The Conservation Exchange » supplemental environmental project

Citizen Scientists: Helping to Protect Horseshoe Crabs and Shorebirds of the Delaware Bay

admin — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 18:47:30 +0000

In 2009, CRI awarded a $3,500 grant to the Delaware Riverkeeper Network for this project through its Franklin Parker Small Grants program.

The Horseshoe crab is an ancient species that provides an essential rich protein source for many shorebirds and sea turtles through their eggs. Horseshoe crabs are important to humans as they have special characteristics in their blood that help determine the safety of vaccines–there is no other substance that can do this. The US Fish and Wildlife Service values annual revenues associated with the biomedical industry at $60 million with the social welfare value at $150 million.

The Delaware Bay is home to the largest concentration of Horseshoe crabs worldwide. Each year the Bay is also host to the second largest population of migrating shorebirds in North America, and eco-tourists from around the globe flock to the shores of the Delaware Bay to witness this ancient phenomenon. According to the NJ Department of Fish and Wildlife, the economic value of the Horseshoe crab and migratory bird phenomenon seasonally for the Delaware Bayshore area is over $11.8 million with over $15 million of economic value generated if other beneficiaries beyond New Jersey are included.

But scientific studies indicate Horseshoe crabs and shorebirds are in trouble. Fishery use of Horseshoe crabs as bait for whelk, eel, and conch is highly controversial. Decades of overharvesting and abuse have resulted in a decline in the Horseshoe crab population to such a level that the Red knot is predicted to go extinct because of a lack of Horseshoe crab eggs needed to fuel their annual migration. The Red knot has steadily declined from over 100,000 birds in the 1980′s to less than 15,000 birds in 2007. Wintering populations in 2011 indicate another drop of 5000 individual birds. Since 1989 Horseshoe crabs in the Delaware Bay have shown a steady decline with the lowest counts taking place in most recent years.

Both the Horseshoe crab census and shorebird studies of the Delaware Bay are innovative programs that team up scientists with grass-roots citizens to help track the populations and health of these species. These scientists recognize that environmental stewardship through monitoring with engaged citizens is a key ingredient to ensure that data collected is actively used by an engaged citizenry to call for strong management strategies. Recruiting private citizens to be a part of these efforts builds stewardship and grass-roots compassion in a natural setting.

This project engages citizens to work with scientists, the University of Delaware, and Delaware Riverkeeper Network (DRN) to conduct Horseshoe crab spawning surveys every May and June and to team up with shorebird experts from New Jersey Fish and Wildlife to count, weigh, and measure the shorebirds arriving on the Bay to feed on crab eggs.

Ecosystem Services Provided:

Biological Diversity: Habitat- monitoring of state threatened/endangered species

Outreach and Education: volunteer training

Total Project Cost: $30,000

Status: The DRN is currently seeking funding to continue monitoring the Horseshoe crabs and the shorebirds of the Delaware Bay for the Spring of 2012. This monitoring is used directly by DRN and other groups to work for strong protections for the crabs and shorebirds while building awareness and training volunteers every year to assist with this important work.

If you would like further information about this project, contact Conservation Resources.

Unexpected Wildlife Refuge LEED-Certified Nature Education Center

admin — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:02:51 +0000

CRI facilitated a $28,000 grant for this project from the Richard and Thelma Gardinier Fund in 2010. In addition, the Unexpected Wildlife Refuge received a $2,500 grant from CRI’s Franklin Parker Small Grant program in 2008, and a $5000 small grant in 2011.

The Unexpected Wildlife Refuge was founded in 1961 by Cavit and Hope Sawyer Buyukmihci. On the refuge, the Buyukmihcis set up residence in a small cabin and barn next to an old abandoned cranberry bog. They fixed up the cabin as a home and headquarters for the Refuge. They raised their three children there, and dedicated their lives to humane education and habitat preservation. Today the Refuge has grown to 767 acres of fields, forests and wetlands, and is located in two counties and three municipalities.

Future Platinum LEED Nature Cente

The condition of the existing 80+ year old cabin has been steadily deteriorating, especially after the death of Cavit in 1987; he was the “maintenance man” at Unexpected. A poorly constructed foundation, lack of ventilation and a neglected roof have taken their toll; mold, termites and rot have set in.

