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.
Calling all teachers looking for a great field trip
January 12th, 2012Rescuing a Feathery Friend
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.
Forests decked with “boughs of holly”
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).
Scientist Log #4: Surprise Lurking in the Marsh
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
St. Jones Reserve Boardwalk Open and Ready for Visitors!
November 30th, 2011
The St. Jones Reserve Trail Boardwalk has a new look! You may recall that the main boardwalk at the St. Jones Reserve was undergoing some renovations. Those renovations are complete and the boardwalk is back open to visitors. The new look includes wooden decking with more space between the deck planks and three sections of grating. Both practices allow more sunlight to penetrate to the marsh surface. The increased amount of sunlight reaching the marsh surface should decrease the amount of impact the boardwalk has on plant growth. Come visit the Reserve and explore the marsh by taking a walk on the renovated boardwalk. The trails are open 7 days a week from dawn until dusk. Always be cautious of hunting seasons. The best time to walk the entire trail is on a Sunday when there is no hunting. For more information about the Reserve visit our website.
What’s on Your Mind About Sea Level Rise?
November 18th, 2011
Have you been wondering what sea level rise is and how it might impact Delaware? Delaware Coastal Programs in conjunction with the Delaware Sea Level Rise Advisory Committee would like your input about sea level rise in Delaware. They have been hosting Sea Level Rise Public Engagement Sessions throughout the state. If you have not been able to attend one as of yet, there are still two more opportunities to take part and share your thoughts. On Tuesday, November 22nd, 2011 there will be a session at the Kent County Levy Court in Dover, Delaware from 4:00 – 7:00 pm. On Tuesday, November 29th, 2011 there will be a session at Cape Henlopen High School in Lewes, Delaware from 4:00 – 7:00 pm. At both locations presentations will be conducted at 4:30 pm and again at 6:00 pm. Visit the Delaware Sea Level Rise Public Engagement Sessions webpage for more information.
Reserve Staff Visited Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve
November 3rd, 2011
The National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR) system is comprised of 28 reserves around the United States. The Delaware NERR is the 22nd reserve, adopted into the system in 1993. Every year the staff from each reserve meet for a national meeting to set system-wide priorities, integrate the program sectors (management, research, education, coastal training, and stewardship), and provide relevant, targeted information and training. This year the annual meeting was held at the Guana Tolomato Matanzas NERR near St. Augustine, Florida. We greatly appreciate the hard work the GTM Reserve put into hosting this year’s meeting. Visit the NERR system on the web to learn more about all 28 Reserves around the US.
Fun Family Festival
October 19th, 2011
Looking for something fun to do this Saturday, October 22? Join us at the 4th annual Blackbird Creek Fall Festival at the Blackbird Creek Reserve on 801 Blackbird Landing Road, Townsend, Delaware from 10 am – 4 pm. Delight in the beauty of the Blackbird Creek by taking a hay ride or enjoying a leisurely canoe trip. Listen to the sounds of great musicians such as Em McKeever, Crabmeat Thompson, The Bog Turtle Band, Mallory Square, and Nice Like Dat. The kids will enjoy exploring the straw maze, making fall crafts, watching the Retriever Demonstration by the Del Bay Retriever Club, and learning about Native American culture and heritage. There will also be local artisans, vendors, exhibitors, demonstrations, and food.
And, if you are a runner/walker and are looking for a challenge, the Appoquinimink River Association is hosting the Run for our Rivers 5K at 9 am at the Blackbird Creek Reserve prior to the festival. For more information about the 5K visit the Run for our Rivers webpage and for more information about the Blackbird Creek Fall Festival visit the Festival webpage.
Thank you Wes!
September 30th, 2011
Today we’re celebrating 12 years of outstanding service by the Reserve’s Conservationist, Wes Conley who is starting on a new adventure – retirement! He’s been an invaluable resource to the Reserve and provided outstanding technical assistance and leadership in getting things done on the ground at the St Jones Reserve and Blackbird Creek Reserve. His work ethic and dedication have brought great credit upon himself and the Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve. It has been amazing working with you Wes!
Researchers Study Blue Crabs in the Delaware Bay
September 30th, 2011
The effect of climate change is expected to raise the temperature of Southern New England waters by up to 40°F (4.5 °C) in this century. This may result in northward expansion of the blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) range as well as its pathogens (an agent that causes disease such as a virus or bacteria). The Delaware Bay is the northern limit for commercial harvest of blue crab, though substantial populations extend into Massachusetts and support a recreational fishery. The University of Maryland, Center for Environmental Science and the University of Delaware are beginning a student project to assess the prevalence of two fatal pathogens of blue crab, a reovirus and a protozoan parasite, in the northern range from the Delaware Bay to the southern shore of Massachusetts. This National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) funded project is intended to serve as a template for long-term studies of the effects of climate change and latitude on blue crab disease prevalence in the Northeastern United States.
The Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve is assisting with the project by providing equipment, technical assistance, and training. Other collections (single sites, annual collections) are being provided by partners affiliated with the Jacques Cousteau National Estuarine Research Reserve in New Jersey, NOAA Milford Lab, and Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries.
(The NOAA-LMRCSC competition is led by the Univ. of MD Eastern Shore, Paulinus Chigbu, PI; UMCES-IMET PI is Rosemary Jagus).
“Tracking pathogens of blue crabs (Callinectes sapidus) along a climatological and latitudinal gradient” PI: Eric J Schott, UMCES-Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology; Co-PI: Dennis McIntosh, Delaware State University. Outreach; NOAA collaborator: Gretchen Messick, NCCOS, Oxford Cooperative Lab.
