Jane Morton Galetto

Board President

THE ANNUAL CHILI BOWL 'FUNRAISER'

The 15^th Annual World-Famous Chili Bowl

Saturday, October 10th at 6:00 p.m.

So we have finally succumbed and are going VIRTUAL with the Bowl. Be sure to buy items listed in our emails leading up to the event. Live items that do not sell outright will be auctioned off. On Saturday, October 10^th we will hold the live auction party with Moo-La Morton and the membership. Be sure to sign up. Many people told us to keep their ticket purchase dollars, even though we are not charging to attend the Virtual Bowl. We believe that our emails will make the ways to participate clear but if at any time you have questions, please feel free to call Doreen at 1 (540) 588-0425 (home cell), or Meghan at the office 856-300-5331.

We are tackling one month at a time trying to maintain the original calendar’s intent. Here is what is planned for September.

Our Bi-monthly Meeting is on Wednesday September 9 (concurrent with the newsletter) and features Paul Kenney, our Wild and Scenic River’s manager, as the guest speaker. Paul has extensive knowledge about our program and the National Wild and Scenic Rivers Program, having partnered and inspired us for 19 years!

September’s CU Saturday is at Cox Hall Creek on the 12. Bert Hixon will be leading this walk. His knowledge of trees and birds always shines new light on natural history topics. There is a good chance for seeing some of the beginnings of fall migrations. This Wildlife Management Area has a number of paved paths and a flat terrain that makes it wheelchair friendly. So if you have a family member on wheels you may wish to consider bringing him or her along.

Dr. Dan Duran will lead a bio blitz

On Sunday, September 13 we will be joining in the fun at Gloucester County Park’s Waterfest, held at the Scotland Run Park in Clayton. CU will have a table and Dr. Dan Duran will be hosting a bio blitz for the second year in a row.

We will be continuing with the restoration activities at the Amcor Rigid Packaging Co. property. The frontage along Sharp Street is being dedicated to native species. Social distancing and masks will be required; join in this work party on September 16^th at 9:30 a.m.

Bayshore Heritage Byway and Cultural Mapping of the Bay Area with Lisa Garrison. Join Lisa Garrison on Thursday, September 17 as she explores the traditional aspects of the Bayshore Area through a timely cultural mapping presentation. Learn about the efforts to assist and shelter slaves and freedmen/women, and the communities of color such as Springtown. Greenwich was a Quaker village and an abolitionist stronghold that played a role in these freedom efforts. Anticipated location is Greenwich Friends Upper Meeting House; see email for further details.

Work Party - Osprey work party September 19 at 10 a.m., anticipated to last until 3 p.m. We will begin work at the Galetto workshop, 22 Brittany Lane. Needed will be boats, boots, life jackets, an extra set of dry clothing. The work is muddy and will require strength. We are going to work primarily on the main river, moving and or replacing a number of platforms displaced by phragmites. Interested? Contact Jane at Jane Morton Galetto or call 609-774-5853.

CU Saturday on September 19 is a Butterflies Galore experience on the Bayshore led by Jim Blumenstein and Tony Klock. Both are members of the CU Fish Hawks World Series of Birding Team so you’re sure to get in some avian species as well. If you enjoy taking pictures there may be some great photo ops.

November 11 Annual Meeting - recognition of volunteerism and installation of officers.

The Guest Speaker at the Annual Meeting will be Sabrina Simpkins of the Holly City Family Success Center; topic will be Experiencing the Out-of-Doors.

Memorials On June third we held a memorial for Roy Kaneshiki. Roy was a member of CU and was extremely active at Rowan’s Clay College in Millville. He also volunteered at the Bayshore Center in Bivalve. Both the College and the Center were closed and CU felt an amazing community star like Roy should have some recognition until a live service could take place. Pastor Ken Larter, Matt Pisarski, Jackie Sandro-Greenwell, friends, and family all stepped up to help make a wonderful virtual gathering. Our website has Roy’s obituary as well as remembrances for Clarence ‘Butch’ Watkins, Kay Kirby, and Art Parkin. 

Dr. Dan Duran, a professor at Rowan who specializes in entomology, discussed how tiger beetles can be used as a model for conservation and biodiversity. He further discussed the life histories of some local species and their successes and challenges. Dr. Duran has named identified and named 10 species to science including one new genus. Over 40 people tuned into this virtual presentation on June 24.

