatonArts, Eco Fair
May 14 Downe, Horseshoe Crab Festival
June 4 Barn Studio, Art Day
June 4 Vineland, Green Fair
Sunday - April 24, ACUA's Earth Day
Each and every night during the month of May there is an opportunity to help CU Maurice River FEED THE SHOREBIRD SCIENTISTS at Reed’s Beach. Contact ForRivers@Comcast.net to get involved.
COMMUNITY PLANTING DAY
WheatonArts Circle Oasis
Friday, May 13th, 12:00p.m. - 8:00p.m.
Join us to enhance the garden beds in this oasis
for pollinators and birds by adding more native flowers and grasses. Many volunteers participated in germination sessions held in late winter. They are currently raising plants in their homes that will be included in the beds.
They will surely need help getting their little ones into the ground.
Do you have extra native plants in your garden? Are you interested in sharing them projects designed to build awareness about eco-friendly land management?
Consider donating them
to the Community Planting at WheatonArts.
Call us at (856) 300-5331 to coordinate.
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Bi-MONTHLY MEMBER MEETING –
Jan. 12th Wetlands in Peril. Over 40 members attended this meeting and all stayed on for Executive Director Karla Rossini and Trustee Emeritus Tom McKee presentation on the vegetative change occurring in the Maurice River’s wetland complex. They discussed the threats to natural and cultural resources posed by the rapid encroachment of the invasive common reed, Phragmites Australis, into sensitive areas. Volunteers have been working to map the spread and catalog the decline of native species. This presentation also served as an introduction and invitation for community scientists to help in this year’s effort to continue the mapping project.
Mar. 9th Wetlands Restoration for Waterfowl in Southern New Jersey. 68 CU Maurice River members enjoyed the bi-monthly update on what the organization has been up to. Afterward, John Feage, a biologist with Ducks Unlimited, gave a presentation on the conservation work going on in southern New Jersey to support American Black Ducks as well as numerous other waterfowl species.
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CU SATURDAY
Jan. 22nd Eagle Trail Walk. CU Naturalists & staff-led walks that delved into a wildlife management success story, NJ’s Eagle Project. Two groups visited the Natural Lands Glades Wildlife Refuge in Cumberland County, where they strolled along the Eagle Trail and Garrison Property in search of eagles and any other signs of life. On the Eagle Trail, walkers were treated to a great horned owl in the distance! At the Garrison Property walkers were able to observe a bald eagle on its nest as well as dozens of cedar waxwings feeding on cones and berries.
Feb. 19th Duck Waddle. Thank you to CU Naturalists Tony Klock and Mary Watkins for once again scouting and planning the route for a waddling caravan of duck enthusiasts. The group of 21 attendees started at Tarkiln Pond and then made rounds at Corbin City, Tuckahoe WMA, Heislerville WMA, the Bayshore Center at Bivalve. All in all, the group spotted 15 species of duck as well as savannah sparrows and tundra swan.
Mar. 19th Vulture Culture. CU Maurice River Board President Jane Morton Galetto led 9 attendees on Vulture Culture, a walk that really hits the road. The route ran along the Scenic Byway where several vulture hot spots were visited, although first a stop was made at Haleyville Cemetery to pay homage to local naturalist Dallas Lore Sharp. While the group searched for vulture roosts, they were lucky enough to catch a good look at a Great Horned Owl.
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TUESDAY ON THE FLY
March 1st Von Nieda Park and Cramer Hill Nature Preserve. Eight CU Maurice River members were hosted at Von Nieda Park in Camden by Meredith Pichini of the NJ Tree Foundation for a presentation on the urban greening projects that NJTF has implemented for over 20 years in the city. Afterward, the group explored Cramer Hill Nature Preserve which was once a landfill but has now been reclaimed by nature and was opened to the public in March of 2021.