The Board has discussed removing the existing building and replacing it with a new structure. However, the Board believes that this should not be done lightly given the current global situation. Construction and demolition waste constitutes more than 25% of landfill content. Sustainability in construction, demolition techniques, energy and water use and recycling are paramount in today’s stressed environment. It was decided that Unexpected Wildlife Refuge would embark on a project that will address the environmental and economic consequences of its actions: A Platinum LEED certified Environmental Education Center.

LEED-Certified green building benefits the public health and the environment. They can reduce operating costs, enhance marketability, increase productivity and help to create a sustainable community.

Ecosystem Services Provided:

Outreach, Recreation and Aesthetics: Environmental education- LEED-certified nature center

Total Project Cost: $500,000

Status: The Unexpected Wildlife Refuge is currently seeking additional funding for this project.

If you would like further information about this project, please contact Conservation Resources.

LEED-Certified River Resource Center

admin — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:32:41 +0000

The Musconetcong Watershed Association‘s (MWA) role in educating local officials and residents and protecting and restoring the Musconetcong Watershed is more important than ever. MWA recognized that in order to meet its mission, it was imperative to build a permanent structure; a River Resource Center will ensure the continued viability of their preservation, education, and stewardship efforts.

The MWA renovated a 2,150 square foot storehouse building, adapting it into a meeting hall with office and support space to base the association’s programs. These include environmental and outdoor educational programs, municipal government outreach, workshops and seminars for the public, stream cleanups, and projects such as stream bank restoration, well-testing and water quality monitoring. The headquarters will also be a beginning point for river-based recreation activities like canoeing, kayaking, hiking, and fishing.

The River Resource Center building renovation includes a complete refurbishment inside and outside the structure, and provides examples of sustainable building practices such as composting toilets, riparian restoration, the use of passive solar, and pervious paving for visitor parking. The MWA designed and built the River Resource Center to achieve the US Green Building Council’s LEED certification.

This “green” building provides a physical model for homeowners and small businesses; it demonstrates how applying green building and landscaping principles can be practical and cost-effective and incorporated into any project. The River Resource Center will lead the public by example in exploring cost- effective and environmentally sound solutions that can be applied to other building projects in the region.

Ecosystem Services Provided:

Outreach, Recreation, and Aesthetics: Environmental education- LEED-certified nature center and model for sustainable building practices; Public access- access to waterfront

Total Project Cost: $668,000

CRI provided funding towards this project through its Franklin Parker Small Grants program: $5,000 in 2006, $2,000 in 2007, $2,500 in 2008, and $4,000 in 2009.

Status: This project is closed.

If you would like further information about this project, contact Conservation Resources Inc.

Waterfront South Revitalization Project

admin — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 18:54:03 +0000

This project is focused on the comprehensive resolution of problems that affect the quality of life for residents in Camden’s Waterfront South community. The environmental component to repairing the historic Waterfront South neighborhood focuses on identifying, mitigating and addressing the environmental issues that have contributed to the neighborhood’s decline such as air pollution, soil and water contamination and overall urban ecosystem dysfunction. Recently, the Heart of Camden completed initial implementation of the Environmental Mitigation and Landscape Master Plan which involved identifying specific sources of particulate matter in the neighborhood, and using best practices in landscape design to mitigate the effects. A 2.2 acre buffer with over 500 trees was created between residential and industrial areas, dusty vacant lots were vegetated with trees shrubs and perennials, creating sinks to absorb particulate matter from roadways, and a streetscape was rehabilitated to increase permeability by incorporating planter boxes in front of homes, increasing the size of tree pits, and using structural soil to benefit street trees. Restoration of a blighted green space that backs up to residents’ back yards, and separates them from industry and diesel truck traffic is ongoing.Work continues to restore functional green spaces in order to create a healthy urban ecosystem.

Ecosystem Services Provided:

Climate Stabilization and Air Pollution Mitigation: Physical urban climate moderation- community greening project

Total Project Cost: $50,000

CRI has awarded Heart of Camden ongoing funding for this project through its Franklin Parker Small Grants program:

2009- $5000

2010- $3000

2011- $5000

Status: Currently, Heart of Camden only has funds to add new clean soil to the blighted green space. They seek funding to supply fencing, trees, and shrubbery as well as address additional vacant lots in the community.

