In 2010, this project received a $5,000 grant from CRI, Elizabethtown Gas, and PSEG through CRI’s Carbon Sequestration and Restoration Grant Program.

The Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey (CWF) is helping to restore habitat for migratory birds in one of the best birding regions in the world– Cape May, New Jersey. CWF is working with the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife to reforest fairways and create habitat to encourage wildlife, and wildlife-watching, at a former golf course called Ponderlodge. During the spring and fall the Cape May Peninsula, at the southern tip of New Jersey, plays an essential role in providing habitat for wildlife to rest and refuel. Each year, millions of migrating songbirds, raptors, and shorebirds are funneled into the Lower Peninsula during fall migration.

This important stopover site on the Cape May Peninsula was purchased by New Jersey’s Green Acres Program in February 2006 and it is now managed by the New Jersey Fish and Wildlife (NJDFW). As its name suggests, this property was a functioning golf course just prior to being purchased for open space. After being purchased, it was instantly prized by residents and outdoor enthusiasts for its size, location, and recreational opportunities. However, in its current state, the 253-acre site has limited value to wildlife because of the low-quality habitat left behind from the golf course operations. Remnants of the golf course, including a lodge, a burned down mansion, paved trails, and many ponds and sand traps remain.

Forested habitat on site is fragmented with little understory vegetation. Forests provide critical habitat for migratory birds for use as stopover habitat and for nesting. Restoration of these forests will also increase the minimum patch size requirements to provide suitable habitat for several species of endangered and threatened birds, including the red-shouldered hawk, Cooper’s hawk, and barred owl. Endangered amphibian species, like the eastern tiger salamander and southern gray treefrog, that utilize ponds with adjacent forests will also benefit from this project.

CWF has used NJDFW’s Habitat Restoration Plan to help guide efforts at Ponderlodge to enhance the site to benefit wildlife, especially migratory birds. While the focus has primarily been on the restoration of wildlife habitat, CWF also realizes that their reforestation efforts are capturing carbon from the atmosphere. They will  calculate the amount of carbon that is being captured from their reforestation efforts at Ponderlodge.

Ecosystem Services Provided:

Climate Stabilization and Air Pollution Mitigation: Carbon sequestration- reforestation

Biological Diversity: Habitat- protection of habitat for endangered/threatened species

Recreation and Aesthetics: Environmental education- Backyard habitat demonstration site

Total Project Cost: $30,000

Status: Since acquisition, CWF has worked with NJDFW to restore and reforest approximately 5 acres and enhance 12 acres of native warm season grasses. In the Fall of 2012, a “Backyard Habitat Demonstration Site” was installed to help educate local residents on the importance of using native species that provide habitat for migratory birds by providing food and cover.  A total of 2700 native plants were planted by volunteers and the crew of Planet Earth Landscaping. There are six different habitat treatments, which include forested habitat, scrub-shrub, wildflower meadow, pond, a brush pile, and a meadow. Interpretive signs will be installed in April 2013.

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