Jug Bay Wetlands sanctuary neWs Volume 29, numBer 1 spring 2015

by Sandy Teliak, volunteer contributor

his past summer, the Sanctuary completed our

25th year as a participant in the California-based Institute for Bird Populations (IBP) MAPS Program. Operating continuously since 1990, we are one of the longest-operating stations on the East Coast and currently one of only two operating in Maryland (the other being at the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center in Laurel, MD). The objective of the MAPS Program is to gather data on the population size, survival rates, and productivity rates of over 100 target migrant and resi-dent species. Jug Bay, along with hundreds of other MAPS stations across the continent, collects data during the breeding season. The IBP analyzes this data using sophisticated statistical modeling to determine how these rates relate to environmental factors such as habitat structure, forest composition, and global climate change. Once they have evaluated this data to determine the causes of avian population change, the IBP is better able to suggest management actions on a regional level to enhance survivorship and/or productivity, evaluate the effectiveness of management actions, and make the most out of limited conservation dollars. While other avian monitoring efforts—such as bird counts and breeding bird survey monitoring—do provide valuable data on the relative presence of a species in an area,

only the MAPS Program provides large-scale productivity and survi-vorship data.

Our focus is on the migratory and year-round resident songbirds of the deciduous forest. Our core study area, approximately 16 hectares bounded by the Railroad Bed Trail, Otter Point Trail, and Two Run Trail, contains 11 mist nets. In addition, three nets are arrayed along the edge of the Lower Glebe Marsh. The nets are open for five hours per day, for one day during each of eight consecutive 10-day periods from late May to early August. Under the tutelage of master bander Danny Bystrak, all captured birds are identified to species, aged (adult or hatch year—born that breeding season) and sexed. Birds captured

for the first time are then banded with a uniquely numbered aluminum band. Since 1990, we have banded 2,990 birds of 64 species (52 migrant and 12 year-round resident species). Figures 1A and 1B show the proportion of migrant and resident species banded from 1990 to 2014.

Birds banded earlier and subsequently recaptured are processed in the same fashion. Because of breeding site loyalty, migrant species will return to their same breeding grounds every year. From 1990 to 2014, we had 1,766 recaptures of 844 individual birds of 36 migrant and resident species. This recapture data—and Jug Bay’s longevity of effort—is critical in developing survivorship data.

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Ma r S h

N o T e S

The First 25 Years :

Monitoring Avian Productivity & Survivorship (MAPS) at Jug Bay

Wood  Thrush  20%  

Red-­‐eyed  Vireo  16%  

Acadian  Flycatcher  14%  

=Ovenbird  9%  

Common  Yellowthroat  

7%  

34%  -­‐47  OTHER  SPECIES  

NEOTROPICAL  MIGRANTS  1990-­‐2014   Figure 1. Percent of migrant (A) and resident (B) species banded at Jug Bay from 1990 to 2014.

Happy 2015, and Happy 30th Anniversary to Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary! This year, Marsh Notes quarterly issues will be themed to cover the width and breadth of the Sanctuary’s accomplishments over the years. Our timeline starts in 1985 with our humble 171-acre beginnings, and covers milestone events through 2015.

This spring, our theme is research and monitoring. Enjoy learning about the results of decades of data collecting with the MAPS bird banding project and wetland water chemistry monitoring.

In addition, we are including “throw back” photos of some of the staff and volunteers who have helped shape this organization over the years. Happy reading!

- Your former Editor, Lindsay Hollister

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Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary 1361 Wrighton Road Bristol-Lothian , MD 20711 410-741-9330 e-mail: info@jugbay.org

www.jugbay.org

Jug Bay Wetlands sanctuary is operated by the anne arundel county department of recreation and parks. it was established in 1985 with the goals of wetlands research and environmental education. the sanctuary is a limited-use park. groups are requested to make a reservation by calling the office before plan-ning a visit.

Jug Bay Wetlands sanctuary is a member of the chesapeake Bay - national estuarine research reserve maryland system, which promotes sci-entific research, public education, resource management and stewardship in estuarine reserves across the nation.

STAFFpatricia delgado, superintendent debra gage, office manager Heather Baden, naturalistlindsay Hollister, Volunteer coordinator & naturalistrichard chaney, maintenancedonald smith, maintenance

FRienDS oF Jug BAy oFFiceRS:nora terres, presidentall tucker, Vice presidentJim Harle, treasurersusan nugent, secretary

BoARD oF DiRecToRS: sean mcguinnanne mueckedotty mumfordJohn norrissiobhan perceycolin rees

Marsh Notes is produced quarterly by Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary.

comments and suggestions are welcome.

editor: chris patrickgraphic design: liz Fisher, ec Fisher design contact: liz@ecfisherdesign.comthis newsletter is printed on recycled paper.

m a r s H n o t e s s p r i n g 2 0 1 532

Jeff shenotnora terresal tuckersuzanne van drunickdavid Wehrs

MAPS continued from page 1

Dear Friends,This year of the Sanctuary’s 30th anniversary is also turning out

to be a year of new beginnings. While Jug Bay staff and volunteers continue to offer education programs, and engage in research projects and stewardship activities that have been the hallmark of Jug Bay for years, things never stand still here.