If you would like further information about this project, contact Conservation Resources.

Stewardship of Open Space (SOS)

admin — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 20:04:09 +0000

CRI facilitated a Victoria Foundation grant of $12,500 towards this project in 2009. In addition, CRI has awarded two grants to NJRCD for this project through its Franklin Parker Small Grants Program: $3000 in 2009, and $3000 in 2010.

Since the 1960’s, New Jersey counties and municipalities have worked to preserve open space. With the emphasis on acquisition, too often municipalities are unable to properly manage acquired open space within their communities. Most municipal and county governments lack the time, expertise, and priority to manage preserved lands. In most cases goals have not been set for what the intended conservation and/or community development purposes are for particular parcels. Rarely is a public participation process part of this goal setting. Many local governments and organizations have expressed an imperative need for open space stewardship.

North Jersey RC&D Council recognizes this need within the communities served and has the unique ability to assist municipalities in achieving open space goals. Due to the wide array of partnerships, connections, and in-house knowledge of staff and board members, North Jersey RC&D Council can help municipal and county governments plan and implement community open space goals.

To implement the Stewardship of Open Space (SOS) program, North Jersey RC&D Council can offer a comprehensive package of services to municipal and county governments. These services can incorporate topics such as: renewable energy production, local food systems, outdoor recreation, wildlife habitat, threatened and endangered protection, invasive species management, water quality enhancements, and stormwater management. Assistance in implementation will include volunteer training, documentation, grant writing, partnership developments, and technical advice. Ultimately, the Stewardship of Open Space (SOS) program will be based on a “fee for service” structure. This will allow for program sustainability and long-term assistance to local governments.

Critical habitat and land cannot only be protected or set aside. Now, it is crucial to manage open space for specific practices and goals, to ensure the long-term sustainability of natural resources, wildlife habitat, and outdoor recreation. The Stewardship of Open Space (SOS) Program provides an enormous ecological service or conservation value to municipalities and counties for a reasonable price.

Ecosystem Services Provided:

Aid municipalities in open space management including: public participation, alternative energy production, reduced maintenance plans, community agriculture, outdoor recreation, invasive species removal, stormwater management, riparian mitigation, and Sustainable Jersey Certification.

Total Project Cost: $20,650

Status: Currently, the Stewardship of Open Space (SOS) program is in the planning stages, and hopes to launch the program in 2010.

If you would like further information about this project, contact Conservation Resources.

Community Gardens in Morristown

admin — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 19:08:44 +0000

CRI has awarded Grow It Green Morristown several grants for this project through its Franklin Parker Small Grants program: $5000 in 2009, $3500 in 2010, and $5000 in 2011.

Grow it Green Morristown facilitates the construction and management of community gardens in Morristown. They are responsible for the Early Street Garden, and the Urban Farm at Lafayette. Currently, they are working on a third: the Gran Fondo Community Garden.

The Urban Farm at Lafayette serves as a living classroom for the children of the Morris School District, as well as the local community. One recent summer the Farm donated over 1,500 pounds of fresh vegetables to the Interfaith Food Pantry, and Market Street Mission. This educational Urban Farm is located at the Lafayette Learning Center on Hazel Street, in one of Morristown’s most diverse neighborhoods and one of the most economically challenged areas of Morris County. When Grow it Green Morristown acquired the site, it was in ill-repair, with defunct play equipment and broken bleachers. The play structures were given new life, as they were re-purposed into trellises and arbors; an old baseball backstop became a shade house where students work at potting benches. The entire garden was fenced with a very attractive 7.5 foot fence via a generous grant from CRI’s Franklin Parker Small Grant Program. Grow it Green Morristown provides educational opportunities to the District, as well as to the general public.

Grow It Green Morristown is working to expand community gardens in economically challenged neighborhoods throughout Morristown. This organization is a leader in the national school and community garden movement as it follows a unique approach, creating a private/public partnership to accomplish mutual goals of education, outreach and environmental stewardship.

Ecosystem Services Provided:

Agricultural production: Local food systems- urban gardens & farms

Recreation and Aesthetics: Environmental education- agricultural education

Total Project Cost: $44,000

If you would like further information about this project, please contact Conservation Resources.

