May 10th, 2012
Have you ever wondered what the marsh was like many years ago? Probably not, but we (scientists) have a way of determining how much sediment has been collected on the marsh surface over long periods of time (also known as accretion). Recently, we collected three sediment cores within the St. Jones Reserve as part of a long term bio-monitoring project. In order to collect these cores, we used a large tri-pod to help pull up a PVC pipe that was pushed into the marsh to collect and hold the sample. This may sound simple, but there needs to be the right amount of suction to keep the core sample inside of the PVC pipe as we lift it up. Sometimes this process can take multiple tries! After each core is collected we put rubber caps on each end until the soil sample is ready to be processed. Analyses of these core samples for lead-210 and 
cesium-137 helps determine accretion rates and the age of various depths within the sediment over the past 50-100 years.
Processing the cores can be a messy and smelly job, but it is fun to work with marsh mud. Thankfully, we can open the windows to help reduce the smell. The first part of the processing requires the sediment core to be cut up into 2cm sections and dried in a scientific oven. Then the samples are sent to the University of Delaware campus in Lewes, DE for the final analysis.
Tags: Estuaries, marsh accretion, NERR, Research
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April 24th, 2012
Understanding coastal marsh development is an important part of determining their future. Brandon Boyd, a University of Delaware graduate student, has been conducting research on Delaware’s coastal marshes – from saltmarshes near the bay mouth to tidal fresh farther up river. In conjunction with his advisor, Dr. Christopher K. Sommerfield, Brandon is studying sediment cores to determine the rate of sediment accumulation (collection) on the marsh surface. As shown in the picture, these cores are collected by pushing a five foot PVC pipe into the ground and removing it with a metal tripod. The collected soil is processed and radioactivity in the sediment layers is measured at the University of Delaware’s lab located in the College of Earth, Ocean and Environment in Lewes, Delaware. The radiation measured is naturally occurring. The chronologies or date-assigned depths from these sediment cores are used to understand how sediment moves in the coastal system. Other researchers use the sediment core date data for measuring nutrient burial or tracking pollutants.
As a NERR graduate research fellow for the Delaware NERR, Brandon is looking at the variability in the development of the marsh surface over the past 100 years. The development of the marsh can vary greatly from water front to high marsh. Analyzing the differences in marsh surface development will assist in determining how well the marshes will adapt to sea level rise. So, the next time you’re out in one of Delaware’s marshes, watching the waterfowl or kayaking down a tidal creek, remember to be grateful for all that mud that sticks to you and your gear…without it, we wouldn’t have marshes!
Tags: coastal, Estuaries, Research, sea level rise
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March 21st, 2012
It is that time of year when the Reserve gears up for all things horseshoe crab related. Every spring around May and June, the Delaware Bay beaches are covered with spawning horseshoe crabs. During this time trained volunteers help assess the horseshoe crab population by participating in the horseshoe crab spawning survey. The survey began in the 1990’s to assist scientists in monitoring changes in population of spawning horseshoe crabs in the Delaware Bay. Delaware’s well-trained and enthusiastic volunteers have made this program one of the most successful volunteer based wildlife surveys in the country. As part of the bay-wide survey, the Reserve coordinates the volunteer efforts on three bay beaches (Kitts Hummock, Ted Harvey, and North Bowers). The preparation for the survey begins in March by seeking volunteers who are interested in participating in research and are up for an adventure!
It is important that volunteers are trained for the survey as the data is being used in management and policy decisions. The Reserve staff holds two volunteer training sessions in April each year for anyone interested in assisting with the Horseshoe Crab Spawning survey. The trainings take place at the St. Jones Reserve, 818 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover. You are only required to participate in one of the following trainings:
Thursday, April 5, 2012 from 6 - 7:30 p.m. at the St. Jones Reserve
Saturday, April 14, 2012 from 10 – 11:30 a.m. at the St. Jones Reserve
Are you ready and up for this awesome opportunity to be a citizen scientist? We hope so! We could definitely use your help. To register for a training or for more information visit us on the web.
Tags: Delaware Bay, Estuaries, horseshoe crabs, NERR, Research, St. Jones Reserve, Stewardship, volunteers
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March 8th, 2012
Looking for a unique destination rich in history, culture, and exploration? Then Sapleo Island National Estuarine Research Reserve (SINERR) is the place to go. Located on Sapelo Island, the fourth largest barrier island in Georgia, the SINERR encompasses 6,110 acres of land consisting of maritime forest, hammock land, and tidal salt marsh. When visiting the Reserve be on the look-out for egrets, herons, fiddler crabs, ospreys, woodstorks, alligators and brown pelicans. Sapelo Island is just as rich in human history as it is in natural history. In fact, the island’s human history dates back 4,500 years which makes visiting this Reserve a great trip for history and nature enthusiasts alike. Enjoy the warmth of Georgia and visit the Sapleo Island National Esturaine Research Reserve, one of 28 Reserves around the United States. For more information about SINERR visit them on the web.
Tags: destination, history and culture, NERR, outdoor recreation, travel
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February 10th, 2012
February 10, 2012
Over the past few weeks, we have been busy installing benchmarks throughout Kent County. We are not finding benches and marking them. Benchmarks are monuments scattered throughout the United States that are used for surveys in order to ensure accurate measurements for foundations of houses, roads, and other construction projects. Benchmarks are also used to verify elevations within a project or to survey unknown points. The benchmarks we are installing are either replacing old ones that have been destroyed or adding new ones to areas that lack coverage. These new benchmarks will eventually be used by other surveyors throughout Delaware. 