Scientists, resource managers, and planners will come together for the first Patuxent Watershed Conference (PaxCon 2015) on June 12 and 13. Shortly after coming to the Sanctuary, Director Pati Delgado had the marvelous idea of organizing a conference focused on research, management, monitoring, and restoration efforts in the Patuxent River watershed. We are pleased to provide support for this conference. Friends of Jug Bay (FOJB) Board members Colin Rees and Siobhan Percy are serving on the organizing committee, along with representatives of the University of Maryland, the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, Maryland Sea Grant, Morgan State University, and, of course, the Patuxent Riverkeeper.

Conference participants will share information about ongoing research, management, monitoring and restoration efforts in the watershed and seek to identify and reach consensus on gaps in, and appropriate priorities for, these efforts. A workgroup will follow the conference to draft the first Patuxent Research Plan.

On another front, Frode Jacobsen, Coordinator of the newly established Maryland Bird Conservation Initiative (MBCI), is off to a strong start. MBCI, funded by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, was created in November 2014. Thanks to the efforts of FOJB Board members Colin Rees and Pati Delgado, Jug Bay, already home to numerous bird-focused research projects and educational programs, was chosen as the headquarters for this program.

Frode has already established a web presence for MBCI on social media, such as Facebook and Instagram, and is developing a website that will promote its work, disseminate information and news stories, and share resources. He initiated a Prothonotary citizen science research project last year, and has ideas for a number of other bird-focused research projects. In addition, Frode and Sanctuary staff member Lindsay Hollister have planned a Spring Birding workshop series on bird identification and reporting skills. See program description on page 6.

Finally, I am pleased to welcome our new Marsh Notes editor, Chris Patrick. Chris is a talented, budding science writer, pursuing an M.A. in science writing at Johns Hopkins. She will take over editing duties from Lindsay and be paid on a contract basis by the FOJB.

In other news, I am happy to share the outcome of recent hearings concerning a proposal to move the Renaissance Festival to a property, not far from the Sanctuary, on Pindell Road. Ren Fest will NOT be coming to South County. In late December, the Board of Appeals issued its opinion denying the Festival’s request for a special exception to the Rural Agricultural zoning prevalent in southern Anne Arundel County. The Board based its opinion on several grounds and relied upon abundant evidence introduced at the hearing in support of its decision. The owners of Ren Fest had 30 days to appeal, but chose not to do so.

We opposed the Festival’s proposed move to southern Anne Arundel County due to concerns about the likely effects on local ecosystems of such an intense use, effects caused by the attendant destruction of the forest understory, and compaction and degradation of soil near a stream on the property. We also shared the concerns of local homeowners about heavy traffic blocking roads on fall weekends, a time when many Sanctuary educational programs are scheduled. We wish the Festival luck in finding an appropriate new site, or perhaps a way to expand at its current site.

The Friends of Jug Bay’s 2015 Annual Meeting is scheduled for April 12. I hope to see you there!

Nora Terres, President

Wood Thrushes Thrive

According to the Second Atlas of the Breeding Birds of Maryland and the District of Columbia, the Wood Thrush is widespread and relatively common throughout Maryland but has experienced a long-term decline over the past three decades. North American Breeding Bird Survey data shows that from 1990 to 2012 Wood Thrush populations in the coastal region/eastern half of Maryland declined 2.71% every year! This decline led the American Bird Conservancy to place the Wood Thrush on the United States WatchList of Birds of Conservation Concern.

A key finding from our study, however, is that the Wood Thrush population at Jug Bay is doing well compared to the rest of Maryland. One way to measure our population is by looking at the number of individual Wood Thrush we capture each season. This includes newly banded Wood Thrush and Wood Thrush recaptured from previous banding seasons. By standardizing our data to net hours (one net hour is equivalent to one net open for one hour), we can compare our capture rate from season to season. We experienced a sharp uptick in captures from 2000 to 2004 (see Figure 2). While there has been a modest decline since, we have still experienced an ascending trend line over the past 25 years. Clearly, Jug Bay is providing a valuable breeding habitat.

A New Generation

One goal of MAPS is to determine

how many hatch year (HY) birds are produced each breeding season. Since 1990, with four different net configurations, HY bandings have averaged between 23-28% of all bandings. There is a wide variance in HY banding rates between species (see Table 1). Our top five migrant (M) species show a HY banding rate of 1-39%, while year-round resident (R) species show a higher HY banding rate of 24-71%. From this, two questions arise:

(1) are red-eyed Vireos bound for extinction due to low hY numbers? The answer, of course, is “No!” The behavior of HY Red-eyed Vireos might explain our low HY banding numbers. HY Red-eyed Vireos either stay high in the treetops once they have fledged or they leave their nesting area immediately upon fledging and go to an entirely different type of habitat, and thus are not captured in our MAPS nets.

(2) Why are there higher hY banding numbers for resident species? It almost seems counterintuitive—shouldn’t birds that migrate 1,000s of miles every year face higher mortality and need to produce more young to survive than resident species? Our data shows how weather in our area can severely impact the survivorship of at least one resident species—the Carolina Wren—necessitating higher productivity levels to guarantee survival of the species. The winters of 1995-96 and 2009-10 in our area are noteworthy. Both winters had at least one snowfall greater than 24 inches in a single two-day event and cumulative totals upwards of 63 and 77 inches, respectively. During our

Figure 2. An ascending trend line describes Wood Thrush captures at Jug Bay over the past 25 years.