Isles Community Gardens Initiative

admin — Tue, 19 May 2009 17:34:58 +0000

CRI has provided continued funding for this project through its Franklin Parker Small Grants Program:

2007- $4,000

2008- $4000

2009- $5000

2010- $3500

2011- $7500

Isles’ Community Gardening and Nutrition Education initiative fosters self-reliance and goes beyond emergency food assistance by providing residents with the skills to grow their own food and improve their nutrition. Low-income Trenton residents face significant barriers to healthy nutrition and food security. According to the 2000 U.S. Census, 21% of Trenton’s population lives below the poverty level. As a result of such poverty, more than 60% of Trenton school district students (Pre-K to 12) are eligible for free and reduced lunch. In addition, according to a recent Community Food Assessment completed by Rutgers University, there are challenges related to education and eating behaviors that contribute to poor nutrition; few people surveyed were concerned about eating healthy and many either did not know how to cook or preferred to eat pre-prepared meals.

By participating in Isles’ Community Gardening and Nutrition Education initiative, low-income families are able to gain greater food security, stretch food budgets and obtain fresh and nutritious produce. Specifically, the Community Gardening and Nutrition Education initiative benefits the residents of Trenton in three major ways by:

Providing access to fresh vegetables and improving nutrition. Isles’ community gardens provide access to fruits and vegetables that are low calorie and nutrient rich.
Stretching food budgets. Studies report that every $1 invested in a community garden plot yields approximately $6 worth of vegetables. In a 2006 survey, Isles’ community gardeners reported an average savings of about $200 dollars per year, per gardener.
Strengthening community fabric. Isles’ gardeners report that sharing food with friends, families and neighbors is one of the important reasons that they grow produce.

Isles has more than 25 years of experience in supporting community gardeners. Currently, Isles supports more than 27 community gardens and 10 school gardens. The Community Gardening and Nutrition Education initiative addresses the critical issues of hunger relief and nutrition, urban beautification, and open space preservation throughout Trenton. Isles provides technical and organizational assistance to help residents transform neglected parcels of urban land into gardens, parks and playgrounds. Additionally, Isles works with schools to create on-site gardens and to help teach horticulture and nutrition to local students.

This initiative is consistent with Isles’ mission to foster more self-reliance in healthy, sustainable communities in the following ways: (1) residents become more self-reliant by growing their own fresh produce; (2) residents improve their health by learning about and practicing better nutrition habits; and (3) residents practice sustainability by restoring vacant urban land to productive use.

Ecosystem Services Provided:

Climate Stabilization and Air Pollution Mitigation: Urban climate moderation- community greening project

Water Protection, Filtration & Control: Water quantity- groundwater recharge, reducing runoff

Agricultural Production: Local food systems- urban gardens & farms, nutrition education

Total Project Cost: $171,000

Status: Currently, Isles’ Community Garden Initiative consists of 27 community gardens and 10 school gardens. Isles is dedicated to building 2 more community gardens within the coming year.

If you would like further information about this project, please contact Conservation Resources.

Riverbank Park Waterfront Restoration

admin — Tue, 19 May 2009 17:09:11 +0000

Green space and recreational facilities are essential to healthy communities. With less than 25 acres of usable parkland for a population of over 50,000 residents, the Ironbound Community in Newark has a significant need for open space. As its population increases, the need for green space continues to grow. Many city parks are in disrepair and decline, and no new parks have been added for decades. The renovation of the Ironbound’s Riverbank Park, in conjunction with construction of new recreational facilities adjacent to the park, will provide residents with much-needed open space and will ensure a healthier future for the members of the Ironbound Community.

The restoration of the Ironbound’s Riverbank Park will involve several phases, beginning with the hiring of a landscape architect. Subsequent plans will include streambank stabilization, invasive species removal and native replantings, wetlands reconstruction, construction of paths and lighting, incorporation of gardens, art, and performance venues, and creation of a landscape which encourages passive recreation and a gathering of community.

Ecosystem Services Provided:

Water Protection, Filtration & Control: Water quality- streambank stabilization, stream buffers, preventing erosion and sedimentation, wetlands restoration, groundwater recharge

Climate Stabilization and Air Pollution Mitigation: Carbon sequestration- aforestation; Physical urban climate moderation- community greening project; Air quality- adding trees and native plants

Biological Diversity: Habitat- improving aquatic habitat, increasing urban habitat; Ecosystem restoration- invasive plant removal, restoration of native plantings

Recreation & Aesthetics: Public access- walking trails and access to waterfront

Total Project Cost: $11 million

In 2008, CRI granted the Ironbound Community Corporation $4,000 for this project through its Franklin Parker Small Grants program.

