(Due to adverse sea conditions, the trip has been rescheduled for February 18th.)
Tomkins Island is a five-acre spoils island in the mouth of the Savannah River. It was created in 2005 by the Army Corps of Engineers as mitigation for spoils disposal activities in Jasper County, SC. It has rapidly become an important nesting site for Royal and Sandwich terns, with more than 7000 nests noted at last count. Unfortunately, Tompkins Island now needs our help if it is to remain a nesting haven for terns and other birds. The island is in danger of being overgrown by grasses and weeds, obliterating the open areas that nesting terns require.
In the Fall of 2009, F&WS staff and volunteers visited the island, uprooting some of the shrubs and spraying herbicide on the grasses. On Thursday, February 18th, another expedition will be mounted to complete clearing the island by uprooting and burning the remaining vegetation. This will be an all-day, physical project, requiring a trip in a small open boat, and the date will be weather and sea-condition determined. We'll be using
F&WS boats, food and drink will be provided.
Join us for a bonfire on the island!
If you are interested in this project, contact webmaster@coastalrefuges.org. |