The September 3rd Trivia Night Funraiser was a smashing success led by Vicky Tomlin and Meghan Thompson. Vicky was in charge of fun and Meghan was the quizzer. We had 15 attendees at $25 a head but raised $725; if you do the math you will see that CU members are just plain generous. In fact we think some people paid not to attend, LOL.  

August 20 and 21 – Typically the WheatonArts EcoFair takes place in May, but this year it was postponed and eventually offered virtually. The week-long fair included many activities inspired by the connection between art, inspiration, and nature. For the fifth consecutive year, CU Maurice River sponsored the event’s keynote speaker. Pat Sutton offered two events: her How to Spot Butterflies presentation and a video Garden Tour.  CUMR Assistant Office Manager Meghan did the filming and editing of the video content. Combined, the two events had 441 accounts sign in to the virtual session with many more participants in attendance. 

Mid-July we took the Ah Why Knot Awards on the road. In part there was a ruse in that we told the awardees that we were coming to do an interview (which we did), but they did not know they were also being honored. It was great fun. Meghan Thompson once again lent her video capabilities to the cause. We taped all the awardees and had a virtual evening. The awardees were as follows: Wendy Walker received the Presidential award (pictured on left) and Ah Why Knots were bestowed on Tom Glynn, Steve Glynn (no relation), Cindy Berry, Bert Hixon, and Carol Sibley. A special Sanderling Award was presented to Luka Villani who interned with us in the winter. The awards video is on our website- view video. All the awardees were introduced via emails, a news article in SNJ Today, and the video. The highlight was the live Zoom session announcing the video, premiering it, and the joining in of family and friends to discuss their admiration of the recipients. If you do not have internet access, we can send you a printed copy of one of our emails; just call the office. Again, congratulations to the winners and thank you for all you do!

June 6 CU trekked to Flora for Fauna for a tour with Karen Williams. Attendees saw eastern tiger swallowtail butterflies, spicebush swallowtail butterflies, a black rat snake, giant eye click beetles, painted lady caterpillars, and heard indigo bunting, prairie warbler, northern parula, chickadees, titmice and more. People were very engaged, asking questions and enthusiastic about purchasing native plants for their yards. Karen helped members select the best plants for their properties. There were 4 separate tours of the Williams grounds with approximately 28 people total for the day.

The Birds and Trees exploration with Bert Hixon was held at Belleplain State Forest on Saturday, June 20. Participants explored Atlantic white cedar swamp, mixed forest, bog, and grassland habitat types throughout the State Park.  The group was accompanied by two of our CUMR’s World Series of Birding Fish Hawk team members, Captain Mary Watkins and Tony Klock. They enabled positive IDs on a number of birds, including a passing cuckoo; a family of Acadian flycatchers was another treat!  There were 16 people in attendance; we limited the number to maintain social distancing.  

On July 25 we had one of our first socially-distanced events: a riverside campfire at Burcham’s Point. It was our largest circle with the fewest participants of any campfire ever. For many it was their first venture out of the house in months with the exception of a few trips for necessities. There was a wonderful sunset and we found shade to enjoy cool river breezes; in fact it was rather idyllic. A special thank-you to Rocky Lacivita for allowing us to use the property and to neighbor Joanne Murphine for acting as our hostess.

August 8 was a delightful day hosted by Steve Glynn. He led CU Maurice River members to the ends of the earth in search of dragonflies. Each stop boasted its own unique habitat and species of dragons and damsels. En route, Tony Klock spied three eastern box turtles which were safely escorted across the road. Our conscientious group consisted of 8 attendees.

We resumed Tuesdays on the Fly again on July 7. Jane Morton Galetto aided by Teresa Brown led a group of members along the Bennett’s Mill Road trail through a section of Peaslee Wildlife Management Area. The highlights were plants and a vernal pool. Normally we have experienced this vernal pool for the frog slog at night, but on this trip we were able to explore it during daylight in a dry state.

