Those Who Walk The Bay

Photo Credit:/ Hofstra Times/Nadeen Nakib/Local Queens resident, Gloria Keppler comes to Jamaica Bay often to view the scenery and walk the refuge. Many like Keppler come to Jamaica Bay to birdwatch, exercise or simply take in the natural surroundings. Jamaica Bay holds a two mile path for visitor to walk along. Graduate students Rajesh D'Souza and Nadeen Nakib, met with Keppler and others who were enjoying a cool day at the bay on March 4, 2010.

Time to Clean Jamaica Bay

Photo Credit: Hofstra Times/Nadeen Nakib/March 4, 2010. Jamaica Bay has been protected since 1972 with the formation of the Gateway National Recreation Area. Becuase of its unique location and rich resources, Jamaica Bay provides habitat for many terrestrial, marine, estuarine, and migratory organisms including approximately 200 species of special emphasis or protection. Unfortunately, about 49 of the 65 square kilometers of wetlands have been filled in or are disappearing, and the water quality of Jamaica Bay has been impacted by sewage treatment plants, JFK airport, and urban, commercial, and industrial development. Nadeen and Nakib and Rajesh D'souza from Hofstra University visited the JBWR on March 4, 2010 to study the effects of climate change on wildlife.

Birding in Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge

Photo Credit: Hofstra Times/ Nadeen Nakib/ March 4, 2010, Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge is home to a variety of exotic birds and draws a variety of bird life to its salt marshes especially brids from South America. Over 300 species of birds use the refuge as a stopover during spring and fall migration. Bird watching is a big attraction of this vibrant refuge. This Bird House can be seen along the mail trail. Nadden Nakib and Rajesh D'souza, graduate students of Journalism from Hofstra University, Hempstead, New York, visited this JBWR to explore the living world in wildlife refuge. If luck favors you can have the glimpse of following species of heron in month of July: Tricolored Heron, Little Blue Heron, Great Blue Heron, Black-Crowned Night Heron, Yellow-Crowned Night Heron, Green Heron, Snowy Egret, Great Egret, Cattle Egret and Least Bittern.

The Odd Couple of Canadian and African Geese

Photo Credit: Hofstra Times/ Nadeen Nakib/ The magic of Jamaica Bay lies in the convergence of a variety of different marine habitats. Canada Geese at our favorite city haunt Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, located in Queens, just off Cross Bay Boulevard, about a 10-minuted walk from the A train's Broad Channel station. Having access to nature should be as necessary to humans as the food and drink. Nadeen Nakib and Rajesh D'souza, the graduate students of Jounralism from Hofstra Univeristy, Hempstead, New York, visited this Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge on March 4, 2010 to learn about wildlife.

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge

Photo credit: Hofstra Times/Nadeen Nakib/ Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge (JBWR) is located in Queens. It is spread over 9,000 acres. Rich in plant and animal life with trails, marshes, beaches and ponds, the Refuge is peaceful gateway from the City. The North Garden of this JBWR is full of trees and can be a bit swampy, but it feels like an authentic nature walk. Nadeen Nakib and Rajesh D’souza, graduate students from Hofstra University, Hempstead, New York, visited this JBWR on March 4, 2010, to learn about wildlife and to study nature. Both are passionate lovers of nature and are planning to create awareness in the society to preserve and save the nature through their writings for future generations.

Shhh...Listen...

Working at the Bay

A little introduction on those who help run the Bay.

A View Around The Bay

Rajesh D'Souza and Nadeen Nakib take a look at the Bay.

Soar

Jamaica Bay is most famously known for their birdwatching. We'll be honest. This really doesn't sound all that appealing.

According to the Brooklyn BirdWatcher's website Jamaica Bay is host to quite a number of birds breed either within the area of the trails or on the islands that are in the bay. Some of those species on the upland and salt marsh areas are Canada Geese, Yellow, Common Yellowthroat and Redstart warblers, Osprey, Oystercatchers, Willets, and Tree Sparrow. Less visible breeding areas hold nest sites for Black Crowned and Yellow Crowned Night Herons, Great Blue Heron, Great and Snowy Egret, Glossy Ibis and Barn Owl.

Let me tell you something. Canada geese, although their babies are so cute, are mean, mean little buggers. They will chase you down and honk at you nonstop if they feel violated. This prevents me from thinking the adults are cute little birds. They are probably the Mafia of birds.

However, in New York where you can only look up and see steel and smoke, it is gratifying to know that you can step outside Manhattan for a while, look up, and see a Common Yellowthroat.

