Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary
4. This area is along Second Avenue at 114th Street and has been totally taken over by invasive plants, mostly knot weed, this area is being cleared with the help of our partners USF&WS and equipment from the New Jersey Forest Fire Service. This area is bordered by tall black pines that were planed after the 1962 storm by local Boy Scouts. This is also the area that one of the restricted trails will enter the Sanctuary. Restricted trails aren’t open when the birds are nesting, they also may need guides to access.
5. This is a favorite area it contains the fresh water pond and fresh water meadow. Here the area around the pond will be cleared of invasive plants. the overflow from the pond will be redirected to nourish the fresh water meadow, rather than flowing into the salt water marsh as it does now. There is a natural berm separating the fresh water meadow from the salt water marsh, this berm will be enriched and will be part of the creation of another path into the Sanctuary. This path with allow a glimpse of the holly tree, the fresh water pond, fresh water meadow and the song bird forest.
6. This is the song bird management area and happens on both the north and south west edges of the Sanctuary. Little will be done here as song birds like the vines as they provide berries and cover. Actually, they “planted” this area from berries they had digested in other areas.
The Visitors Center at 114th Street and Third Avenue will under go a make over. Additional educational signage is planned. A small path is planned on the southern side to give visitors a view of the southern salt marshes. There will also be two viewing areas, constructed of pavers to watch birds and enjoy talks by local experts from the New Jersey Audubon Society and the Wetlands Institute. Planting of a few street trees and an increased gardens are planned.
Good things take patience! These plans go out over five years and ill be dependent on funding and permitting requirements.
Presented by: The Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary Advisory Committee