We welcome the following new and returning Friends of Jug Bay members:

Dr. Linda KohlstadtJudy Bajoris & John

CookJan DegeneffeCary EllisStephen HeiselEdward AllenPhil & Barbara DavisPeter HananErgin Crosby

Cheri & Andy Wenner

Esther WoodworthVan SchaikJeff A. GlardonKaren MoeJohn Day & Tessa

Muehllehner

1990   1995   2000   2005   2010   2015  

WOOD  THRUSH  CAPTURES  PER  100  NET  HOURS  

Wood Thrush Captures per 100 Net Hours

1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015

Fred Tutman, the Patuxent Riverkeeper, gave a thought-provoking talk on Chesapeake Bay and Patuxent River conservation efforts.

Margaret Barker-Frankel discusses how the bluebird house design of Lawrence Zeleny led to the resurgence of the bluebird population in Maryland and elsewhere.

January and February Soup and Science Recap

Soup and Science Sunday, Mar 8, 2015; 12:00 - 3:00 pm FOJB Annual MeetingSunday, Apr 12, 2015; 2:30 - 5:00 pm

Visit www.friendsofjugbay.org for more information and to register.

Friends of Jug Bay Events

continued on page 10

5 s p r i n g 2 0 1 5M a r s h N o t e s 4

spikes occurred during the winter, while at the Railroad Bed, Mataponi, and Nottingham stations most of the spikes occurred during the summer and fall.

There are many factors that could lead to salinity spikes, including runoff, low precipitation or droughts, low river discharge, added salt during snow days, and groundwater recharge and discharge. It is not clear which of these factors are causing salinity spikes, as some may be acting together and in different ways along different portions of the river. We will conduct more detailed data analyses in an attempt to tease out these relationships.

Even though impacts on the marsh plant community are not currently evident, if the occurrence of salinity spikes continues to increase and persist for longer periods of time, the Jug Bay wetlands may see a decrease and eventual loss of some of its keystone species, like spatterdock and wild rice, as well as the wildlife communities that rely on them.

are continuous stations (data is collected every 15 minutes). Thirty years of data from Western Branch and Railroad Bed stations and eleven years of data from Iron Pot Landing and Mataponi Creek stations show an increase in the number of salinity spikes occurring during the last decade (Figure 2). In addition to how often, it also matters how long each salinity spike event lasts. The longer an event lasts, the more potential it has to trigger impacts in the marsh. According to our data, between 45-60% of the events at Iron Pot Landing, Railroad Bed, and Mataponi Creek lasted between one to four days, but about 11-12% of the events at Railroad Bed and Mataponi Creek persisted between 20 to 60 days. In 2008 at Railroad Bed, for example, 88 days out of the year had salinities equal or greater than 0.5 ppt.

The number of days per year when salinity reached values equal or greater than 0.5 ppt was lower at the stations located upriver (Western Branch and Iron Pot Landing), increasing as we move downriver. At the upriver stations 75% of all salinity

m a r s H n o t e s

30 Years of Water Quality Monitoring Data:

Should we worry about salinity changes in Jug Bay’s tidal freshwater marshes? by Patricia Delgado, Sanctuary Director

ne of the things that makes Jug Bay a really special place is its

extensive network of tidal freshwater marshes. The influence of the tides and low salinity—0.5 parts per thousand (ppt) or lower—is what makes this system what it is: dynamic, diverse, and full of life! The marshes sometimes experience short-term spikes in salinities above 0.5 ppt, but in a period of sustained and widespread environmental change, could changes in salinity negatively impact Jug Bay wetlands? A sustained salinity increase above 0.5 ppt could trigger some major changes in Jug Bay wetlands, particu-larly in plant species diversity. Species sensi-tive to narrow salinity changes will be most affected, including spatterdock, wild rice, cutgrass, and arrowhead. (See Table 1.)

We analyzed long-term salinity data collected by water quality monitoring stations along the Patuxent River to detect patterns in salinity spikes (Figure 1). Western Branch and Nottingham are fixed stations (data is collected twice a month). Iron Pot Landing, Railroad Bed, and Mataponi Creek

O

BirdwalkFirst Saturday of every month; 8:00 - 11:00 amAges: 12 and upFee: Free with $6 per vehicle admissionlearn the skills of identifying birds by sight and sound. Binoculars and field guides are available to borrow. Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather. Registration Required: Call 410-741-9330 or e-mail programs@jugbay.org

Preschool Nature SeriesFirst Friday of the month, Mar 6, Apr 3, May 1, Jun 5, Jul 3, Aug 7; 10:00 - 11:00 amAges: 3-5Fee: $2 per childchildren enjoy sensory activities and learn about nature through an interactive story, craft and hike. explore a new topic each date. extend your visit with free play at our nature play space.Registration Required: Call 410-741-9330 or e-mail programs@jugbay.org

People with PupsSunday, Mar 15; 10:00 am - noonSunday, Apr 26; 10:00 am - noonAges: All. Families are welcome, but at least one adult per dog is requiredFee: FRee!Join a naturalist for a doggy hike in the glendening preserve! dogs must be well behaved around other dogs and remain on a leash while on the property. Meets at Plummer House, 5702 Plummer Lane, Bristol-Lothian, MD 20711 Registration Required: Call 410-741-9330 or e-mail programs@jugbay.org

