Shorebird Stewards Needed For NJ's Delaware Bay Beaches

During the month of May, shorebirds make an incredible trek from South America to the Canadian Arctic with one critical stop – the Delaware Bay. Shorebirds, including the federally-listed endangered Red Knot, will spend just a few short weeks on bay beaches, where they will feast on horseshoe crab eggs that will give them enough energy to continue their migration.
 
These remote beaches are not only loved by wildlife, but humans too. Human presence and activity on these beaches can scare the birds, causing them to flee and spend less time foraging and gaining weight. 

From May 7 to June 7, several beaches along the New Jersey side of the Delaware Bay will be the focus of efforts to help the birds forage with minimal disturbance. Volunteer stewards will be on hand to explain the importance of giving the resting and feeding birds some space during their stopover, free from dogs, Frisbees and even curious people like us.
 
Stewards are needed throughout the May across several beaches in Cumberland and Cape May counties. If you are interested in becoming a Shorebird Steward, please reach out to Habitat Restoration Coordinator, Quinn Whitesall [email protected] for more information and to register for the training on April 30.

While Shorebird Stewards are volunteers, a travel stipend will be offered to each steward for their mileage. This is a partnership program with Conserve Wildlife Foundation of NJ and the New Jersey Division of Fish & Wildlife.