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Category Archives: Marsh

Field Notes by Andy Wood

Andy Wood, NENHC Habitat Manager 

As mentioned in the introduction, the Northeast New Hanover Conservancy’s area of interest  is a roughly 20-square mile area of, as our name implies, northeast New Hanover County,  NC. The properties we manage include some of the last best examples of this region’s  natural heritage. For quick orientation, southeast North Carolina, specifically Bladen,  Brunswick, New Hanover and Pender Counties, comprise a small region of the larger Atlantic  Coastal Plain Ecoregion; an area of coastal lands extending from the Gulf of Maine to the  Gulf of Mexico. The pocket we call Southeast NC is the most biodiverse portion of the Atlantic  Coastal Plain, north of Florida. By that I mean, this small region hosts more different kinds of  plants and animals than anywhere on the Atlantic coast between Florida and Maine. Bragging  rights to be sure, but without the works of NENHC, some of those bragging rights will be lost. 

The Atlantic Coastal Plain Ecoregion is internationally recognized as a Biodiversity Hotspot; a  title bestowed on fewer than 40 other locations around the globe. To be a biodiversity  hotspot, an ecoregion must support at least 1,500 species of plants; the primary producers in an ecosystem that, in turn, support populations of wildlife that eat and are eaten in a layered  pyramid of life that ultimately supports our own species. Yes, we are part of the same  ecosystem that shares its air and water with fishes, frogs, and birds. In addition to the 1,500  species of plants requirement, the biodiversity hotspot designation is only given to regions  that have also lost more than 70% of its natural habitats. 

Looking around New Hanover County, once the epicenter of Atlantic coastal plain  biodiversity, it’s obvious this boast is in jeopardy; a sad thought that underscores the  significance of those parcels of natural habitats that NENHC stewards for public benefit.  NENHC’s collection of more than 35 individual properties range in size from less than one 

acre, to more than 800-acres. Regardless of size, each parcel is protected for public benefit  and each property, regardless of size, requires year-round monitoring and management. 

A tidal creek and saltmarsh in NENHC’s North Marsh conservation area provides critical habitat for diamondback terrapins, a, imperiled State-listed species of special concern. 

The habitats we protect include tidal saltmarsh and tidal creeks, coastal fringe forest, wet  pine flats, evergreen pocosin, hardwood swamp forest, isolated pocket ponds, and longleaf  pine savanna. Many of our properties are located inside and adjacent to Landfall, a  residential community located on the mainland across from Wrightsville Beach. Two of our  largest tracts include North Marsh, an 800-acre expanse of saltmarsh located behind Figure  Eight Island, between the swing-bridge and Rich Inlet; a natural opening separating Figure  Eight from Lea-Hutaff Island. The other tract is an 88-acre saltmarsh located behind the north  end of Wrightsville Beach and under the gaze of Shell Island Resort. 

These are protected areas, and we monitor them to prevent intrusions that might otherwise  diminish the plants and the wildlife they support. Our works also ensure these places provide  economic benefit to adjacent properties whose values are improved by close association with  compelling natural space; the most important economic asset this region has to offer. 

This said, NENHC needs support to fulfill our mission, which is a legal requirement incumbent  on all nonprofit land trust organizations. 

In the role of habitat manager, I am asking for your financial help to help us ensure continued  protection of the habitats we safeguard. Given the fact that most of NENHC’s holdings are in and around the residential communities of Landfall, Wrightsville Beach, and Figure Eight  Island, it’s a logical choice to focus our request for support in the communities that benefit  most from our work.

To that end, and to be forward, if each property owner in Landfall and Figure Eight Island  donated $100.00 to support NENHC’s work, we would be enabled to conduct much-needed  habitat restoration in our wooded parcels, and ramp-up our monitoring and management  efforts in the aforementioned marshes; work needed to ensure protection of diamondback  terrapin, a small saltmarsh turtle imperiled by lost crab pots and other entangling debris  accumulated in their home territories, which these charming marine turtles inhabit year-round. 

