Tidal freshwater marshes of the Maurice River, New Jersey, have been long renowned for robust stands of wild rice (Zizania aquatica). During the 1990s, these marshes experienced an apparent decline in wild rice. Through the early 2000s Ted used paired fenced exclosures and open control plots to measure herbivory by the Atlantic Flyway Resident Population of Canada geese (Branta canadensis) on wild rice as well as the response of the rice to an integrated damage management program. Join us to learn more about Ted's study and gain insight into how he has grown his knowledge of this topic since publishing his original findings.

AH WHY KNOT AWARD WINNERS - CU's Big Day began with the Dawn Song, a nature walk to experience the spring migration of neotropical birds as they pass through southern New Jersey. Tony Klock and Mary Watkins, Naturalists and members of the 2021 WSOB team, led this outing. Afterward, members explored the Bayshore back streams via kayak. It was a warm but beautiful day with a slight breeze that kept the biting bugs at bay. A total of 20 participants joined us on these adventures. In the evening, approximately 100 CU Maurice River members and Shorebird Scientists celebrated the volunteerism of people who are especially dedicated to conservation and outdoor education. Congratulations to the following awardees:

Thomas Riggins

Beverly Smith, Brenda Bundy, Priscilla McCoy, Peter Manzelmann, and Peter Fullagar

Tony Klock

Dave Fenili

Doreen Homan

To read more about each volunteer's achievements and Doreen's retirement, click here.

World Famous Chili Bowl. Thank you to all of the trustees, members, volunteers, and donors that made this event a super success! You came together after a long hiatus in order to put together CUMR's first in-person fundraiser since 2019. Together the volunteers, guests, and sponsors raised $31,000+ for CUMR’s mission! Thanks, everyone, for your support!

World Series of Birding - Team captain Mary Watkins, Tony Klock, Kathy Michel, and Jim Blumenstein hit the road in support of CUMR’s avian conservation programs at midnight on May 14th. In spite of the fog, the team still identified 147 species - and their final species was a raven. With Jane in the background getting the supporters fired up, the team raised 21k. THANK YOU FISH HAWKS AND JANE!

PURPLE MARTIN SPECTACULAR

Enjoy a Sunset Cruise aboard the “Bonanza II.” Slowly cruise the Maurice River with local purple martin expert Allen Jackson and other naturalists. A selection of desserts, light snacks, and soft drinks will be provided. Reservations are required. The cost is $65 per person; pay in advance to reserve your place. The boat cruise is approximately 3 hours and we go rain or shine. Cruises depart AT 6:15 p.m. from the dock at 8749 Berry Avenue - Port Norris, NJ 08349.

Tours sell out well ahead of time so secure your spot now! Pay for your tickets by credit card at www.CUMauriceRiver.org. Be sure to let us know the names of the other people in your group. If paying by check, call the office to reserve and then make your check out to “CU Maurice River” and mail it to PO Box 474, Millville, NJ 08332-0474. 

Contact our office (856-300-5331) or email CitizensUnited@CUMauriceRiver.org.with any questions.

Please RSVP as soon as possible to be guaranteed a spot. The cost is $30.00 for members and $40 for non-members. Call (856) 300-5331 for more information. Click here for the morning tour (9:00 a.m), and here for the afternoon tour (1:30 p.m.).

UPCOMING FUN'RAISING

The CU Maurice River Events Committee is holding a casual Autumn Dinner for members, businesses, and friends at the Union Lake Sailing and Tennis Club in Millville on Thursday, September 29th, 2022 starting at 6:00 p.m. This is a nice way to connect with others while also showing your support for the CU mission.

We think you will really enjoy this get-together. Please make your reservation by clicking here or calling (856) 300-5331.

To register for any of the events listed, visit CUMauriceRiver.org/about/events.

Tues. 5, 9:30p.m. Tuesday on the Fly

Sat. 9, 9:00a.m. Volunteer Workgroup

July 13, 15, 16 - Raise the River Fundraiser

Thurs. 14, 6:30p.m. Bi-monthly Meeting

Thurs. 21, 10:00a.m. BioBlitz in the Garden

Sat. 23, 9:00a.m. Fourth Saturday Nature Walk

Tues. 2, 9:00a.m. Tuesday on the Fly

Tues. 9, Time TBD Elevate

Sat. 13, 9:30a.m. Volunteer Workgroup

Sat. 20, 9:00a.m. Forgotten Grasses

Sat. 27, 9:00a.m. Fourth Saturday Nature Walk

Tues. 6, 9:00a.m. Tuesday on the Fly

Thurs. and Fri. 8, 9, 15, & 16 Brunch in the Weeds

Sat. 10, All-day Mauricetown Community Festival

Wed. 14, 6:30 p.m. Bi-monthly Meeting

Sat. 17, Tour of CU Gardens led by Pat Sutton - Two tours of CU Maurice River’s Downtown Gardens followed by social time and light refreshments. Morning tour (9:00a.m.) & afternoon tour (1:30p.m.). Registration required. Cost: $30 for members / $40 for non-members. 

Sun. 18, All-day Gloucester County Nature Center’s Waterfest Represent CU Maurice River's mission and membership at this eco-minded community event.

