Delaware Bayshore Update: R-Corps Wraps Summer Season; New Rain Garden installed

The turn of the season is a good opportunity to recap some of the summer work from the Littoral Society's Delaware Bayshore office including the accomplishments of the dedicated R-Corps interns and the unveiling of a new rain garden at an elementary school in Vineland, NJ.

R-Corps: A Summer of Conservation

Nine passionate and driven young people joined the Delaware Bay R-Corps team this summer. Their collective efforts spanned a diverse range of projects, each contributing to the larger mission:

• Rain Garden Maintenance - One of the core initiatives of the program was the maintenance of existing rain gardens. These green stormwater infrastructure projects continue to thrive and efficiently manage stormwater runoff, reducing its impact on our natural waterways.
• Biological Assessments - Corps members gained valuable knowledge by conducting biological assessments of freshwater streams and the oyster reefs created by the Littoral Society to protect restored beaches along the bayshore. These assessments are crucial for understanding the health of our ecosystems and guiding restoration efforts.
• Horseshoe Crab Tagging - The team also contributed to the conservation of horseshoe crabs, a keystone species in the Delaware Bay. Tagging these fascinating creatures aids in their monitoring and protection.

• Native Pollinator Garden - Pollinators, including monarch butterflies, have been in decline across the United States for a number of years. While pesticides are a big part of the problem, loss of habitat also plays a significant role. This summer a new pollinator garden took root thanks in part to the efforts of our corps members. These gardens not only beautify our surroundings but also provide native plants that will provide living space and food for local pollinators.
• Educational Outreach - Engaging with younger students through educational programs, our R-Corps members inspired the next generation of environmental stewards. These interactions help instill a deep appreciation for nature and conservation principles.
• Community Partnerships - Strengthening connections with local partners is essential for the success of any restoration program. Our R-Corps members played a vital role in nurturing these collaborations.

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Additionally, four R-Corps members participated in an AmeriCorps pilot program, dedicating extra hours to maintain green stormwater infrastructure projects and assist with bay monitoring initiatives.

A Whale of a Rain Garden in Vineland

Also bringing together environmentalism and education, the Delaware Bayshore office expanded its green stormwater infrastructure work by introducing a brand-new rain garden at Dr. John Winslow Elementary School in Vineland, NJ. This garden is not your ordinary one; it boasts a whimsical twist inspired by the school's mascot—the whale!

This rain garden is designed to capture an estimated 48,000 gallons of stormwater annually while also serving as an outdoor classroom. Through it, students will have the opportunity to learn about eco-friendly landscaping, the importance of native plants, and the significance of pollinator habitats.

The collaboration extends further as teachers work hand in hand with the Delaware Bayshore office to engage students in mulching the garden and planting native species this coming fall. By involving the youth in these activities, the garden becomes a living, breathing lesson in environmental stewardship.

Funding for this innovative project was made possible through the South Jersey Landscape Makeover Program, which provides homeowners, municipalities, and farmers with expert advice and financial assistance to create rain gardens and other “green infrastructure” projects that capture polluted stormwater and prevent it from entering our lakes, rivers, and bays. It's an excellent example of how public and private partnerships can drive meaningful change for our environment.

​The Landscape Makeover Program is funded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and sponsored by eight organizations including the American Littoral Society.