CU Reporter May 2000

Note change in location Dr. Jacobsen is an aquatic biologist at Cumberland County College, where he is Director of the Aquaculture Technology Program. Tim has been kind enough to arrange for use of a computer lab for an introduction to surfing the internet and a preview of our website. He will explore some interesting sites that highlight the Delaware Bayshore and offshore marine communities.

Please Participate! May 6 & 7, Cumberland County Improvement Authority Waterways Cleanup
This is Cumberland County’s 9th countywide cleanup effort. This year the focus of the cleanup is on the waterways. Our captain is Jim Gardner. He has proposed that we focus our efforts on the Mauricetown Bridge area. The day we will work the area will be May 6, with a rain date of May 7. We will assemble on the east side of the Bridge at 8 a.m. If you prefer to clean up a section of the river near and dear to you, please report to Jim Gardner the success of your efforts by May 7. A number of years ago Jim offered to coordinate a cleanup effort. A local resident, he says, “I am interested in protecting and beautifying our local waterways.” His enthusiasm is fantastic; let’s not let him down. If some of you wish to hunt and gather trash by boat that would be great; you can bring your haul to the ramp by the bridge. Jim will be sending in our results to the County. For more details call Jim at 825-7252.

Wow! Citizens United’s Second EPA Environmental Quality Award
Frank LoBiondo nominated Citizens United for an EPA Environmental Quality Award, the highest recognition presented to the public by the EPA. The nomination was a result of our partnership with the National Park Service on the development of the successful film, “Down Jersey”, and the accompanying teachers’ guide called “Down Jersey: Celebrating Our Sense of Place.” This project brings attention to the important natural and cultural resources along the New Jersey’s Delaware Bayshore and encourages both stewardship and protection by thousands of residents and students. We were further honored by retiring Senator Frank Lautenburg, the keynote speaker at the awards, when he stated how much he enjoyed working with our organization over his years in office. Some of you may recall that we received this award in 1994 for our work on Wild and Scenic Rivers designation.

Down Jersey Celebrating Our Sense of Place Teachers’ Workshops Are A Big Success
The unveiling ceremony and five teachers workshops have been held thus far. We are very appreciative of NJ Audubon Society’s Cape May Bird Observatory, Wheaton Village’s Folklife Center, Salem County Historical Society and Salem Community College for hosting and participating in the workshops. Thus far 90 teachers have responded to a registration form. Teachers estimated that they will introduce 27,000 students and 4,000 teachers to this “Award Winning” teachers’ guide! And the teachers’ remarks on the program have been filled with superlatives.

Walter D. Morton-Citizens United Loses Friend
by Jane Morton Galetto, President
We have lost a very special contributor to Citizens United, my father, Walter Morton. Walter was instrumental in the design of our present osprey nesting structure. This platform is now the “official osprey platform” for New Jersey. Before his illness incapacitated him Walter helped out on all our osprey work parties. The love he had for nature and the out-of-doors was paramount. He was always playing tennis, hunting, shooting, fishing, bird watching, filling bird feeders, hiking, gardening, pruning and planting. His love of these pursuits was shared by his family, friends and co-workers. I would like to thank my mother, Terri, and sister, Joan, for having selected Citizens United to receive donations in my father’s memory. My family has been overwhelmed and deeply touched by the outpouring of support during this difficult period. My father’s illness was long and torturous and his complaints were few. He was my friend, my mentor, and remains my hero. Again, thank you ever so much for your kindness.

The Osprey Are Back! – Soon we will be checking all the osprey nests for eggs. Reports from our osprey observers are very good. Thanks to all the stewards that report the return of the Maurice River’s most visible couples.

Membership Brochures – Please Help Distribute
If you need CU brochures for distribution or recruitment just call Joanne Murphine (825-6018) or Belinda Dalton (692-5951). If you have a business and would like brochures for your customers we would be more than happy to provide them. Ideal locations are: marinas, restaurants, retail stores, luncheonettes, libraries, chambers of commerce and the like.