Saltmarshes under our stewardship are also critical habitat for feeding and migrating  songbirds, shorebirds and waterbirds, and our knowledge of their habitat use is essential for  conservation efforts throughout these bird’s respective ranges and their full life cycle. 

Protecting this region’s natural heritage is NENHC’s mission. This is work conducted in the  interest of everyone, as though we are protecting common property, which we are, especially  to the direct benefit of our neighbors. The fact is, NENHC is protecting resources that provide  benefit to all; people, birds, turtles, and myriad other organisms that share this ecoregion with  us. 

Thank you for your support of this important work. 

In one of NENHC’s conservation areas, a young Yellow-crowned Night Heron surveys the land-water interface  where fringing evergreen forest meets tidal saltmarsh habitat.

North Marsh Osprey Update

In 2014 we replaced Osprey nest platforms in the Conservancy’s North Marsh property located between the Intracoastal Waterway and north end of Figure Eight Island. This past summer (2017), all four Osprey nest platforms were occupied by nesting osprey! While many Osprey chicks were observed during the early part of their respective development, it is not known how many offspring successfully left the nest (fledged).

Ospreys are migratory fish-eating birds that spend winter in southern North America, and Central and South America. Ospreys migrate north in early spring to reach breeding grounds, including the Conservancy’s North Marsh property behind Figure Eight Island. While the North Marsh property is protected by a conservation easement, it is a habitat that needs monitoring and management in keeping with easement requirements…and the needs of Ospreys.

Land Management and Aquisitions

heron

The Conservancy is negotiating a land acquisition to protect a 39-acre tract of undeveloped property inside the Landfall community. The parcel raises the Conservancy’s total protected habitat area inside Landfall to more than 400 acres.

We have retained the services of Andy Wood, through his company,  ANDY WOOD & ASSOCIATES, LLC, to provide environmental assessments on our current properties, recommend habitat management strategies, and conduct a variety of other tasks as deemed necessary for the benefit of the Conservancy and the properties it oversees.  Property assessments are very detailed and follow a plan that meets accreditation guidelines.  Andy and his team have found and documented some wonderful plants and animals on our properties and easements.  His work will continue until all of our parcels are documented.  These reports will serve as a baseline for future comparisons to monitor deterioration or any possible contamination.

At least twelve species of amphibians (salamanders and frogs) were observed in and around ponds located within Conservancy properties. The Amphibians, valuable indicators of environmental quality, include two-toed Amphiuma (a large eel-like aquatic salamander in Landfall Lake) broken-striped newt, slimy salamander, and two-lined salamander. Observed frogs include southern toad, southern cricket frog, spring peeper, pine woods tree frog, gray tree frog, squirrel tree frog, green tree frog, bullfrog, green frog, southern leopard frog, and narrowmouth frog. More work is needed to confirm additional expected species.

To date, more than 120 species of birds are known to use Conservancy properties during all or part of their life cycle. This number will likely grow as more data is collected, and birders are invited to provide us with their avian and other observations.

leaves

Red bay trees, Persea borbonia, the namesake of egg-shaped landscape depressions known as Carolina bays, are dying throughout the southern US, including within Conservancy properties. The die-off is due to a fungal infection transmitted to the tree by a tiny Asian beetle introduced to North America by way of shipping pallets. There is no cure or treatment and at this time we can only monitor the tree decline and hope some specimens are able to resist the blight.

These habitat surveys of the Conservancy’s conservation easement properties have been very productive. The studies are being conducted to collect baseline information about the habitats themselves, including their overall condition and ecosystem services they provide to southeastern North Carolina. They are an ecoregion that contains a rich assortment of habitats supporting a diverse array of plants and wildlife, which in turn enrich the lives of people who inhabit and visit this special place.

