Stewards Needed for the Shorebird Project

By Larissa Smith, CWF Assistant Biologist

If you enjoy spending time on the beach, bird watching, and interacting with people while helping to make a difference, then the shorebird steward project might be the right volunteer opportunity for you! The Delaware Bay in the spring time is a great place to be!

In 2003, New Jersey began restricting beach access on critical shorebird feeding beaches. With fewer horseshoe crab eggs available it is more important than ever to protect shorebirds as they search for food on Delaware Bay beaches. Shorebirds are very

sensitive to disturbance. If birds are disturbed while they are resting on the beach or feeding, they may not build-up the necessary fat reserves to make it to their Arctic breeding grounds.

The shorebird steward project was put in place to have a presence at these closed beaches during the three-week closure period in May through early June. In 2009 thirty-three stewards patrolled nine beaches along the Delaware Bay in Cape May and Cumberland Counties. Their main goal was to ensure that resting and foraging shorebirds were not disturbed. As beach goers are encountered, stewards engage them in conversation, and distribute brochures and other educational materials. Stewards direct people to designated viewing areas. People visiting the Delaware Bay leave with a better understanding of biodiversity, species interaction, and an understanding of what they can do to help.

In 2010, stewards will be needed the following dates: May 8th, 9th & May 15th through 31st.

Interested applicants must be available to work at least two full days, 7-8 hours a day. A shorebird steward training will be held on May 1st.

If you are interested in learning more about the program please contact Larissa Smith at (609) 628-0402 or Email.