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CU SOCIAL
Feb. 17th Unfolding of a Wildlife Garden. Over the last year Pat Sutton, with the help of a friend and Meghan Thompson, filmed the transformation of her backyard wildlife garden throughout the seasons. This eye-opening, eye-popping presentation shed light on the life cycle of visitors to the garden and cued the audience about the maintenance regime of a native garden. Since this was a virtual presentation, participants tuned in from across the country. Almost 140 viewers joined us that evening, and CU Maurice River saw a substantial bump in membership. Thank you, Pat!
OUTDOOR DISCOVERY
March 5th Introduction to Map and Compass. Mike Misero led this outdoor discovery opportunity. The event filled quickly and had a waiting list. The group of 11 began the program at the CUMR office, where Mike instructed on map and compass reading basics. After the indoor tutorial, the group traveled to Peaslee and honed their newly-acquired wayfaring skills in the field.
FELLOWSHIP GATHERINGS
Feb. 24th Book Circle. CU member and librarian Suzy Merighi led the 2022 book circle. This year 12 participants discussed their interpretations and reflections on Finding the Mother Tree by Suzanne Simard.
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PAST VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES
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TRAINING SESSIONS
Jan. 27th CU Ambassador Training. A small group met to learn more about what it means to represent CU Maurice River’s mission within the community.
February 3rd CU Pollinator Advocate Training. Volunteers who have been leaders in the garden installation that took place in 2021 showed up again to explore what it means to work as a liaison between CUMR, the gardens, and the partner organizations. These advocates will help CUMR staff train the new native garden owners on maintenance and care while also providing education.
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GARDENING FOR WILDLIFE AND WATER RESOURCES |
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Feb. 12th Virtual Germination Session. 15 volunteers participated in a hands-on workshop where they learned about native seeds and plants and sowed different species in nursery trays. The volunteers are fostering these plants until the community planting day at WheatonArts, where they will be incorporated into the gardens.
Feb. 26th In-person Germination Session. Over 30 volunteers sowed seeds at this germination session held at WheatonArts & Cultural Center. Vineland’s Boys & Girls Club was in attendance and is also raising flats of plants at their facility. The volunteers were given a presentation about water supply in the Maurice River watershed and the positive impacts that rain gardens have on aquatic resources. After the group prepared their trays of native plant seeds, they learned about plant care and hardening off in preparation for Community Planting Day at WheatonArts, where their plants will be included in the system of upland pollinator gardens and rain garden basins.
Mar. 18th Neighborhood Wildlife Garden. 12 attendees made headway in the Neighborhood Wildlife Garden in downtown Millville. This group of volunteers picked up trash, weeded the paths, and filled the two large boxes, examples of hügelkultur, with soil donated by Dun-Rite Sand and Gravel. Finally, participants completed these installations, inspired by urban greening projects in metropolitan areas, with native shrubs and trees that produce edible fruits including American plum, American hazelnut, and blueberries. These plants were purchased at Summersweet Native Nursery in Mays Landing.
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MAPPING VEGETATIVE CHANGE
Feb. 12th CU Mappers Training. 23 community scientists visited Waltman Park in Millville with Tom McKee and Karla Rossini. There they became familiarized and comfortable with the mapping tools the project requires. The volunteers also collected their first data, marking waypoints of Phragmites australis stands south of Union Lake Dam.
Mar. 13th CU Community Science.
9 CU volunteers teamed up with 4 Ducks Unlimited Southern New Jersey Chapter volunteers to map emergent stands of Phragmites australis on the wetlands within the Wild and Scenic Maurice River. In their john-boats, DU volunteers ferried CU mappers while they spotted stands of the invasive reed and noted data on location and size. Tom McKee and Sunnie Banks have been working together to input the findings and create the first maps.
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CLEANUPS
Mar. 26th CCIA’s Annual Trash Hunt. Twenty volunteers descended on The Maurice River Bicycle and Walking Trail in downtown Millville to clear the playground area on Brandriff Avenue, the nature trail paths, and the pond area. Thirty bags of trash as well as a shopping cart and a half were removed from these habitat areas as well as three tires and one full trash bag from the pond.