Sat. 24, 9:00a.m. Fourth Saturday

CU Maurice River has once again been included in a study of mercury deposition being conducted at National Parks nationwide. The Maurice, a Wild and Scenic River within the park system, has been sampled 18 times over the last six years. Today we are once again inviting all interested community scientists into the field. This is a fabulous way to explore the wonders of the out-of-doors while learning more about ecology and stewardship. The event is designed to be enriching for both the young and the young at heart. There will be jobs for all abilities.

We have got you covered! No experience is needed! Community scientists will meet at the CUMR office for an introductory presentation that will provide you with the background information and training to guarantee a safe and successful field experience. Sampling will occur on August 4th, 5th, and 6th from 8:00 a.m. to approximately 12:00 p.m. You may choose to sign up for one, two, or three days. On each day a different sampling site will be visited, where community scientists and staff will collect dragonfly larvae samples that will be processed and later sent to the University of Maine for analysis. This year's collection activities will occur in remote areas along both the Menantico and Manumuskin Rivers. CLICK HERE TO VOLUNTEER!

Fri. Aug. 26, 6:00 pm Stream Creatures

We will meet at the CU Maurice River office to go over orientation and safety items. Then we are off to the field for an evening of exploratory outdoor fun! Life jackets are required for children and adults alike. Click here to register.

Fri. Sept. 23, 6:00 pm Bayshore Ecology

Then on Friday, September 23rd join CU Naturalist, Marine Biologist, and Proprietor of Summer Sweet Native Plants Joseph Russell along with CU Staff members Karla Rossini and Kimberly Spiegel for an evening learning about the littoral habitat along the Bayshore. It will be an evening of exploration amongst our Bayshore ecosystems. For this outing we will be visiting beaches near East Point Lighthouse that are home to a large variety of flora and fauna. The group will meander the beach and dig in the sands in search of animals, large and small! Bring beach shovels and containers. All animals will be safely released after the children have a chance to observe them. Click here to register.

WheatonArts & Cultural Center and CU Maurice River present a four-week nature journaling course. This summer activity gets kids outdoors while growing their knowledge of science, appreciation for nature, and artistic ability. Programming will take place 2 days per week, Wednesdays and Thursdays from August 3^rd to August 25^th (8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.). Each week the first session will be held at a local nature trail, and the second will be hosted in-studio at WheatonArts. This summer activity is designed for youth ages 8-13. At the end of the summer program, children will produce one final project to be displayed in the WheatonArts’ pollinator garden. All materials are provided by CU Maurice River with funding for the Wild and Scenic Partnership Program.

August 3: 

August 17: 

August 24: 

Volunteer Opportunity - We are looking for volunteers to help educate while on the trails. You can volunteer one day or each day depending on your availability. CU's Education Outreach Coordinator is working at designing activities for the various outings and their topics. We could use your help on the trail to engage with the students and encourage them to look closer. If you are interested in volunteering, please email Kimberly at K.Spiegel@CUMauriceRiver.org.

Tues., Apr. 5, Tuesday on the Fly

Participants visited DuPont Environmental Center to broaden their understanding of urban greening and restoration projects.

Sat., April 16, CU Saturday

Thurs., Apr. 21, CU Social

Sat., Apr. 23, 4th Saturday Walk

Sat., Apr. 23, Campfire and Potluck

Tues., May 3, Tuesday on the Fly

May 11,12, and 17, Spring Birding Series

May 11, Bi-Monthly Meeting followed by Marshes Make More Fishes with Ken Strait of PSE&G.

Fri., May 27, Family-Friendly Friday

Sat., Jun. 4, CU Saturday

Fort Mott. CU Programs Coordinator Joe Moore showed 8 participants around Fort Mott while pointing out the areas where historical structures and the natural world intersect.

Wed., Jun. 8, WEDNESDAY on the Fly

Mount Cuba Center. We took a 2-hour guided tour through the gardens learning about the history of the property and about the native plants there. CU Staff and volunteers were inspired by Mount Cuba's children's outdoor learning activities, placed in mailboxes around the property

Wed., Jun 9, New Member Orientation

Fri., Jun. 10, Introduction to Kayaking

Thurs., Jun. 16, CU Social

Forestry Management with Kristen Meistrell. Kristen woke up with a scratchy throat the morning of the talk so had to present over Zoom, but the group still gathered in person at the RRCA in downtown Millville. It was a nice cozy evening in good company! Kristen spoke about the need for a diversity of forest habitat types, including young and mature forest as well as in-between stages and meadows, to support the greatest range of species.

Sat. Jun., 18, Paddle at Shaw’s Mill Pond followed by a Campfire Potluck.

Registration was heavy for this event, but due to high winds and even stronger gusts the group was greatly reduced, although the damsel- and dragonflies were plentiful! It was blustery in the evening as well. However, these conditions made for a nice intimate group with plenty of food! A portion of the attendees walked down to Burcham Farm and got to view the house.

Fri. Jun. 24, Family-Friendly Friday

Sat. Jun. 25, Fourth Saturday Walk With Mary and Tony at Waltman Park. Participants were able to get a good view of a hummingbird nest and some were lucky enough to spot a beaver.