Status: In the planning stages.

If you would like further information about this project, please contact Conservation Resources Inc.

Dvoor Farm

admin — Tue, 19 May 2009 16:10:57 +0000

In 1999, The Hunterdon Land Trust (HLT) acquired title to the Dvoor Farm, a 40 acre historic farmstead in Raritan Township.

The Dvoor Farm is a perfect illustration of the evolution of New Jersey’s agricultural community throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. The property, with its wealth of agricultural accessory buildings, is architecturally significant and provides a critical connection in a greenway of preserved land along the Mine Brook in Raritan Township. In the long term, the HLT hopes to make the farm a self-sustaining public resource by restoring and reusing the buildings and property for public use, while generating income to support the restoration and maintenance of the buildings and ensuring responsible stewardship of the land.

Specifically, this historic landmark can be used as a public education center and demonstration farm based on the community supported agriculture model, to promote sustainable agriculture and natural resource protection. The HLT is working with the Northeast Organic Farming Association of NJ to develop plans for sustainable farming of the land, and for public access to Dvoor Farms’ offerings. The farm lies within a grenbelt of preserved land along the Mine Brook. Long term plans include linking the farm to other community resources through walking trails, which will provide the public more opportunities to visit the farm. Public educational workshops are also envisioned.

To make the Dvoor Farm Project a success, the Hunterdon Land Trust has identified the following goals:

Maintain the buildings in serviceable condition and prevent further deterioration;
Create a master plan for future use of the farm as a public resource;
Maximize public access to the farm;
Establish stakeholder and volunteer groups to assist in restoration, maintenance, and planning efforts.

Ecosystem Services Provided:

Agricultural Production: Local food systems- community supported agriculture, farmer’s market, organic agriculture, sustainable farming, nutrition education

Total Project Cost: $225,000

CRI has provided funding for the Dvoor project through its Franklin Parker Small Grants program: $4,000 in 2007, and $4,000 in 2008.

Status: The Hunterdon Land Trust acquired the Dvoor Farm in 1999. They are seeking funds to restore and maintain the historic farm buildings, and turn the farm into a public education center and demonstration farm. The condition of the buildings has been evaluated, and immediate and long-term repairs and mainteance issues have been identified.

If you would like further information about this project, please contact Conservation Resources.

Waterfront South Tree Nursery

admin — Mon, 18 May 2009 19:05:18 +0000

Heart of Camden is a non-profit community development organization dedicated to restoring dignity and quality of life to the historic Waterfront South neighborhood in the City of Camden. As part of their mission, they have developed a strong environmental stewardship and restoration program focused on urban greening, air pollution mitigation, and the revitalization of blighted sites.

The Waterfront South Tree Nursery was established to create a functional greenspace from a vacant lot and ensure a source of trees to be planted throughout the neighborhood. Since its initial establishment 72 trees have been grown there and planted out into the local park and 72 new seedlings have planted in the nursery. An irrigation system has been installed. Ongoing planting out and replanting as well as maintenance of the nursery and general improvement of the site continues.

Funding is sought for the continued development of the TreeKeepers Nursery. This will include site preparation, containers, equipment, media and signage.

Ecosystem Services Provided:

Climate Stabilization and Air Pollution Mitigation: Physical urban climate moderation/ Air quality- community greening project, street trees; Carbon sequestration- aforestation

Water Protection, Filtration & Control: Water quantity- groundwater recharge, reducing runoff; Water quality- riparian buffers

Agricultural Production: Local food systems- community gardens, nutrition education, sustainable farming, farmers market

Total Project Cost: $50,000

CRI has provided funding towards this project through its Franklin Parker Small Grants Program: $5,000 in 2006, $3,000 in 2007, and $3,000 in 2008.

Status: Funds are still needed for educational materials, improved signage, pot-in-pot tree nursery planting mix, and sidewalk rehabilitation.

If you would like further information about this project, please contact Conservation Resources.