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!

 

2025 Fall Migratory Bird Count Results

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  Announcing the Results of the Fall 2025 Migratory Bird Count

We are excited to share the results of this year’s Fall 2025 Migratory Bird Count. With the help of our wonderful volunteers, we recorded 41 bird species, which is right in line with the long-term average of about 40 species for the fall season.

This year’s count had some exciting highlights. A bobolink was recorded calling in flight over the Parade Grounds, and we saw more ruby-throated hummingbirds and northern harriers than in previous years. At the same time, a few species were noticeably absent, including yellow warblers, most sparrows aside from the song sparrow, and the swallows that are usually common on the island.

The slightly lower number compared to last year’s 45 species and 50 species in 2023 may be explained by a few different factors. As many participants noted, the season felt quieter overall, since birds are less vocal during fall migration than they are in the spring. Weather and climate patterns also play a role. Prolonged summer temperatures, drought in New England, and the effects of El Niño across North America can all influence when different species decide to move south.

In addition to the official count, we also kept a running count throughout the weekend, which brought our total up to 52 species. Beyond the birds, we recorded around 26 monarch butterflies and were greeted by fields of goldenrod, both promising signs of migration still to come.

One of the best parts of this year’s event was the community that came together! We were thrilled to welcome 13 participants on Saturday, which was our largest turnout yet. Thank you to everyone who joined us and brought such energy and enthusiasm to the day. And to our regulars who couldn’t make it this year, you were missed!

Why Bird Counts Matter

Annual bird counts give us a chance to connect with nature while also helping us better understand the rhythms of migration and the health of our local ecosystems. Each year of observations adds to a long-term record that supports conservation efforts and deepens our appreciation for the island’s biodiversity.

Here is the list of species we encountered in our Fall 2025 Migratory Bird Count.

Fall 2025 Bird Count
American crow
American goldfinch
American kestrel*
American robin
Bald eagle*
Baltimore oriole
Black-and-white warbler
Black-capped chickadee
Blue jay
Bobolink
Brant*
Canada goose*
Carolina wren
Cedar waxwing
Common eider
Common raven
Common tern*
Common yellowthroat
Double-crested cormorant
Downy woodpecker
Eastern phoebe
Eastern towhee
European starling
Gray catbird
Great black-backed gull*
Great blue heron
Great-crested flycatcher
Great egret
Green heron
Herring gull
House wren
Laughing gull*
Mallard*
Mourning dove
Mute swan
Northern cardinal
Northern flicker
Northern harrier
Northern mockingbird
Northern parula
Osprey
Palm warbler
Pine warbler*
Red-bellied woodpecker
Rock dove*
Ruby-throated hummingbird
Snowy egret*
Song sparrow
Tufted titmouse
Veery
White-breasted nuthatch
White-eyed vireo

Fall 2025 Migratory Bird Count

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FIRST Summer Highlights 2025

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Silver Eel–Race Point Coastal Trail Opens with Dedication to Janet Harvey

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The Fishers Island Conservancy is proud to be part of the newly opened Silver Eel–Race Point Coastal Trail and the dedication of the Janet Harvey Sanctuary—two projects that highlight what’s possible when the island comes together around a shared vision for conservation and public access!

This new trail links Silver Eel Cove to Race Point and travels through a mix of restored and protected landscapes, including Ferry Park, where the Conservancy has led extensive habitat restoration and native planting efforts over the past several years. It’s an area we’ve worked hard to return to native coastal meadow and pollinator-friendly habitat, and we’re excited to now have it accessible as part of a continuous public trail on the island’s West End.

One key section of the trail travels over the 1,200-foot berm created by the Fishers Island Ferry District in 2022. That project used over 2,500 cubic yards of clean sand dredged from Silver Eel Cove to build a graded berm between the high tide line and the parking area. The Ferry District invited the Conservancy to advise on stabilizing and beautifying the berm and we were thrilled to recommend, source, and sponsor the planting of native grasses. Today, that stretch is lush, protected, and an important part of the trail corridor.

The trail winds from the Lighthouse Works Public Art installation, through Ferry Park and the Ordnance, into the newly established Janet Harvey Sanctuary, and onward to the meadows, shorelines, and historic sites at Race Point.

The five-acre Janet Harvey Sanctuary was made possible through a license agreement with the Fishers Island Waste Management District. It protects a section of coastal habitat along with historic Fort Wright structures, offering views over Long Island Sound and back toward the Fort’s inland batteries. Named in honor of Janet Hardie Harvey, the sanctuary reflects her commitment to both the natural world and ensuring island landscapes are available to all.

This project is the result of collaboration across the Museum, the Waste Management District, the Ferry District, the Conservancy, and Brad and Mary Burnham, owners of the Ordnance property. It’s the kind of partnership work that’s essential to sustaining the island’s ecological and cultural heritage.

The community is invited to join the dedication and opening walk this Sunday, August 10, at 9 AM at the Ordnance (between the Paddle Courts and the FICC). Light breakfast, coffee, and brief remarks will be followed by a trail walk.

Later in the day at 4 PM, Museum Director Pierce Rafferty will give a talk on the island’s conservation history.

We’re proud to have contributed to this effort and look forward to seeing the community on the trail!

August Shorebird Update

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