The Northeast New Hanover Conservancy stewards 1,500 acres of diverse habitats, including some of the best remaining examples of southeastern North Carolina’s ecosystems. And the great wonder of it all is the fact that these acres are located in and around the residential areas where we live. It may be safe to say that these protected places are some of the best-kept secrets in our community.

storm-debris

But as “best-kept secrets” these places are easy to overlook and take for granted. While the properties may be protected from development, they are vulnerable to neglect that can lead to diminished value. Wild places, especially small parcel habitats within residential neighborhoods can languish if not properly managed in keeping with their natural form. An example of this is best seen in the 39 acre tract being negotiated for trade. While I can extoll the property’s many natural virtues, I must couch my words with understanding that the property needs some tending; clearing vegetative storm debris from trails and removing invasive exotic trees (notably Chinese tallow) as examples.

 

Managing this and other Conservancy properties is not all work and no play however. These places can be augmented with interpretive signage that introduces visitors to the habitats they stroll through. And most sites offer opportunity for volunteer science projects including nest box installations to help cavity-nesting songbirds, owls, and flying squirrels. Additional projects involving pond turtles, painted buntings, and other species and their habitats are ready to implement, along with conservation education programs for groups and individuals; just as soon as we have the financial resources to make them possible.

While this may sound like a shameless pitch for money, it is intended as a transparent request to support the Northeast New Hanover Conservancy’s efforts to steward its compelling natural areas; the greenspace oases that enrich our lives, right outside our doors.

Great Blue Heron wade-fishing in Landfall Lake

Financial donations to the Conservancy are tax-deductible because they fund work that contributes to the common well-being of our community; a community that includes people, plants, and wildlife; and the habitats that support us all.

Osprey Nest Platforms

In 2014 we replaced Osprey nest platforms in the Conservancy’s North Marsh property located between the Intracoastal Waterway and northern end of Figure Eight Island. This past summer (2016), three of the four Osprey nest platforms were occupied by nesting osprey! All told, at least nine Osprey chicks were observed during the early part of their respective development, though it is not known how many offspring successfully left the nest.

Ospreys are migratory fish-eating birds that overwinter in southern regions of North America, and Central and South America. Ospreys migrate northward in early spring to reach breeding grounds throughout much of North America. Shown here is restored Platform 2, with a defensive parent in attendance. The platform was selected by a male Osprey in late April. Soon after, he and his mate completed a stick nest that fledged at least one young bird this summer. Platform 4 saw our first occupancy this year and all the platforms are popular with many fish-eating birds, including colorful Belted Kingfishers that use the high perches to spy fishy prey in the surrounding marsh.

osprey

Map of restored Osprey platforms (left), and image of a platform (right).

Conservation Area Photos

As we make our way through yet another cold and windy winter day, we are all longing for summer days and time spent on the water.  Our conservation area in northeastern New Hanover County offers so many beautiful spots, so we wanted to share a few pictures of the marsh, beach and waterway from last year.  The pictures are all great reminders to preserve and protect the great natural resources that we enjoy!

2014-06-07 06.04.40

2014-10-07 14.57.30

2014-10-11 08.43.20

2014-11-08 09.55.05

2014-11-15 17.34.29

Osprey Platforms

Four osprey platforms, originally built more than a decade ago, were replaced this year in the North Marsh Conservation Area. The platforms, located behind the north end of Figure Eight Island, were in disrepair and no longer suitable for Osprey nesting. This replacement project, implemented by ANDY WOOD & ASSOCIATES, LLC, with construction logistics provided by GULFSTREAM BUILDERS, INC., required and received approval from State and Federal wildlife agencies before work began in early March 2014.

IMG_7236

Ospreys are migratory fish-eating birds that overwinter in southern regions of North America, and Central and South America. Ospreys migrate northward in early spring to reach breeding grounds throughout much of North America. Pictured above is restored Platform 2, with a defensive parent in attendance. The platform was selected by a male Osprey in late April. Soon after, he and his mate completed a stick nest that fledged at least one young bird this summer. Summer surveys revealed platform 3 had two sticks, but platforms 1 and 4 remained clean. Maybe 2015 will see higher occupancy, but in the meantime, all the platforms are popular with many fish-eating birds, including colorful Belted Kingfishers that use the high perches to spy fishy prey in the surrounding marsh.

Screen Shot 2015-01-29 at 10.51.49 AM

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