Spring Break in the Park Thursday, April 2; 9:00 am – 3:00 pmAges: 8-12Fee: $25 per child, admission waivedspend a day exploring Jug Bay Wetlands sanctuary with naturalist Heather Baden. participants will hike to a vernal pool to search for amphibian eggs, tadpoles, and salamander larvae. a scavenger hunt, nature craft, and roasting marshmallows over a campfire will complete the fun. Bring a bag lunch and a pair of waterproof boots or footwear that can get wet. Registration Required: Call 410-741-9330 or e-mail programs@jugbay.org

Explore the Shepherd FarmSaturday, Apr 11; 9:30 - 11:30 amFriday, May 15; 9:00 - 11:00 amFee: FReeAges: 12 and upJoin ranger adam for an off trail adventure at the 150-acre shepherd Farm that he manages for anne arundel county. tromp meadows and forests to identify birds, wildflowers, trees, and more. Meet at the Wetlands Center and we’ll carpool to the farm.Registration Required: Call 410-741-9330 or e-mail programs@jugbay.org

Table 1. Salinity tolerance of different marsh plants found at Jug Bay. A tidal freshwater marsh is characterized by a salinity of 0.5 ppt and lower.

Figure 2. Occurrence of salinity spikes (0.5 ppt and above) at different locations along the Patuxent River.

Open Hours:

Sanctuary Proper and Wetlands Center: Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Glendening Nature Preserve: Wrighton Road entrance daily, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm; Plummer House entrance Monday – Saturday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (trails, butterfly garden, dogs on leash)

Patuxent Wetland Park: daily, dawn to dusk (fishing, hand-carried boat launch)

Wooton’s Landing Wetland Park: daily, dawn to dusk (fishing, loop trail, hand-carried boat launch)

Sanctuary Proper admission fee: $3.00 per vehicle

Free for current Friends of Jug Bay members, active volunteers, and active military.

There are no fees to visit our other sites.

Visit www.jugbay.org for directions, information and updates to our schedule.

Registration is required for all programs. Please call 410 741-9330 or email programs@jugbay.org to register. All programs meet at the Wetlands Center at 1361 Wrighton Road unless otherwise noted. Program fees are in addition to vehicle admittance fees. An adult must accompany children under 13.

SPRING 2015 PUBLIC PROGRAMS AT JUG BAY

Dana Swarth and Alexandra Ellis test out the grown-up wading boots in the spatterdock marsh. July 1995.

Long-time volunteer Jim Harle shares information with visitors at the Children’s Day festival. May 1999.

School children at Jug Bay - late 90s.

Spring Equinox HikeSaturday, Mar 21; 5:00 pm - 7:30 pmAges: 8 and upFee: FRee with $6 vehicle admission feeJoin master naturalist mike Quinlan for a leisure-ly hike through the sanctuary to see and hear the signs of spring. Wear shoes that can get wet and muddy, just in case. Binoculars and cameras are always a good idea. We’ll end by watching the sunset from the observation deck.Registration Required: Call 410-741-9330 or e-mail programs@jugbay.org

Signs of SpringSunday, Mar 29; 1:30 - 3:30 pmAges: 5 and upFee: $6 vehicle entrance fee appliesis spring just around the corner? come look for signs with master naturalist diane goebes as we enjoy a hike of about 3 miles on sanctuary trails.Registration Required: Call 410-741-9330 or e-mail programs@jugbay.org

Figure 1. Water quality monitoring stations along the Patuxent River. Salinity values in parenthesis correspond to average and maximum values

m a r s H n o t e s 6

International Migratory Bird DaySaturday, May 9; 8:30 am – noonAges: all ages.Fee: FRee, vehicle entrance fee waivedJoin ornithologist Frode Jacobsen for a guided birdwalk & fun bird-themed games and quizzes for all ages to celebrate our migratory birds. Registration Required: Call 410-741-9330 or e-mail programs@jugbay.org

Mother’s Day Canoe Trip & Gourmet LunchSunday, May 10; 11:00 am – 3:00 pmAges: 16 & upFee: $30/person, vehicle entrance fee includedpamper mom on her special day. discover wild-life in the marsh while we leisurely paddle, and enjoy our picnic lunch at historic mt calvert. please arrive promptly at the starting time. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, a lunch, and shoes that can get wet. Registration Required: Call 410-741-9330 or e-mail programs@jugbay.org to check availability. Your reservation will be secured when payment is received. Checks should be made payable to Friends of Jug Bay. Registration Form is required and can be down-loaded at http://www.jugbay.org/education/canoegroup-trips/public-trips

Build a Bluebird Box with MomSunday, May 10; 1:00 - 3:00 pmAges: All, FamiliesFee: $20 per bluebird box kit, vehicle entrance fee included with purchase of kitJoin mom on her special day and help bluebird moms raise their young. learn about eastern Bluebirds and check nest boxes for young with master naturalist mike Quinlan. using precut kits, assemble nest boxes which you can take home and put in your yard. some drilling and screwdriving involved. Bring battery powered drills and screwdrivers, if you have them. We will have some available for use.Registration Required: Call 410-741-9330 or e-mail programs@jugbay.org

Paws and PoopSunday, Apr 19; 1:30 - 3:30 pmAges: FamiliesFee: $4 per plaster trackWe can learn a lot from the clues animals leave behind. learn to identify common animal tracks and scat, then join a naturalist on the trail to test your nature detective skills. make a plaster track to take home! all materials provid-ed. Registration Required: Call 410-741-9330 or e-mail programs@jugbay.org