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OUTREACH, ENGAGEMENT, AND COVERAGE
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February The Cumberland County Eagle Festival. Due to complications caused by the increase in COVID numbers after the holidays, CU Maurice River offered to host the Eagle Festival utilizing a hybrid setup. Five presentations were given virtually throughout the week and on the weekend volunteer leaders at walks and observation decks interpreted the raptors spotted along the Delaware Bay.
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VIRTUAL PRESENTATIONS
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February 1st The Barred Owls: Who Cook for Me by CU Maurice River Board President Jane Galetto. 96 in attendance
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February 3rd Wings over the Glades by Natural Lands’ Debbie Beer. 123 in attendance
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February 3rd Pond Creek Restoration Project by NJ DEP Fish and Wildlife’s Melissa Woerner. 100 in attendance
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February 5th Cape May Raptor Banding Project: Keynote speaker Paul Napier of the Raptor Society. 88 attendees
NATURE WALKS
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February 5th Turkey Point Road Walk with Mary Watkins of CMBO and CUMR. 14 attendees
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February 5th Berrytown Road with CUMR’s Jane Morton Galetto. 16 attendees
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February 5th Garrison Property with Natural Lands’ Brian Johnson. 18 attendees
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February 5th Bayshore Center Wetlands Walk with CUMR & BCB’s Tony Klock. 30 attendees
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February 5th Eagle Trail with Natural Lands Steve Eisenhower. 30 attendees
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February 5th Bayshore Center Wetlands Walk with CUMR & BCB’s Tony Klock. 32 attendees
Mar. 16th Tri-City Rotary Club. CU Maurice River gave a presentation to the Rotary about the organization’s local opportunities for volunteerism to foster environmental health.
Feb. 1st. WheatonArts Eco Fair. CU Maurice River staff starts working with WheatonArts to coordinate CUMR's role in this ecologically-inspired community event.
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YOUTH EDUCATION AND VOLUNTEERISM |
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Feb. 26th Boys and Girls Club. Vineland’s Boys & Girls Club were in attendance at the germination session and is currently raising flats of plants at their facility.
Mar. 30th Cumberland County Technical Education Session. CU Maurice River met with CCTec’s Superintendent Dina Rossi to consider green infrastructure and outdoor classroom options for the campus. CUMR has since engaged Rutgers Cooperative Extension’s Water Resource Program with this potential project.
Bayshore Center at Bivalve. During the first quarter, CU Maurice River has been coordinating with the Bayshore Center at Bivalve to assist the center with educational wetland walks in May and June. The student groups are from science programs at Woodstown and Our Lady of Mercy.
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National Park Service's Wild and Scenic Partnership Program - CUMR has been contracting with the National Park Service on implementing aspects of the Maurice River Wild and Scenic Rivers Management Plan since c. 2004. Prior to this, we were awarded NPS Partnership grants beginning in 1996. Proper administration of the Wild and Scenic River Management Plan remains a cornerstone of our work. In the first quarter of 2022, CUMR worked with the River Manager, Paul Kenney, to meet new reporting expectations successfully.
Centerton Dam – In 2021, The Nature Conservancy’s Statewide Dam Removal Program reached out to CU Maurice River to see if we would be interested in coordinating partners for the removal of an extant dam at Centerton Lake. Since then, CUMR’s Executive Director has been researching avenues for removal and getting the appropriate partners involved. The USFW Partnership Program has been closely engaged in this project and is helping to secure a feasibility study. Meanwhile, CUMR provided the guidance necessary to assure the completion of the Homeowner Association’s application to the NRCS’s EQIP Program. CUMR and the HOA have been in contact with the Mayor of Pittsgrove Township to explore possibilities for the land to be preserved. On March 30th, CUMR met with Pittsgrove Township’s Mayor, Environmental Commission, and other officials to discuss the future of the property after dam removal. Since then, CUMR was contacted by TNC with a funding opportunity they are offering that could help start the feasibility study.
