Long Beach Island Foundation
120 Long Beach Blvd.
Loveladies, NJ
Phone 609-494-2233
Nature Trail In The Works On LBI Foundation Grounds
(Article Courtesy Of The Sandpaper – Written By Juliet Kaszas-Hoch)
The Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts and Sciences, in partnership with Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey, Alliance for a Living Ocean and ReClam the Bay, is creating a nature trail that will wind along the approximately 21 acres of undeveloped tidal saltmarsh and coastal maritime forest habitat that comprises the LBIF grounds in Loveladies, the largestprivately owned parcel of open space on LBI.
“We have always encouraged people to walk around the marsh and thicket, but now we will be providing deeper understanding about what people see,” said LBIF President Rick Bushnell.
“In addition to assisting artists and environmental students, this unique grassroots effort is to engage and educate local residents and visitors about the importance of any remaining habitat on Long Beach Island,” CWF Habitat Program Manager Ben Wurst explained. “It is also to provide people with the knowledge and resources to help provide suitable, sustainable habitat (food, water, cover) to wildlife, especially migratory songbirds and pollinator species of insects. Lastly, it will create a wealth of educational opportunities for visitors by creating and installing interpretive signs, a map and brochure supported by guided tours and science camp at the LBIF.”
Angela Andersen, co-chair of the LBIF Science Committee, noted, “The goal is to establish a high-quality teaching and research environment to support science education events and programs developed by the LBIF Science Committee, as well as to provide artists and those teaching art to observe the subject(s) of artistic creations.”
To help create the nature trail, control invasive plants and enhance wildlife habitat, join Wurst at the Foundation property between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Nov. 21. Tools will be provided.—J.K.-H. (Juliet Kaszas-Hoch)