Eat the Weeds: Gourmet Cooking with Invasive PlantsSaturday, Apr 25; 9:30 am - 1:30 pmAges: 21 and upFee: $8/person (payable to FoJB)seeking enthusiastic (and hungry) participants to help our forest and butterflies. We’ll learn about the impacts caused by the non-native invasive garlic mustard plant, then go remove it from our forest. after our removal, chef anne will walk us through the preparation of several recipes that you can use the mustard greens for, as we prepare our gourmet lunch! Wear shoes and clothes that can get dirty, and bring work gloves. meets at plummer House, 5702 plummer lane, Bristol-lothian, 20711.Registration Required: Call 410-741-9330 or e-mail programs@jugbay.org to check availability. Your reservation will be secured when payment is received. Checks should be made payable to Friends of Jug Bay. Registration Form is required and can be down-loaded at http://www.jugbay.org/education

Spring in the Marsh Canoe TripSunday, Apr 26; 11:00 am – 3:00 pmAges: 7 & up, with adultFee: $20/person, vehicle entrance fee includedthe marsh is waking up! We’ll look for early spring plants, migratory birds, and more. please arrive promptly at the starting time. Bring plen-ty of water, sunscreen, a lunch, and shoes that can get wet. Registration Required: Call 410-741-9330 or e-mail programs@jugbay.org to check availability. Your reservation will be secured when payment is received. Checks should be made payable to Friends of Jug Bay. Registration Form is required and can be down-loaded at http://www.jugbay.org/education/canoegroup-trips/public-trips

P U B L I C P RO G R A M S AT J U G BAY C O N T.

Amazing AmphibiansSaturday, April 11; 1:00 - 2:30 pmAges: FamiliesFee: $10 per abode, vehicle entrance fee includedJoin a sanctuary naturalist to learn all about amphibians. We’ll share some amazing facts, learn about lifecycles, and visit with live ani-mals. Bring amphibians into your yard by mak-ing and taking a toad abode of your own! all materials provided.Registration Required: Call 410-741-9330 or e-mail programs@jugbay.org to check availability. Your reservation will be secured when payment is received. Checks should be made payable to Friends of Jug Bay. Registration Form is required and can be down-loaded at http://www.jugbay.org/education

Lecture: The Old-Growth Forest Network: For Maryland, For the NationSaturday, May 2; 10:00 am - 12:30 pmAges: 13 & upFee: $6 per person, vehicle admission fee waivedWhat is the state of the planet’s forests? dr. Joan maloof, author, ecologist and environ-mental advocate will summarize the condi-tion of our forests from global and national perspectives. she will focus particularly on forests that have never been logged -- “old-growth forests.” How many of these forests are left? Where are they? and why do they matter? maloof has traveled the nation inspecting the remaining old-growth forests; in her book, among the ancients: adventures in the eastern old-growth Forests, she

includes reflections on these questions as well as detailed directions to one old-growth for-est in each of the twenty-six states east of the mississippi river. going beyond mere docu-mentation, in this lecture maloof will describe her vision of an old-growth Forest network -- a nationwide attempt to reverse past destruction and reconnect average families with the beauty and biological abundance found only in the ancient forests.stay after the talk for a guided hike with Joan (11:15-12:30).Registration Required: Call 410-741-9330 or e-mail programs@jugbay.org to check avail-ability. Your reservation will be secured when payment is received. Checks should be made payable to Friends of Jug Bay.

s p r i n g 2 0 1 57

Native Plant SaleSaturday, June 6th; 10:00 am – 2:00 pm.Ages: AllFee: FRee, no vehicle admission for glendening Preservesupport the Friends of Jug Bay by buying native plants for your garden. native plants provide food and shelter to animals and add beauty to your yard. View the butter-fly garden and talk with volunteer garden-ers for native gardening advice. Location: 5702 Plummer Lane, Bristol-Lothian, MD 20711

Women on the WaterSaturday, June 6; 10:00 am - 3:00 pmAges: Adults onlyFee: $30 per person, vehicle entrance fee includedtap into the serenity offered by our wetlands with a leisurely canoe trip up the patuxent river. We’ll look for wildlife and emerging spring plants, then pause for a gourmet lunch. the day will conclude with a relax-ing yoga session lead by certified instructor Kelly Fisher of Wildflower yoga. Fee includes gourmet lunch, park admission, and all canoe equipment. Bring water, sunscreen, and shoes that can get wet. no experience necessary. Registration Required: Call 410-741-9330 or e-mail programs@jugbay.org to check avail-ability. Your reservation will be secured when payment is received. Checks should be made pay-able to Friends of Jug Bay. Registration Form is required and can be down-loaded at http://www.jugbay.org/education/canoegroup-trips/public-trips

Spring Birding SeriesSaturday, Mar 21; 1:00 – 4:00 pm (Workshop on using eBird with Matt Hafner, $10)Saturday, Apr 18; 7:30 am – 3:30 pm (The Warbler guide: a book signing and field trip with author Tom Stephenson, $30)Ages: Adult.Fee: Workshops are priced individually.

Join renowned ornithologists and regional naturalists for an in-depth series on advanc-ing bird identification and reporting skills. Registration Required: Download a registra-tion form at www.jugbay.org/education but make checks payable to FOJB.

Green Frog at Jug Bay c. 2004.