Wetland Restoration within the Wild and Scenic Maurice River – CUMR continues to build awareness of the phragmites' problem on the river, research ecological solutions, and engage partners in wetland conservation. This effort was picked back up in December as CU Maurice River worked with Princeton Hydro to prepare proposals for the Emergency Coastal Resilience Fund in February and April, as well as another NFWF grant program, the Delaware River Conservation Program submitted in March. This work has prompted a variety of meetings with Wild and Scenic municipal leaders, state and federal government agencies, and many non-profits. The continued dedication of CU Trustee Emeritus Tom Mckee and environmental consultant Princeton Hydro is much appreciated.
Rutgers Center for Remote Sensing and Spatial Analysis (CRSSA) at Rutgers SEBS. CUMR assisted Rutgers CRSSA with their 319 grant that proposes to make a watershed management plan for the southern Maurice River. CUMR connected CRSSA with municipal leaders and agreed to function as a project partner should they be awarded the funding.
January – March. U.S. Coast Guard. CU Maurice River has been serving on the Maurice River Protection Strategy Workgroup that was established to assist in improving the response to a spill in the bay or on the river. In March, the USCG presented the modeling of worst-case scenario spills. Local leaders discussed the information presented and concluded that anchor points at the mouth were not an immediate priority as the modeling performed indicated that spilled material would not reach the mouth of the river. On the other hand, a heightened level of industrial traffic is to be expected in the lower Maurice in the next years. Municipal officials, CUMR, USCG, NPS, and other actors identified anchor points that would best protect the Wild and Scenic designation in the event of a spill at one of the shipyards.
March. Cumberland County Improvement Authority. Karla met with Matt Pisarski to consider new ways of partnering. CUMR and CCIA look forward to growing their relationship in promoting eco-tourism opportunities within the Wild and Scenic Maurice River Watershed and Down Jersey. The partners also considered for the first time hosting a Wild and Scenic Maurice River Community Festival.
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FORUMS, COALITIONS, AND THE LIKE |
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South Jersey Bayshore Coalition – During the first quarter of 2022 CUMR coordinated the first meetings of the year. The first was hosted virtually (Jan. 14th) and the second took place at Cohansey Area Watershed Association Cindy Zirkle’s home (Mar. 11).
Wild and Scenic Coalition - CU Maurice River has been attending the Coalition’s meetings; these have been helpful in connecting our team with available resources as well as updating us on current activity within the program. In March, the Coalition organized virtual workshops, presentations, and meetings with officials as part of Hill Week. CUMR participated.
Delaware River Watershed Coalition – CUMR continues to participate and contribute to this organization.
Citizen-led Advocacy for Conservation – During 2022’s first quarter, CUMR continued to provide guidance to citizens concerned about development proposals within the watershed that would have a significant negative impact on natural resources. CUMR fields inquiries, connects citizens with resources, and provides advice on possible paths forward.
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.
Delaware Bayshore Council – CU Maurice River has been functioning as the interim SJBC representative on the Bayshore Council while Rob Ferber of NJ Conservation Foundation settles into his new position and garners more working knowledge of Down Jersey.
FEMA Virtual Meeting- CUMR attended a meeting where the changes to flood insurance policies were discussed. These changes are to be addressed by coastal counties and municipalities. CUMR assisted in reaching out to Bayshore counties to let them know they will be receiving a letter detailing the tasks the cities and towns need to fulfill.
CU also continues to serve on the Aquaculture Stakeholder Committee for the State and Federal conservation measures that involve the oyster harvest and its impacts on shorebirds. This is specific to the federally endangered red knot and its migration on the Delaware Bayshore.