April 9, Clean-up and mapping - 24 volunteers participated in this day of service and science. April 13, Flora ID Training - 29 participants learned more from Gerry Moore about the plant communities they are going to map. May 14th– Mapping was canceled due to inclement weather.

Training for new RTF leaders at East Point Lighthouse occurred on Saturday, April 9th - 26 volunteers learned more about this Bayshore-wide wildlife management project and received the appropriate permits to lead walks. In addition CU Maurice River Staff led five sessions that got 67 people out saving crabs at the East Point Lighthouse beaches, including Vineland's Boys and Girls Club.

- First United Methodist Church of Millville

Thursday, April 14, 17 volunteers weeded the berm and edged around the beds. On June 2 a select group of volunteers visited the garden to handle the mugwort and crab grasses.

- Neighborhood Wildlife Garden              

 Thursday, April 21, A small group cleaned up the garden for spring. May 19th. After completing some basic garden maintenance, volunteers installed native edible plants.

- WheatonArts Circle Oasis: May 4,5, and 6 Volunteers weeded and laid down pine needle mulch over three days at the Pollinator & Rain Garden Circle at WheatonArts in preparation for the organization's Eco-Fair event on May 7th. June 30th A group of volunteers worked on improving the functioning of the trenches.

Each and every night during the month of May CU Maurice River FED THE SHOREBIRD SCIENTISTS at Reed’s Beach.

May 13th. Volunteers enhanced the garden beds for pollinators and birds by adding more native flowers and grasses. CU Maurice River purchased over 1,000 native plants. Many volunteers had participated in germination sessions held in late winter during which they raised and brought to the garden seedlings for installing on Community Planting Day. Summersweet Native Nursery donated trays of plants to the rain gardens. And in addition, many backyard stewards donated plants from their own gardens. With the help of 24 additional volunteers, we were able to get all

COMMUNITY FESTIVALS - This was a busy quarter for community festivals! CU Maurice River added many to its calendar. We attended the regular events like the Eco Fair and Barn Day, but staff also put together activities and outreach materials for the Downe Horseshoe Crab Festival, Vineland's Green Fair, and ACUA's Earth Day. Great job Sunnie and volunteers!

April 5th Rotary Club Presentation - Karla Rossini discussed CU Maurice River's mission and history. She also introduced the audience to the various conservation projects, outdoor educational programs, and volunteer opportunities CUMR offers.

Apr. 28th Meet the Mayor. Karla Rossini and Kimberly Spiegel attended an event held at the RRCA, where local business and organization leaders could interact with the Mayor of Millville.

CU Maurice River's educational and volunteer programming was covered by the River Management Society.

SNJ Today. Board President Jane Morton Galetto continues to write articles inspired by local natural and cultural values.

Apr. 8th Boys and Girls Club Presentation. CUMR's Karla Rossini gave a presentation on the Wild and Scenic Maurice River to the Boys and Girls Club of Vineland.

May 3rd Bayshore Center at Bivalve.

During the second quarter of the year, CU Maurice River partnered with the Bayshore Center at Bivalve to lead wetland walks for Woodstown High School on May 3rd and for Our Lady of Mercy Academy on June 7th.

Mar. 30^th Cumberland County Technical Education Session. CU Maurice River met with CCTec’s Superintendent Dina Rossi and Rutgers Water Resource Program to start developing an outdoor educational program and revitalization project for the school.

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. Congress increased funding for Wild and Scenic Rivers for the next fiscal year and CUMR will be receiving a funding increase. In the second quarter of 2022, CUMR continued work with the River Manager, Paul Kenney, to meet new reporting expectations and modify formats successfully. Thank you, Paul, for all your help!

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 30^th, 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 secured funding through USFWS's Partnership Program and TNC's Dam Removal Program to move ahead with 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 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. Beyond the volunteer mapping outings, Tom, Karla, and Vera were able to take more drone footage of the wetland vegetation on the main stem Maurice.

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 inaugurating a Wild and Scenic Maurice River Community Festival.

South Jersey Bayshore Coalition – CUMR continues to coordinate the meetings of SJBC.

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.

Maurice River Parkway Property – A variance request was made for a property in proximity to the Blackwater branch. The neighborhood objected to this variance based on environmental, safety, and other concerns. CU Maurice River provided insight and guidance as requested. The request has since been withdrawn.

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 this 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, to be addressed by coastal counties and municipalities, were discussed. 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.

Full-time to Part-time. As of January, Doreen Homan has been working part-time as she moves toward retirement. She 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 31^st, 2022. While she will definitely be missed, we are looking forward to seeing how her role transitions as she joins the ranks of CU volunteers. 

Environmental Education and Outreach Coordinator - CU Maurice River welcomed Kimberly Spiegel to the staff, beginning April 2022. Her background includes studies in biology with a focus on botany. Kimberly has had experience in activism and community organization through her work with PETA. She enjoys spending time with her family.

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).

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.

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.

Old Truck. CU staff sold CU Maurice River's old truck.

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.

ForRivers@comcast.net