In the five years that I have been writing for Hopewell Express, my March 2019 column entitled, “Nesting boxes could help threatened kestrels rebound” easily elicited the most enthusiastic response from readers of this column, volunteer groups, and local conservation organizations.
The piece indicated that FoHVOS was looking to install 50 nesting boxes throughout Hopewell Valley with the hopes of providing the declining kestrel population a suitable place to nest. Local school children, scouts and individuals quickly built nesting boxes. Landowners and public land managers clamored to get them installed at private residences, Chickadee Creek Farms, and parks including Mercer Meadows, Watershed Institute and St. Michaels Preserve.
Turned out, their excitement was warranted.
A few months after that article was published, we provided a 2019 update to share that six boxes were occupied. Four ultimately produced successful nests, with clutches ranging from 4-6 kestrel eggs each. Expert partners from the state Division of Fish and Wildlife came out and banded the fledging kestrels to track them.
Each subsequent year’s results eclipsed the previous one. In 2022, we are already enjoying a 40% increase over 2021, with 14 successful nest boxes. While six nest boxes had been used last year, eight others were being used for the first time.
In February 2020, we announced another habitat project to boost flagging pollinator populations. FoHVOS pivoted from indoor programs where classes and scout groups would assemble bee abodes to build at home kits. The bee abodes have been installed and are effectively attracting new pollinators.
In the wake of these positive results, FoHVOS is finding that the old adage “Success begets Success” to be on point.
A few months ago, Hopewell residents David Mackie and Mary Rabbit reached out to me and shared their fear for local reptile populations. Mary Rabbit wrote: “The outstanding successes that you and your team have had with kestrels, bees, monarch butterflies, invasive species, and more is why I know that FoHVOS has the collective brainpower and will to make a difference in this area.”
They offered to sponsor a Reptile Rescue that begins with education and action to protect turtles from local traffic. FoHVOS proposed a formal volunteer program, roadwork, and a plan for conservation and community outreach.
“Implementing a successful program is reliant on a comprehensive coordination plan. We will coordinate with township, county and state in addition to other conservation organizations and local volunteers,” explained FoHVOS stewardship director Mike Van Clef. “For example, we are working on crossing signage through Township Public Works; we will safely transport Injured animals for treatment by the Mercer County Wildlife Center, and will advocate for protocols addressing road hazards to our wildlife which were determined by the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife, Endangered and Nongame Species Program.”
While New Jersey does an excellent job of protecting open space, especially here in Hopewell Valley, our state is still the most densely populated in the nation, and it is almost impossible to drive without seeing a dead animal on the side of the road.
Habitat fragmentation occurs as roads are built that disrupt the ability for wildlife to roam freely. A statewide plan known as CHANJ, or Connecting Habitat Across NJ, helps address these issues.
The Township Environmental Commission has been discussing how to support the FoHVOS Reptile Rescue through researching ways to implement CHANJ recommendations.
Gretchen Fowles, GIS Specialist Biologist, for New Jersey DEP Fish and Wildlife ENSP, who heads the CHANJ work, said: “The FoHVOS Reptile Rescue Project represents a great way for community scientists to get involved in collecting data to better understand where barriers to habitat connectivity are occurring for wildlife. The CHANJ team is excited to work with FoHVOS and Hopewell Township on this effort.”
George Snyder, township administrator and director of public works, has done the initial research on road signs and will take recommendations from the Environmental Commission.
In addition to the Environmental Commission, the Hopewell Valley Open Space Advisory Committee discussed the Reptile Rescue and related Open Space recommendations at a recent meeting. Van Clef noted that ENSP protocols would be shared with volunteers and supporters. Committee members also pointed out the importance of considering wildlife behavior and habitat in property maintenance plans.
Jeff Hoagland, HVOSAC member and the Director of Education for The Watershed Institute believes that guidance is needed on all levels. “I really like what FoHVOS and their partners are doing. It will be helpful to have evidence-based best practices to guide conservation organizations in the maintenance of their properties to minimize conflicts with reptiles and amphibians,” Hoagland said.
Suggestions as easy as modifying times to mow lawns and fields can have a dramatic impact on turtles and other habitat. James Hutzelmann, Hopewell Township engineer and director of community development, said that simplicity would be key to getting optimal results.
“We can adjust when we mow as long as we share clear-cut directions,” he said.
Mayor Courtney Peters Manning supports this important work.
“In furtherance of our extensive commitment to Open Space in Hopewell Township, I applaud these efforts to minimize damage done to local wildlife and look forward to working together with local partners on this project.”
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