Tuesday on the Fly was pushed forward a day to August 5 due to Tropical Storm Isaias. The passing storm gave the group cooler temperatures than previously experienced. The Elephant Swamp Trail, in Elmer, NJ walk was led by Mary Watkins (left) and Christine Brown (below), with attendees enjoying the scent of sweet pepper bush, the sights of cardinal flowers, wild yam, and a turbulent Muddy Run.  Indigo bunting called often and we even caught sight of a noisy group of killdeer on the wing. Those who saw this trail for the first time were impressed with its diversity and made plans to return; a number of people talked about using their bikes to traverse the entire length of the former rail road tracks. There were 12 members in attendance. 

On September 1, Fred Akers led CUMR along the Great Egg Harbor River and we visited historical ruins throughout Atlantic County Estell Manor Park. Everyone enjoyed lovely vistas. The group learned about the Bethlehem Loading Company’s history.  Our trek was 5 miles and enjoyed by 11 attendees.  

Wetland restorative plantings were instituted at Amcor Rigid Packaging on July 9 and 11, 2020. CU Maurice River, in partnership with Rutgers Cooperative Extension Water Resources Program, has installed the first of the three green infrastructure projects associated with Implementing Green Infrastructure to Protect the Maurice River, made possible by the Delaware River Conservation Fund which is administered by National Fish and Wildlife. This project has a drainage area of 6,595 sq. ft. and a green infrastructure practice size of 4,275 sq. ft., that is currently working to protect drinking water resources and aquatic habitats.   Over a two-day period 53 citizen stewards dedicated 238 volunteer hours to the successful installation of the Wetland Restorative Plantings Project.   Over those two days there was a lot of sweating as well as laughing going on.  Together we bore the heat and planted over 3,000 native plants to convert this lawn area into a space that will now support wildlife. Thank you, County Line Nurseries Inc., for donating native bushes and trees to this project!

Wednesday, June 24 an ambitious group of people tackled a long-overdue garden clean-up. Prior to this we had been in lockdown. People brought some really great tools to spruce things up. Thank you to the small but mighty workforce of eight. 

On June 27 Peter and Jane Galetto loaded two truck-loads of logs with a mini tractor for the hügelkultur work parties; neighbor John helped unload. 

Yet again on July 14 more logs were delivered, this time by Julian, Karla and even Vera Rossini.

On July 25 Tom Talalaj and Peter Galetto loaded a trailer with huge logs for additional hügelkultur filling. Tom recruited two able-bodied fellows to help unload the massive logs at the Neighborhood Wildlife Garden. 

On August 12 the Neighborhood Wildlife Garden completed the hügelkultur - CU Maurice River volunteers together with representatives of the Holly City Family Success Center finished capping the last raised bed at the Neighborhood Wildlife Garden on Third Street in Millville. By building these structures, volunteer Tom Glynn breathed life into the revitalization of this area in the garden. Thank you, Tom! Next growing season we will plant native edible flora species in the boxes. This area of the garden will be used to host outdoor education initiatives as well as other activities. We would also like to extend a thank-you to Dun-Rite Sand and Gravel for their continued support of this project. 

The June 27 paddle at Menantico Ponds was led by Tony Klock and Jane Morton Galetto. Everyone unloaded their crafts and then we waited, sheltered in our cars, for about 15 minutes for a shower to pass. The day turned stellar and everyone enjoyed meandering around the ponds. Our intention was to break the attendees into two groups for social distancing, but everyone stayed well-distanced without that being necessary. Flora and red-bellied turtles were definite highlights. 

On August 15 (also a 4 Saturday) Program Manager Karla Rossini and Naturalist & Trustee Tony Klock led a paddle along the Maurice River Walking and Bicycling Trail in Millville.  Participants first traveled north to the dam, where we explored this fortification’s history.  While there we were pleasantly surprised by the diverse flora along the banks.  If you like cardinal flower, this is a definite must-visit spot while the flower is still in bloom.  We then meandered to the wetland areas, popping in and out of the small creeks.  Many wetland and shoreline plants were in bloom including St. John’s wort, pickerelweed, and common arrowhead.   

Douglas Tallamy’s new book Nature’s Best Hope gives insight into his mantra that conservation can begin in your yard. His optimism is based on a fundamental concept that property owners can collectively create a “homegrown national park” by converting half of their lawn to native plantings. Member/librarian Suzy Merighi adroitly led the Book Circles on both July 30 and August 22. Suzy provided questions prior to the discussion in order to facilitate conversation. Attendees were impressed by how many things they could do to help nature on their own properties. Everyone was astounded by the sheer volume of caterpillars that birds needed to support their young.  A number of people want to gift the book to friends and family to help promote the creation of a “homegrown national park.” If you haven’t done one of our book circles you surely should consider participating. We choose thought-provoking books that often give you greater insight into the natural world. 