Marsh Ecology by CanoeSunday, May 31; noon – 4:00 pmAges: 7 & up, with adultFee: $20/person, vehicle entrance fee includeddiscover the abundant wildlife in the patuxent river wetlands. We’ll paddle up some of the smaller branches of the river to look for bea-vers, birds, and flowering wetland plants. please arrive promptly at the starting time. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, a lunch, and shoes that can get wet. Registration Required: Call 410-741-9330 or e-mail programs@jugbay.org to check availability. Your reservation will be secured when payment is received. Checks should be made payable to Friends of Jug Bay. Registration Form is required and can be down-loaded at http://www.jugbay.org/education/canoegroup-trips/public-trips

Veteran paddlers Dave Linthicum (far left) and Gary Pendleton (far right) enjoy an interpretive stop during a Marsh Ecology by Canoe program. Approximately 1998.

Volunteers Jane Fallon and George Salvaggio planting the state endangered Matelea carolinensis, or anglepod milkweed vine, along our entrance road fencing. Approximately 2001. (Look at how small the holly trees were!)

Pine Warbler

98m a r s H n o t e s

Volunteer News

In January, we kicked off our 30th anniversary events with our annual Volunteer Appreciation Social. We started with a beautiful, brisk hike along Otter Point and Two Run trails enjoying

evergreens, bird fly-bys, and distinguishing the buds of deciduous trees. After socializing and having our soup and sandwich lunch, we got to the business of volunteer recognition. As is our tradition, we brought up new volunteers, MudMuckers, 5-, 10-, 15-, 20-, and 25-year volun-teers.

This year was an extra special Social because we had the privilege of acknowledging volunteers who have been with us for the entire 30 years of the Sanctuary’s existence. The dedication of any volunteer who stays for more than 10 years has impressed me, and many other volunteer coordinators I’ve met over the years, but 30 years, wow! As we announced the names of our three 30-year volunteers, Marty Barron, Sue Ricciardi, and Dotty Mumford, they received a much-deserved, long standing ovation. Many, many thanks to all our volunteers, past, present, and future, for making the Jug Bay volunteer community such a vibrant and welcoming group!

- Lindsay Hollister, Volunteer Coordinator

Thank you, Volunteers, for 30 Amazing Years of Service!

Volunteer StatisticsWinter 2015

Joe ActonKatherine BaerMike BlackstoneSusan BlackstoneDick BlassCynthia BravoJennifer DennisJeff CampbellKaren CarusoAlan ChristianRegan ChristianDave DavisChad DennisCathryn DippoBen DoodyKim ElliottJack FiligenziJean FiligenziLee FisherJoanna FortinElaine FriebeleJoyce GillespieDiane GoebesJim HarlePatch HicksStan HopkinsFrode JacobsenDave LarrabeeDavid LinthicumCliff LoudermilkClara MankowskiJoe MankowskiRob McEachernSean McGuinnPat MelvilleDave MozurkewichAnne MueckeManfred MueckeDotty MumfordJohn NorrisSusan Nugent

Raymond O’DonnellJim OlandVerne OlandSiobhan PerceyDave PerryTom PetskaAshleigh PiccoliCarol QuinlanMike QuinlanColin ReesCyndi ReynoldsGordon ReynoldsDoris SchmitzJeff ShenotBob SmithChris TaylorSandy TeliakNora TerresAl TuckerPeter UimonenSuzanne VanDrunickBob Williams IIIAnn Wood

Volunteer Groups:St. Anne’s School

of Annapolis

During the winter, volunteers logged 621 hours.

A contribution worth over $15,700.

Thank You!

• Most of our projects require no experience, come to learn!

• Vehicle entrance fee waived for volunteer events.

• To sign up or for more information, call 410-741-9330, or e-mail Volunteer Coordinator, Lindsay Hollister at rpholl27@aacounty.org

Volunteers (and staff) pause for a group photo at our Social.

s p r i n g 2 0 1 59

Donations:Alicia Moore: books on birding

Lynn & Peter Kenny: butterfly nets

Kirsten Enzinger: large easel

Mike & Carol Quinlan: field guides and educational supplies

Patuxent River CleanupSaturday, Apr 11; 9:00 am - noonAges: AllFee: FRee, no admission for Patuxent Wetland ParkHill’s bridge at route 4 is a popular location for fishing and paddlers to put-in. it is also full of trash from misuse. Help us send a positive mes-sage to users of the area by cleaning up the river-front. Wear shoes that can get muddy. Bring thick work gloves if you have them.meets at patuxent Wetland park 1426 mt. Zion marlboro road, Bristol-lothian md 20711registration required: call 410-741-9330 or e-mail programs@jugbay.org

Turtle Caretaker TrainingWednesday, May 6; 10:00 - 11:30 amFriday, May 29; 10:00 - 11:30 amSaturday, Jun 27; 10:00 - 11:30 amAges: individuals and Families, 6 & upFee: FRee, entrance fee waived for volunteersseeking dedicated volunteers to provide weekly care for the season for the three box turtles that live in our educational enclosure. Box turtle natu-ral history, feeding, and enclosure maintenance will be discussed. Registration Required: call 410-741-9330 or e-mail programs@jugbay.org

Canoe Guide Training & Trash Pick-upSaturday, May 23; 9:00 am - 3:00 pmAges: 18 & upFee: FRee, entrance fee waived for volunteerslearn how to lead canoe trips at Jug Bay! on land, we will review volunteer responsibilities, canoe safety, paddling techniques, canoe routes, and sanctuary policies. on the water, a session on canoe paddling skills and rescue taught by american canoe association certified instructors will be followed by a trip up river and through some of the marsh channels to see the varied habitats. dress for the weather and bring lunch and snack. canoeing experience required.Registration Required: call 410-741-9330 or e-mail programs@jugbay.org

Left: Our proud 30-year volunteers at the 25th anniversary celebration. From left, Dotty Mumford, Marty Barron, and Sue Ricciardi. Far left: Dotty c. 2005.