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PERSONNEL CHANGES
Full-time to Part-time. As of January, Doreen Homan has been working part-time as she moves toward retirement. Doreen has been with the organization for well over 30 years. Now, after three decades of service to the Maurice River and Down Jersey, she will be officially retiring on July 31st, 2022. While she will definitely be missed, we are looking forward to seeing what her role transitions into as she joins the ranks of CU volunteers.
Resignation. In March, CUMR said goodbye to David Scheffler. His commute from Cape May County was taking its toll. Dave received a position with Cape May’s Recreation Department. The CUMR staff wishes him well in his new job and looks forward to partnering. But! David will continue to lead beginner and refresher paddles, as well as accompanying CU’sters on kayak outings.
NEW STAFF
Membership Outreach and Office Manager. In preparing for Doreen’s retirement, CUMR advertised and interviewed for an assistant office manager to take on Doreen’s full responsibilities this year. Sunnie Corona was hired and started on Feb. 8th. She has been part of the CU Maurice River community for almost 20 years, working on many of CUMR’s fundraising and fellowship events. Consequently, Sunnie came to us with a solid foundation upon which she can build. Her background is varied including office management, fundraising, customer service, sales, and – yes – firefighting. Since her inception onto the team, she has been working to update CUMR’s technological tools and services.
CU was hiring. In March, CU Maurice River interviewed potential candidates for the Community Outreach and Education Coordinator position. The position was filled in the first weeks of April.
TRAINING
Wild and Scenic Webinar Series – As part of their training, CUMR staff has been attending a Wild and Scenic Webinar Series. Hosted by River Management Society, topics have included Management of W&S Rivers (Jan. 19), Partnership W&S Rivers (Feb. 16), and Introduction to Section 7 (Mar. 6).
CALENDAR
Over the winter new staff was trained in the scheduling, organizing, and coordinating of CU Maurice River's calendar year of events. It boasts well over 100 outdoor learning, awareness, and volunteer opportunities. In order to accomplish this major challenge, they honed their skills on the many tools staff use to make a heavy lift much lighter. They have put together a wonderful calendar that maintains many favorites and adds some new events never offered before. In January and February, they worked on putting it on the website and putting online tools in place to ease the weight of coordination throughout the year.
FUN-RAISERS
January. The Holiday Match. Staff provided assistance to the Holiday Match Drive, dedicating many administrative hours to CU Maurice River’s most successful fun-raiser of the year.
January – March. The Chili Bowl. In the background, CU staff has been working to coordinate the multiple aspects of the Chili Bowl kitchen: permitting, contacting potential guests, purchasing tickets, intake, and registration of donated auction items, among many other tasks.
ADMINISTRATIVE WORK
National Park Service - Administrative reporting to the National Park Service is an aspect of our functioning beyond the actual carrying-out of the contracted deliverables. Financial and Programming Performance Reports will now be submitted semi-annually. Staff worked with NPS to implement new reporting procedures.
January – March. Membership, Volunteer, Participation, and Financial Tracking. The programming and administrative staff continue to track many aspects of CUMR activities, including but not limited to NPS billing, volunteer hours, participation/attendance, volunteer recruitment, bookkeeping, membership donations, corporate support, birth, deaths, illnesses - all the details that make us a community.
November – February. New Truck. Over the last months, staff and board members have been scouring new and used car dealers for a new truck. Due to shortages and high demand, availability was limited especially in fuel-efficient models. In February, a 2022 Ford F-150 Hybrid model was found and purchased. The acquisition of the new truck was made possible by the generosity of an anonymous donor.
January – February. CUMauriceRiver.org. The CU Maurice River staff continued to work with Scientific Marketing Services and Hostek to migrate the organization’s website.
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 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, at (856) 300-5331.
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A special thanks to all those who give
the important gift of your time.
We couldn’t do this without you!
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CONTACT US
CU MAURICE RIVER OFFICE
(856) 300-5331
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