Tags: careers, NERR, Research
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January 30th, 2012
It’s been a fairly mild winter; however, I do find myself daydreaming of warmer places. The National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS) has 28 Reserves around the United States and its territories of which the Delaware NERR is apart. One of the Reserves I have wanted to visit is Jobos Bay in Aguirre, Puerto Rico. This Reserve was adopted into the national system in 1981. With approximately 3,300 acres, Jobos Bay NERR encompasses a wide variety of habitats including mangrove forests, subtropical dry forests, sea grass beds, salt flats, and coral reefs. It is home to animals such as the peregrine falcon, West Indian manatee, brown pelicans, and hawksbill turtles. Jobos Bay would make a great destination! For more information about Jobos Bay NERR visit them on Facebook and on the National Estuarine Research Reserve website. Keep checking back for the next Reserve Destination location.
Tags: coastal, destination, Education & Outreach, NERR, NOAA, wildlife
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January 12th, 2012
The St. Jones Reserve is now taking reservations for the Spring 2012 and Fall 2012 field trip seasons. We thank everyone for their patience and support as the Reserve was in a strategic planning mode this past fall. We will be offering field trip opportunities on Tuesdays and Wednesdays beginning March 1st. Field trips are designed based on grade levels and Delaware state standards. Possible activities for your school’s field trip experience may include a muckless marsh walk; discovery labs on various topics (such as weather & climate, horseshoe crabs, water quality); activities about horseshoe crabs; skins, scat, and tracks activity; watershed models; fish printing; plant collecting and preservation; and boat trips just to name a few. Please contact Kate Marvel if you are interested in participating in a field trip at the St. Jones Reserve by e-mailing her at Kate.Marvel@state.de.us or by calling (302) 739-3436. For more information about the Reserve visit our website.
Tags: Education & Outreach, Estuaries, St Jones, St. Jones Reserve
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December 22nd, 2011
Many people living on the coasts and near oceans have heard of seabirds. Some of these birds are what scientists call pelagic which means that they live mostly in the open sea or ocean; however, they will come to land to breed. That is why it was such a surprise to see one of our researchers bring a juvenile northern gannet into the Reserve. The northern gannet is a seabird known for their remarkable diving capabilities to feed on various fish species. These birds are primarily white with black wing tips, a yellowish head, and greyish eyes. However, the one brought into the Reserve was a juvenile and therefore it was brownish with white spots. This young gannet was found in a salt marsh near the Delaware Bay. An unusual spot to find a gannet as it is a pelagic species; and it’s not breeding season. Unfortuantely, the little gannet might have a respiratory issue and was taken to Tri State Bird Rescue where it is being nurtured back to health. For more information on northern gannets visit the US Fish and Wildlife Service website and for more information on bird rescue work visit the Tri State Bird Rescue and Research website.
Tags: birding, coastal, Stewardship, wildlife
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December 15th, 2011
Did you know that the American holly (Ilex opaca) is Delaware’s State tree? The holly was adopted as the State’s tree in 1939. This beautiful native plant is commonly used in decorations this time of year. But, I encourage you to take a hike on one of our trails to see the beauty of the American holly as it naturally decorates our woodlands and forests. The bright red berries and the thick green leaves provide a punch of color against the backdrop of late fall and early winter’s browner tones. American holly trees look great planted in a landscape and the berries are a source of food for many bird species. Enjoy a winter hike this year and explore the great outdoors! Our trails at the St. Jones and the Blackbird Creek Reserves are open dawn until dusk 7 days a week. And as always during this time of year, be aware that there is active hunting on portions of the Reserve (except on Sundays when there is no hunting).
Tags: Blackbird Creek, outdoor recreation, St. Jones Reserve, vegetation, wildlife
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December 9th, 2011
Scientist Log: December 6, 2011
“It’s always fun to find a nice surprise when I’m working in the field! While surveying impoundments at the Ted Harvey Wildlife Management Area from a Delaware Fish and Wildlife fanboat, one of the other scientists I was working with noticed some movement in the marsh. He asked, “Did you see that teal?” I replied, “No, I didn’t see anything?” Next thing I know he’s running through the flooded marsh after an injured teal (so much for my great birding skills). When he brought the green winged teal to me I noticed that half of its wing was missing. Luckily, the duck had found a great hiding spot where it was able to recover from its injury. Because its flying abilities were greatly hindered, it was taken to Tri-State Bird Rescue where it will find a permanent home in captivity. Another exciting field day!”
~CP
Tags: coastal, Estuaries, partnership, Research, wetlands, wildlife
Posted in Blog Posts, Research, St. Jones Reserve, Stewardship | 1 Comment »
Have you ever wondered what the marsh was like many years ago? Probably not, but we (scientists) have a way of determining how much sediment has been collected on the marsh surface over long periods of time (also known as accretion). Recently, we collected three sediment cores within the St. Jones Reserve as part of a long term bio-monitoring project. In order to collect these cores, we used a large tri-pod to help pull up a PVC pipe that was pushed into the marsh to collect and hold the sample. This may sound simple, but there needs to be the right amount of suction to keep the core sample inside of the PVC pipe as we lift it up. Sometimes this process can take multiple tries! After each core is collected we put rubber caps on each end until the soil sample is ready to be processed. Analyses of these core samples for lead-210 and 
cesium-137 helps determine accretion rates and the age of various depths within the sediment over the past 50-100 years.