College student Laura Perry stands along a wetland plant transect to study succession and species diversity. Approximately 1993.

From left, Chris Swarth, Clint Cosner, and Mary Burton pause while installing fencing to protect Wild Rice from resident Canada Geese. Approximately 2000.

Vernal Pool ResearchWednesday, Mar 4; 9:30 am – 3:30 pmWednesday, Mar 18; 9:30 am – 3:30 pmWednesday, Apr 1; 9:30 am – 3:30 pmSaturday, Apr 4; 9:30 am – 3:30 pmWednesday, Apr 15; 9:30 am – 3:30 pmWednesday, Apr 29; 9:30 am – 3:30 pmWednesday, May 13; 9:30 am – 3:30 pmSaturday, May 16; 9:30 am – 3:30 pmWednesday, May 27; 9:30 am – 3:30 pmAges: for adults and families with children ages 8 and upFee: FRee, entrance fee waived for volunteersVolunteers are needed to help survey the vernal pools of the sanctuary and glendening preserve. these special temporary ponds are critical breed-ing habitat for several amphibian species. prior experience is preferred but not necessary.registration required: call 410-741-9330 or e-mail programs@jugbay.org

Stream Waders Macroinvertebrate SamplingSaturday, Mar 14; 10:00 am - 4:00 pmAges: 16 and upFee: FRee, entrance fee waived for volunteersseeking volunteers to receive in-field training on how to sample aquatic macroinvertebrates the stream Waders way with department of natural resources. Be prepared to wade into streams with water up to waist deep. a limited supply of boots are available to borrow.Registration Required: call 410-741-9330 or e-mail programs@jugbay.org

Fred Rose and Doug Willis (right) at a Wooton’s Landing clean-up. Approximately 1997.

Volunteer Opportunities

11M a r s h N o t e s 10

female at the same net and during the same round. Six years later, on 21 May 1997, these same two Red-eyed Vireos were recaptured on the same round near adjacent nets. Wow, talk about longevity, site loyalty and probably mate loyalty!

These are but a few key findings from our study. We have a lot of data, but to repeat the common refrain once again, more study is needed. Our 26th season will commence in late May 2015. Stay tuned.

Thanks to Danny Bystrak and former Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary Director Chris Swarth for having the vision and tenacity to establish this effort and oversee its growth; thanks to the Staff at Jug Bay for their support and letting it continue; thanks to the Friends of Jug Bay for providing financial support and thanks to the many volunteers who provided a conservatively estimated 5,000+ volunteer hours to sustain it.

m a r s H n o t e s 10 s p r i n g 2 0 1 511

using sound science… Finding solutions… Promoting Wise Decisions

Visit the CBNERR-MD web page www.dnr.state.md.us/bay/cbnerr

STAFF

Jenn Raulin, Reserve Manager

410.260.8745 jraulin@dnr.state.md.us

Sasha Land, Coastal Training

Program Coordinator 410-260-8718

sland@dnr.state.md.us

Chris Snow, Stewardship Coordinator,

410-260-8731 csnow@dnr.state.md.us

Coreen Weilminster, Education Coordinator

410-260-8744 cweilminster@dnr.state.md.us

Trystan Sill, Education Assistant 410-260-8827

tsill@dnr.state.md.us

The early 1970s were flush with new environmental legislation, beginning in

January 1970 with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Following the establishment of NEPA, Congress created the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Congress then enacted the Clean Water Act (CWA), the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), and the Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA). Congress signed the CZMA into law in 1972 to protect rich coastal areas from growing developmental pressure, stating it “recognized the importance of meeting the challenge of continued growth in the coastal zone.”

These laws were not the first attempts to protect our water resources. The CWA was actually an amendment to the Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1948. The Federal Water Pollution Control Act had three amendments prior to the CWA. This new legislation, however, differed in its enforcement. It was clear that change was necessary. One could argue that American outrage over environmental policy reached its peak in the 1960s, with voices such as Rachel Carson, the author of Silent Spring, and events like the burning of the Cuyahoga River. Backed by the ever-increasing environmental awareness of the American public, these new agencies finally had teeth in setting and enforcing national policy.

With the collective power of citizens spearheading the environmental movement of the late twentieth century, the United States got serious about protecting its water resources. In coastal areas this process was facilitated by the CWA and the CZMA. When enacted, CZMA had two programs: the National Coastal Zone Management Program and the National Estuarine Sanctuary Program. In 1988, the National Estuarine Sanctuary Program became the National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS). Currently, the National Estuarine Research Reserves System protects more than 1.3 million coastal and estuarine acres in 28 reserves for purposes of long-term research, environmental monitoring, education, and stewardship.

