Update on Phragmites Work and New Wetlands Regulations

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We wanted to share an update about this season’s phragmites management work. Recently, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) updated its freshwater wetlands regulations. These new rules expand which areas are considered regulated wetlands and change the process for getting permits to do any work in or near them.

Because of this, most of our current and planned hhragmites treatment sites are now on pause while new permits and preliminary determinations are completed. The only location that can move forward right now is the Parade Grounds, which already had its permit approved under the previous regulations.

While delays are never easy, this is an important step to make sure we’re doing everything responsibly and in full compliance with state policy. Wetland regulations exist to protect sensitive habitats, water quality, and the overall health of our island’s ecosystem. When the state updates these policies, it’s our job to make sure all of our work stays consistent with those changes.

We’re continuing to work closely with our partners at The Pond and Lake Connection and NYSDEC to complete the required paperwork and move forward as soon as possible. We’ll share updates once we have a clearer timeline.

In the meantime, if you’d like to learn more about the new wetlands regulations, you can visit the NYSDEC Freshwater Wetlands Program for more information.

Pease feel free to email annarwfic@gmail.com if you have any questions.

SPOTTED in New London!

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During preparations for this year’s fall bird migration count, Dr. Adam Mitchell of Tarleton State University and Catalina Berry, a Ph.D. student and former lead of the 2024 migration team, observed an adult spotted lanternfly on the ground in New London, just a block from the ferry. This marks a concerning sign that the invasive species is present close to the island and could spread here.

 

The spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is a destructive invasive insect tha tposes a significant threat to both agriculture and native ecosystems. Although it is native to Asia, it has spread rapidly through the northeastern United States in recent years. The insect feeds on the sap of plants, with a strong preference for the invasive tree-of-heaven, but it is known to consume more than

100 plant species. These include grapevines, fruit trees, hardwoods such as maples and oaks, and a wide range of ornamental plants and vines. Infestations can cause serious damage to crops, reduce the health of trees, and disrupt ecological balance.

While the insect is not dangerous to humans or pets, it spreads quickly and often hitchhikes on vehicles, firewood, outdoor furniture, and other materials. For this reason, the community’s vigilance is super important in preventing its spread to our island.

What You Can Do to Help Prevent the Spread

1. Check your belongings and vehicles
Before traveling to or from the island, inspect your car, boat, luggage, and any outdoor equipment for spotted lanternflies, egg masses, or nymphs.

2. Look for egg masses
From fall through early spring, females lay egg masses on flat surfaces such as trees, rocks, vehicles, patio furniture, and even outdoor gear. Scrape and destroy any you find.

3. Avoid moving firewood
Do not bring firewood or other untreated outdoor materials onto the island, as these can easily carry egg masses or hidden insects.

4. Be vigilant in your yard
Check trees and plants regularly, especially grapes, fruit trees, maples, and tree-of-heaven, which are common hosts.

5. Report sightings immediately
If you see a spotted lanternfly, take a clear photo and report it to both the Fishers Island Conservancy and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC). Reports can be submitted through NYSDEC’s invasive species survey

6. Kill the insect if possible
Spotted lanternflies are not harmful to people or pets. Stomping or capturing them on sight is one of the most direct ways to slow their spread!

 

FIConservancy Awards Grant to FI School Student and Island Resident Nicolas Hall

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The Fishers Island Conservancy in February awarded Fishers Island School senior Nicolas Hall, The Edwin Horning Research Grant for Environmental Conservation to study the effect of acidifying sea water on the soft shells of oysters.

The grant enabled Nicolas to purchase equipment to acidify seawater and subject developing oysters to the acidic solution. His goal is to determine the potential future of shelled organisms living in acidifying sea water.

Nicolas is fortunate to live on Fishers Island where he sought the counsel of Steve Malinowski, owner of the nationally-recognized Fishers Island Oyster Farm. “Steve is supplying my oysters,” Nicolas said. “He walked me through feeding and caring for oysters, as well as how I can quantify my results.”

Nicolas, 17, the son of Stephanie and James Hall, grew up on Fishers Island attending Fishers Island School. His love of the ocean developed through the years, but it was a 10th grade oceanography class with science teacher Carol Giles that sparked his intense interest.

“I had a lot of fun in that class. Being around water all my life, it was natural that I would go into a field based on it,” Nicolas said. He will attend Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia this fall, where he will study oceanography.

sentinel

Young Environmental Enthusiast Produces Video

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seagrass video

Underwater video by Marc Rosenberg, FIConservancy Island Sentinel.

Marc Rosenberg, 14, was the youngest Island Sentinel this summer, but he volunteered like a pro. His particular assignment was monitoring eelgrass beds around Fishers Island, and he produced an underwater video about the critical importance of eelgrass.

Nearly all of the seagrass left in Long Island Sound’s New York waters is located around Fishers Island. Unfortunately, however, it makes up less than 10 percent of seagrass’s historic acreage. Seagrass meadows were once abundant throughout the bays and harbors of the Sound, providing food, shelter and nurseries for thousands of ocean animals.

Marc quickly understood the risks to healthy eelgrass from nitrogen pollution (septic systems and fertilizer use), physical damage (vessel anchors, moorings, propeller scars, and fishing gear), and warming seas.

Chantal E. Collier, director of The Nature Conservancy’s Long Island Sound program, impressed with Marc’s observations this summer, has invited him to present his film at a future seagrass coalition meeting on Fishers Island.

See Eelgrass Video

River Otter: Call it a “Day-bed”

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Wildlife biologist Mike Bottini says that, since 2008, the river otter’s range has doubled in size on Long Island. “I expect to see them on the South Shore [of Fishers Island] within the next couple of years,” he said.