Photo: fishandgame.idaho.gov

When Terrapins Fly

I used to have a turtle my sister bought me for 10 dollars from Chinatown. His name was Henry. I remember the day my sister gave him to me, I was on the subway holding him in his little yellow cage and thinking, "What is going on here? The irony!" He was a red-eared slider I found out later on. And required much, much more then 10 dollars to take care of him.

The diamondback terrapin, also known as red-eared sliders, are turtles identified by the large diamond-like markings on their shells. They are often found in the salt marshes of Jamaica Bay.

No, they do not fly like the title might suggest. But we do.

Now for those of you who have been to John F. Kennedy Airport or LaGuardia know that flying through them is more then likely not a pleasant experience. One time, a flight of mine was delayed for an hour and half because of runway traffic.

Imagine this, 78 diamondback terrapin turtles on a runway of JFK.

In July of 2009, these turtles invaded the runway of JFK to mate. According to a New York Times article, the turtles may have been attracted to the sand along one side of the runway that led to the water. Adult diamondback terrapins mate in the early spring, and clutches of 8-12 eggs are laid in sand dunes in the early summer. They hatch in late summer or early fall.

They were later safety picked up and removed.

Only in New York.

Photo: Guardian.uk

Behind the Scenes

As always, there have to be people calling the shots from somewhere. Even if it's a wildlife refuge.

Kayleigh Rose Erazmus is a Park Ranger in the Interpretive Division of Jamaica Bay. At 23 years old, she holds a passion for the outdoors and wildlife.

Her duties for the bay include:

• Conduct daily trail patrols to interact with visitors and promote a sense of understanding of the resources.
• Enforcement of rules and regulations.
• Maintain volunteer reports and program databases using Microsoft Excel and Access
• Create and lead interpretative programs for both staff and the public.
• Design informational flyers using Adobe
• Photograph flora and fauna for the web and flyers.
• Write press releases for local newspapers and Gateway website.
• Publish new information and photos to Gateway website; Trained in CMS.
• Perform trail maintenance and weeding of invasive plants to conserve the natural biodiversity of the refuge.

Pretty decent resume for a graduate student huh?

Erazmus truly loves what she does, hard to find in a day and age where jobs are so scarce. But how does one find a job like this? Here's what she said--

"I honestly had never heard for Gateway National Recreation Area or Jamaica Bay- being from Connecticut and all. When I applied to Hofstra and was also looking for a job, I was told by my advisor about the Park Service and Jamaica Bay. I already had it set that I would study the Diamondback Terrapin at the Wildlife Refuge so I figured working there would only benefit my thesis research. I continued to work there outside of research season because I fell in love with it."

Subways, Sirens and Salt Marshes

No. Salt marshes are not a new drink being served at the Eldridge.

Salt marshes are a environment between land and salty waters. They provide support to animals and are often surrounded by dense plant life. The salt marshes of Jamaica Bay offer prime habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife. Most of the waters and marshes have been protected since 1972 as part of the Gateway National Recreation Area. Salt marshes are an important part of the ecosystem, providing food and shelter for all different types of animals.

Along with the many other problems in New York. Jamaica Bay has a big one to add to the list.

It's slowly degrading away.

Losing approximately 40 acres of marsh a year, it's hard to pinpoint the exact reason. The biggest reason may be the pollution spilling over from the four city sewage plants that surround the bay. Another may be global warming.

While bay guardians continue to try and advocate for the matter, it still continues to happen. Salt marshes offer value to the larger ecosystem and act as a crucial barrier to inland communities in cases of extreme weather and storms. In addition, wetlands are natural water purifiers.

New York City smells, let's not deny it. The amount of garbage that lines the street doesn't exactly make one want to take a big whiff. But if we can't even maintain our natural habitats, what's the next thing that's going to start to stink?

Natural Instincts

"The concrete jungle is where dreams are made of." - Empire State of Mind (Jay Z feat Alicia Keys)

When one thinks of New York, they most likely think overwhelming, tall concrete buildings, the burning, colorful lights of Times Square and a small island that holds the United States largest population of people. The ambiance of New York comes from it's steel, it's lights and it's vibrant culture. It's hard to think that New York is home to 25,000 acres of natural habitat as well.

Nestled in the borough of Queens lies New York's hidden natural treasure, Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge. The refuge contains diverse habitats including salt marsh, upland field and woods, several fresh and brackish water ponds and an open expanse of bay available for exploration.

WHAT? In New York? Where one can't even move down the street without bumping elbows with a fellow Manhattanite?

Yes, it's here. Nature lovers are not out of luck.

Let's take a closer look.