Jersey Shore Magazine

J e r s e y s h o r e • s p r i n g 2 0 1 4 38 JERSEY SHORE LANDMARKS SANDY HOOK continued from page 37 ing some endangered species. Among them are piping plovers, ospreys, and snowy owls. Nike Pond is a gathering place for many species, including the state threatened black-crowned night heron, which are suspected of breed- ing nearby and are present from April through October, the pied-billed grebe, and variety of waterfowl (such as the wood duck, American wigeon, black duck, mallard, green-winged teal, and ring-necked duck), which utilize the pond during migration. The phragmites reeds around the pond attract common yellowthroats, marsh wrens, swamp sparrows, and red-winged blackbirds. Large flocks of swallows, mostly tree swallows and barn swallows, feed over the pond during the warmer months. By late fall, only the ducks and pied-billed grebe remain. The largest American maritime holly forest on the East Coast lies between the dunes of Sandy Hook. The forest exists thanks largely to the United States Army, which prevented development of the peninsula. Cherry and shaggy red cedar, bayberry, beach plums, greenbriar vine, broom sedge, and nutsedge are among many botanical features. Sandy Hook has "true seals" (meaning they lack external ear flaps). These mammals are gifted swimmers, with the ability to dive as deep as 1,500 feet for as long as forty minutes. Harbor, harp, and grey seals can be seen in Sandy Hook's waters. The seals land on protected beaches to bask in the sun from December through March. Over the last decade, seal counts have dramatically risen along the northeast coast. It is illegal to hunt, capture, kill, or harass seals or other marine mammals in federal waters. The legal distance between human and seal is one hundred feet. Seals are carnivores with sharp teeth and have a flight or fight response to perceived threats. Land-based creatures on the site include red fox, cottontail, snakes, and terrapins. Bullnose snakes have been introduced in an effort to return indigenous wildlife that has been diminished. buoy was found to be easier to handle and more practical. If row- ing out into the raging ocean was not favorable, surfmen rescued pas- sengers by firing a projectile with a rope attached over the ship's mast. Heavier lines were then used to haul victims back to shore in a lifecar or breeches buoy. (See the sidebar: "The Gun That Saved Thousands.") Recreation For nature lovers, the park's seven- mile Multi-Use Pathway for bike riders, walkers, and roller bladers starts at the park entrance and loops around Fort Hancock. Along the way are salt marshes, a spectacular holly forest, and beaches with public park- ing. Trails for hiking begin at the Spermaceti Cove Lifesaving Station and near the Nine Gun Battery. Visitors are cautioned that poison ivy is abundant, so it is wise to be vigilant and stay on the trails. In the spring and summer, some areas of the ocean beaches are closed due to the shorebird-nesting season. Picnicking - The North Beach Observation Deck has tables and a view of New York Harbor. Grilling is permitted only at Guardian Park in Fort Hancock. Camping - Permitted with reserva- tions. Fishing - One of Sandy Hook's most popular surf casting sites is called "The Rip." It is where the ocean's currents meet with Sandy Hook Bay at the northern-most tip of the peninsula. This rip seems to hold and attract bait fish, bringing in trophy-size catches, particularly of bluefish and stripe bass as well as fluke and blackfish. Surf fishing is permitted at all beaches except when lifeguards are on duty or when beaches are closed to protect nest- ing shore birds. An annual pass for nighttime fishing can be purchased at the entrance station. Surfing - Wind, kite, and para- chute surfing are popular near the park's entrance where favorable winds are frequent. Beaches - There are four ocean bathing beaches with adjacent park- ing and lifeguards on Sandy Hook. Some beaches have wide sand areas that make setting up a volleyball net convenient, and it won't interfere with other beach goers. Gunnison Beach is clothing-optional. Lifeguards at oceanside beaches are on duty from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Nature: A Wildlife Refuge There are more than three hundred species of birds that inhabit Sandy Hook and its salt marshes, includ- Surf fishing on Sandy Hook. Paul Scharff

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