From Mar. 21-23, 2013, Bottini surveyed 57 sites on Fishers Island by foot and kayak. Otter sign was noted at 24 sites, with scent stations (scat) found at 23 sites and otter tracks at one site. Two scent stations also had a den nearby. His survey was funded by a grant from FIConservancy.

These photos from Southold show typical river otter couches excavated amongst cattail reeds, usually in marshy areas. Please remark if you happen upon one this Autumn here on Fishers Island!

From the Field, Field Note by Justine Kibbe, Aug. 29, 2018.

aphids

Watch Out for Oleander Aphids!

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aphids

Non-native Eurasian oleander aphids (Aphis nerii) coat pod of milkweed plant. Dianne Crary Photo

Dianne Crary observed this infestation of oleander aphids on her sister Jane Crary’s milkweed plants. Although spiders and ladybugs eat these aphids, there was no time to wait, because milkweed is the preferred food of monarch butterfly caterpillars.

“How can I control aphids on my milkweed?” is one of the most common questions posed by butterfly gardeners.

Dianne removed them by hand, squishing them or spraying them with soapy water. Check your milkweed plants often for aphids to remove them before an infestation gets a foothold.

entomology

Exciting Day at Parade Grounds!

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“So creative!” “So well done!” “What a wonderful afternoon!” These were just a few of the comments heard as people left FIConservancy’s first-ever “Conservation on Parade” Sat. Aug. 11 at the Parade Grounds.

Read more
Seagrass

We’re Underwater at Hay Harbor!

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This August, Island Sentinels assist me in monitoring Hay Harbor.
Here, Marc Rosenberg documents scarring within seagrass beds.

This stewardship helps to further support & establish a Fishers Island Seagrass Management Coalition along with Henry L. Ferguson Museum and The Nature Conservancy, Long Island.

…Way to go Sentinels!”

 

Video Snippet, From the Field, Justine Kibbe, Aug. 10, 2018

nature days

Nature Days 2018: “Conservation on Parade”

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Conservation on Parade

FIConservancy’s Nature Days is back! This year, enjoy a Free Family Event Sat. Aug. 11, 3-6 p.m. at the Parade Grounds. Enter through the Demonstration Garden.

Learn about local wildlife through hands-on discovery. Have an up-close visit with a bird of prey, touch turtles and snakes, meet frogs, see and touch feathers, furs and many other natural items.

Don’t miss the ice cream truck, and stop by for wine, beer and lemonade.

 

"Conservation on Parade" Poster

 

2017 Island Sentinels

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Olivia Backhaus

Olivia Backhaus, 21, lives in Stonington, CT. She first came to Fishers Island School in seventh grade and graduated in 2014. 2017 was her fifth summer working as a Sentinel for FIConservancy. Her interest in biology was sparked by the experiential nature of the science curriculum at FI School, which used the Island as a living laboratory for learning biology.

Olivia assumed a leadership position in 2016, training and overseeing members of the Sentinel team and assisting with other FIConservancy programs, such as Nature Days. She also spent the summer collating and analyzing daily data collected by the Sentinels and by Justine. Working as a Sentinel has inspired Olivia to major in Biology and minor in Environmental Studies at Sewanee: The University of the South. In the future, she plans to practice environmental law.

Gardner Thors

Gardner Thors, 15, lives in New York City and is a sophomore at Groton School in Massachusetts. He has been a Sentinel for three years, after first volunteering for one summer. As a city kid, he doesn’t get to experience nature and wildlife except for the landscaped Central Park and the infamous pigeons and squirrels of the city. Fishers Island is his wildlife sanctuary. Gardner has been summering here for as long as he can remember, and Fishers holds a special place in his heart. That is why he chose to play a part in the preservation of this environment. Gardner looks forward to learning more about the Island’s ecosystems and sharing what he learns with the Island community. His brother, Wilson, is also a passionate Sentinel.

Wilson Thors

Wilson Thors lives in New York City and is a freshman at Groton School in Massachusetts. 2017 was his first summer as a Sentinel, although he volunteered to monitor for FIConservancy last year. He joined the Sentinel program, because he was curious about his brother’s experiences as a Sentinel. Wilson has always appreciated the natural beauty of Fishers Island, but now he has a deeper love of the Island since learning more about animals and learning that we share this great place with the wildlife.

Kain Upson

Kain Upson grew up summering on Fishers Island, surrounded by the wildlife he now has the privilege of monitoring. 2017 was his first summer as an Island Sentinel. His special interest in biology, and eventually environmental biology, began during his senior year in high school, when a “fantastic” biology teacher was able to steer him in the right scientific direction. He is looking forward to sharing many more summers with the returning migratory and resident animals, who call Fishers Island home.

Conner Wakeman

Conor Wakeman

Conor Wakeman, 19, of Greenwich, Conn., grew up summering on Fishers Island and is a sophomore at University of Pennsylvania studying economics. Conor spent three years as an Island Sentinel and was an emeritus Sentinel in 2017. After seeing an article about Justine Kibbe’s conservation efforts on the Island, he decided to use his love for the environment and wildlife science to help improve the ecological wellbeing of Fishers Island.

Since he loves spending time with nature and watching animals, Conor thought it was a great opportunity to collect data that would help understand this unique environment. During his time as a Sentinel, he worked on improving the efficiency of data collection and helped facilitate research about organizations such as Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute. With his expanding knowledge of the local ecosystem and shifting animal populations, he hopes to raise awareness of FIConservancy and help preserve the Island’s pristine environment.