Family Friendly Fridays 

Birds, Bats and Bugs! At Belleplain State Forest was held on September 4^th, having been rescheduled due to inclement weather caused by the hurricane. We thank Belleplain State Park Supervisor Lorraine McCay for having rearranged the calendar to accommodate our visit. Originally, over 50 attendees from about a dozen different families registered. After being rescheduled and despite inclement weather 28 attendees showed up. Nine dedicated leaders from Belleplain and CUMR guided activities, including crafts with Mary Ann Manzelmann, a live critters demonstration with Peter Manzelmann, a nature walk with Jim Blumenstein, an echolocation craft with Teresa Brown, and a birds-of-the-night walk with Karla Rossini, Karen Williams, and Paul Kosten.  While activities were underway Peter Manzelmann baited and illuminated a white sheet that attracted a variety of moth species and katydids.

August 22 Waltman Park - CU returned to Waltman Park with Naturalist Tony Klock. Mary Watkins and Christine Brown also chimed in with bird and plant facts throughout the path and waterway.  Wendy Walker took the opportunity to go above and beyond as usual, and cleaned up trash along the walk. We were graced with a pair of bald eagles, osprey, a flock of Baltimore orioles, blue-grey and great crested gnatcatchers, and a multitude of in-bloom native plant life. There were 12 attendees.

Wildlife Management and Stewardship Related Items 

August 19 marked the first day of sampling activities on the Wild and Scenic Maurice River in 2020. That morning CU Maurice River volunteers were on the New Jersey Conservation Foundation’s Menantico Preserve, collecting specimens for mercury analysis as part of a nationwide study on Hg distribution. This is being conducted by the University of Maine in partnership with the National Park Service and U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).   On day two of sampling (August 21^st) volunteers gathered the necessary number of samples in record time! They also found hellgrammites and damselfly nymph which were returned to the water.  The third day of sampling took place on August 29^th on the Muskee River.  The weather wasn’t ideal and we only caught 9 of the 15 samples needed. But the scenic vistas of the verdant Muskee River and the company of good-spirited citizen scientists made for a fun morning out-of-doors.  A small group of volunteers will return on a day better suited to the purpose to catch the remaining samples. 

Deemer Gift -  Susan M Deemer opted to recognize CU Maurice River in her will. We have filled out the proper paper work for receiving her thoughtful donation. We only wish we could thank her for her kindness.  We are most grateful to members who have selected to honor CU in this fashion. If you let us know we will be able to thank you in advance for your generosity. 

Clay Sutton and Paul Kerlinger have been working on an ornithological journal submission that reviews and analyses the 33 years of data collected by our Waterfowl and Raptor studies. Clay and Jimmy Dowdell have amassed this huge data set. The first analysis involves raptors and focuses on specific guilds of raptor species that have declined and those that have remained stable or increased. The guilds were divided into scavengers, small mammal eaters and bird eaters. They link their findings to climate change, road kills, and habitat loss. Once complete and peer reviewed, we hope to make their findings available to the scientific community and the membership.

Bayshore Heritage Byway nomination as All American Road - the NJ State DOT approved our nomination of the Bayshore Heritage Byway as an All-American Road. Now we wait to see if the Federal Highway Administration gives us a green light as well. If so then a designation should follow. Either way the Bayshore Heritage Byway remains a NJ Scenic Byway. It is our hope to add the prestigious Federal Designation as well. 

Fiscal Year and 20/21 Budget This past year’s budget ended with a small net profit. We are now tackling and acting within the new fiscal year.

SNJ Today Articles We hope you are enjoying our weekly submissions to the weekly SNJ Today. They are made available in news racks, at libraries, some stores, and Shoprite. Further we email them to the membership on Sundays. 

National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Grant Work – Staff is working with Rutgers Water Resources Program on design aspects of the First United Methodist Church and WheatonArts green designs addressing water conservation. The grant reporting for this program is also being administered by the staff.

ForRivers@comcast.net