The New Jersey Audubon Society reviewed its efforts at restoring the Northern Bobwhite and Golden-winged Warbler to the state at the Monmouth County Audubon Society meeting on Sept. 13.
The program was held at the Knights of Columbus hall, 200 Fair Haven Road, Fair Haven.
The Audubon Society explained that many species of wildlife need mature forest. Grasslands and wetlands are also highly valuable to the region’s wildlife.
The Audubon Society also reported that another type of habitat that is less well known, yet every bit as important if there is going to be an area to have diverse wildlife and a healthy functioning ecosystem, is called “young forest,” and it’s essential for many different species of birds, reptiles, mammals, insects, and plants.
Two rare species of birds in particular that rely on young forest are the subject of current restoration efforts being undertaken by the Audubon Society. This program will detail how the Audubon Society is working in conjunction with the Young Forest Initiative to help restore critical young forest habitat for the Golden-winged Warbler and Northern Bobwhite.
The presenters were John Parke and Don Donnelly, both Stewardship Project Directors from the state’s Audubon Society. John Parke has been with the New Jersey Audubon Society since 2005 helping to enroll farmers, landowners, and corporate entities into conservation incentive programs.
He also designs and assists with implementation of numerous habitat restoration projects in the northwestern part of the state. John’s habitat restoration plan design for the Verizon corporate campus in Basking Ridge earned Verizon the Governor’s Environmental Excellence Award, and in 2011, his work on the Audubon Society’s S.A.V.E. initiative earned the state’s Audubon Society the Governor’s Environmental Excellence Award for Land Conservation.
Donnelly oversees the forestry initiatives being undertaken by the Audubon Society throughout the state, with a focus on ecological forestry at a landscape scale. He has 17 years of experience working as a forester for the Hunterdon County Parks Department, the U.S. Forest Service Northern Research Station, and the Morris County Soil Conservation District, among others.
His work has included all aspects of wildlife and natural resource habitat improvements, including invasive species management, wetland and stream restoration projects, and wildlife habitat enhancement. He is accredited by the New Jersey Community Forestry Council and is a Qualified Inspector for the American Tree Farm System.
The Monmouth County Audubon Society, a chapter of the National Audubon Society, is dedicated to the enjoyment and study of nature, wildlife conservation, habitat protection, and education.
Meetings are held the second Wednesday of each month September through May at the Knights of Columbus hall, 200 Fair Haven Road, Fair Haven; guest speakers address a wide variety of nature-related topics, and refreshments are provided. In addition, the group sponsors at least one field trip per month, and members receive The Osprey, the club’s bi-monthly newsletter. Further information can be obtained by visiting the organization’s Website at http://www.monmouthaudubon.org
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