Stone harbor Bird Sanctuary
Planning for the Sanctuary’s future...
The Sanctuary has been divided into six ecosystems.
1. The salt water marsh, increased hydrology, this area will receive the most water, there will be a tidal exchange of about one foot per tidal cycle. Short marsh grasses ‘patens’ ill grow here. This area includes most of the tributaries. There will be selective opening up of these streams. Its a goal to see them full of little fish, a food source for colonial wading birds. These fish will also eat mosquito larvae, naturally controlling the mosquito population. This increased tidal flow will naturally control the phragmities, too! Plants typical to this area are Saltmarsh Cordgrass, Saltmeadow Cordgrass, and Marsh Elder
2. The northern section of the salt water marsh will benefit from the actions in section one. Alternaflora will be encouraged here, the taller marsh grasses. There will be more restoration work here to enhance tidal flow. Possible ground contouring actions. Plants typical here Marsh Elder, Saltmarsh Cordgrass and Sea Lavender.
3. The maritime forest area is divided into three subsections. One area will be left relatively untouched as a reference area. One area will have tree thinning and clearing, invasive plant control and may benefit from selective replanting. The last area rings the saltwater marsh and will be rehabilitated to support nest construction. Plants typical here include, American Holly, Black Cherry, Sassafras, Red Cedar, Black Pine, Japanese Honeysuckle, Greenbriar, Poison Ivy and Virginia Creeper.
New signage detailing the projects partners
The current tidal inlet into the Sanctuary
The plans to upgrade the visitor’s area at 114th Street and Third Avenue
