Blog

Conserving Atlantic White-Cedar Forested Wetlands Through Active Forest Management and Restoration

Atlantic white-cedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides) (AWC) wetlands represent a globally rare plant community, and one of ecological, economic, and cultural significance. In the state of New Jersey, this pant community has experienced severe decline, falling from an estimated 115,000 acres pre-European settlement to around 25,000 acres remaining in the state (NJFAP,…...

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NJ Audubon Conservation Projects Help Hudson Farm win 2021 Governor’s Environmental Excellence Award for Healthy Ecosystems & Habitat Category

NJ Audubon congratulates Hudson Farm on being selected by NJDEP as the winner of the 2021 Governor’s Environmental Excellence Award for Healthy Ecosystems & Habitat Category! The Hudson Farm property is over 4,000 acres of permanently preserved forest land in Sussex County (~2% of the total forest land in the…...

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What Does “Old-Growth” Really Mean? It depends. – Bringing it all together (installment 6 of 6)

In recent weeks, we discussed the concept of old growth forests and its application in New Jersey.  We provided some examples from Davis (1993, 2003r) and recent observations and developments in those areas.  We asked several questions.  In this final installment, we attempt to tie it all together and speak…...

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Sunset Beach: A Place for all Seasons – December 12, 2021

Leaders: Mary Watkins, Eileen Mathers, Ruth Bergstrom Temp: 45° F Winds:  NW 26 mph Weather Conditions: sunny 22 species Species Count Mallard 15 Mourning Dove 1 Ring-billed Gull 8 Herring Gull 6 Great Black-backed Gull 10 Northern Gannet 2 Double-crested Cormorant 4 Great Blue Heron 1 Great Egret 1 Turkey…...

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Harlequin Romance – December 11, 2021

Leaders: Melissa Roach, Mary Watkins, Jackie Parker, and Jesse Amesbury Temp: 52°- 57° F Winds:  SW 22-25 mph Weather Conditions: overcast, dense fog, some rain Barnegat Lighthouse State Park – 9:41am 26 species Species Count Canada Goose 45 Mallard 16 American Black Duck 4 Harlequin Duck 8 Long-tailed Duck 5…...

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Birding Cape May Point – December 11, 2021

Leaders: Kathy Horn, Roger Horn, Bernie Hodgdon Temp: 55° F Winds:  S 28 mph Weather Conditions: cloudy It was a little strange hearing the frequent chips of Yellow-rumped Warblers coming from below the level of the boardwalk as they hunkered down out of the wind and drizzle at the State Park this…...

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What Does “Old What Does “Old-Growth” Really Mean? It depends. Example 3, Bear Swamp (Installment 5 of 6)

In southwestern NJ, along the Delaware Bay, Davis (1993) described two areas of possible old-growth broadleaf swamp forests. According to Davis, Bear Swamp West is 100 acres of possible old growth forest containing some 400 to 500-year-old black gum, 300-year-old sweetgum, large red maples, and large sweetbay magnolia trees (of unknown…...

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Avalon Seawatch Update: November 3rd – 23rd

A group of Wood Ducks migrating in the early morning. The West winds have provided a good diversity and abundance of non-scoter ducks, which provides a good ID challenge in the morning light. Hello Everyone! Things have been quite busy over at the Seawatch the past few weeks; thanks to…...

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What Does “Old-Growth” Really Mean? It depends – Example 2 – Eastern Hemlock Forests of Northern NJ (Installment 4 of 6)

Another example of older forests in New Jersey that have suffered significantly due to lack of management are forests comprised of Eastern hemlock.  Davis (1993, 2003) discussed that many of NJ’s historically old growth forest had been dominated by Eastern hemlock, which is a conifer species that can live up…...

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Final Cape May Hawkwatch Update: November 19th – 30th

After ninety-one consecutive days of counting migrating birds of prey, the 2021 autumn season has officially ended. Keep reading to find out the grand total of raptors counted this season! First, I need to cover the final leg of the season.  After a slow start to the beginning of November,…...

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