In 1985, NOAA and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources partnered to form the Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (CBNERR) in Maryland. At this time, the Reserve had one site, located at Monie Bay on the lower Eastern Shore. To better engage the public and increase the diversity of habitats in the Reserve, the State decided to expand the Reserve. After an extensive search, the first new site was Jug Bay, encompassing Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary in Anne Arundel County and Patuxent River Park in Prince George’s County. The Sanctuary and Patuxent River Park are situated across from each other on the Patuxent River. The second site was Otter Point Creek in Harford County. In 1990, after review from NOAA, both Jug Bay and Otter Point Creek were incorporated into the Reserve. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Maryland Reserve and the 25th year that Jug Bay and Otter Point Creek have been part of the System. Over the years, the Reserve has shepherded many projects that bring federal and state support to these local sites. Today, through the CZMA, Jug Bay, Otter Point Creek, and Monie Bay continue to educate and inform the public and decision-makers with the sound science gathered at these most precious places. Together these three sites protect over 6,000 acres in the state of Maryland and act as living laboratories on our great estuary, where

A Brief History of NERRSby Chris Snow, CBNerr Stewardship Coordinator

MAPS continued from page 2

MAPS seasons of 1996 and 2010, we did not band or capture a single Carolina Wren! In the four years prior to 1996 and 2010, we averaged five to six adult Carolina Wren captures per season. The heavy snowfall in those winters deprived Carolina Wrens access to the food they needed to eat to survive, and their population in our MAPS study area collapsed. Interestingly, the winter of 2013-14 was characterized by some aperiodic bouts of unseasonably cold temperatures (remember the polar vortex) and a relatively modest snowfall of about 27 inches over several events for the season. This appears to have had some negative impact on our Carolina Wren populations, as we only banded one adult and recaptured two adults that were banded in previous seasons. They had survived the winter of 2013-14. This suggests that the relatively harsh weather conditions year-round resident species face in Maryland may necessitate higher productivity levels. But, to quote a refrain from many researchers, more study is needed.

Bigger Doesn’t Always Mean More Resilient

Jug Bay’s 25 years of continuous MAPS operation makes it uniquely qualified to provide highly valued survivorship data on our species. On 23 May 2013, we recaptured a Red-eyed Vireo that we had banded on 3 June 2003 as an adult bird. This recapture meant that this particular bird was at least 10

years 11 months old, which set a new North American longevity record for this species. The only other near record from our MAPS effort is an Ovenbird that was banded and, when last recaptured, was at least 9 years 11 months old. The North American record is 11 years.

Our data also reflects another interesting point. The Wood Thrush overwinters in Central America; the Red-eyed Vireo overwinters in the more distant Amazon Basin. The Wood Thrush is also much larger (average weight 48.6 grams, wing chord 104 millimeters) than the Red-eyed Vireo (17.4 grams, wing chord 78 millimeters). Intuitively, we might expect Wood Thrush to live longer than Red-eyed Vireos—they don’t have to migrate as far and they are larger in size. Our data totally contradicts that expectation. The oldest recaptured Wood Thrush since 1990 was at least six years old when last recaptured. Our Red-eyed Vireo recapture data, on the other hand, shows they are like the Eveready Bunny—they keep on returning. Since 1990, we have had nine Red-eyed Vireos at least 6 years old, three at least 7 years old, two each at least 8 years old and 9 years old, and one at least 10 years old.

Here’s one other interesting Red-eyed Vireo recapture and survivorship story: On 15 May 1991, we banded an adult male and

New Editor of Marsh NotesMeet Chris Patrick, the new editor of Marsh Notes. Chris graduated in May 2014 from the College of William and Mary as a neuroscience major. She is now a student in Johns hopkins University’s Master of arts in Science Writing program. Chris wants to spend as much time outside as possible, because nature is the best. Most of her days include writing, reading, running, and art making.

Table 1. Percentage of Hatch Year Bandings from 1990 to 2004. Hatch year banding rates vary for resident and migrant species.

the river meets the sea. For more information check out:

http://estuaries.noaa.gov/To hear a message from the NOAA

director about the NERRS program go to: http://www.nerrs.noaa.gov/Background.aspx

Bonus points if you recognize the background still image at the beginning of the video!

Chris Swarth, Laura Younger, and Greg Lewis at the designation ceremony of Jug Bay as a NERRS site, 1990.

research Matching Game answer Key (don’t peek!)

1) 42362) 29903a) 5893b) 2843c) 28

3d) 463e) 1933f) 474) 576

m a r s H n o t e s 12 s p r i n g 2 0 1 5

30 Years by the Numbers:

A Research Matching Game1) Water chemistry testing is our longest running research project. Since 1988, staff and volunteers have sampled

wetland and stream water ____ times.

2) The Monitoring avian Productivity and Survivorship study is a national program and great example of our

local research having far-reaching implications. Since 1990, staff and volunteers have banded ____ birds.

3) The work of listing species has been ongoing since our founding. Working together, staff and volunteers have

discovered:

3a) ____ plants

3b) ____ birds

3c) ____ mammals

3d) ____ fish

3e) ____ invertebrates

3f) ____ reptiles and amphibians

4) The eastern Box Turtle has become a signature study reptile for

us. With our large tracts of forest, we have a robust population and

have contributed greatly to the pool of knowledge on this

charismatic species. Since 1995, staff and volunteers have identified

and marked ____ individuals.

Fill in the blanks with the numbers in this box. (answers on page 10)a) 46b) 47c) 284d) 576e) 4236f) 589g) 193h) 28i) 2990

SPrING2015

department oF recreation and parKs

Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary1361 Wrighton RoadBristol-Lothian, MD 20711410-741-9330