Update on the Island Restoration
By the Friends of Lake Lily: If you’ve taken a stroll along Lake Drive recently, you’ve likely noticed that the island is undergoing a significant transformation. Restoration is a process of adaptation, and we wanted to share an update on the latest steps being taken to protect this vital Cape May Point sanctuary.
Adapting to Nature’s Timeline
Our primary goal is to remove the dense, invasive brush and Phragmites that have long choked out native growth. Initially, we partnered with the New Jersey Division of Forestry to attempt a controlled burn. However, Lake Lily’s healthy water levels had other plans—the island proved to be too wet for the burn to take hold effectively.In conservation, you have to be as resilient as the land itself. When the "fire" phase didn't work, the Borough of Cape May Point stepped in with a direct, mechanical strategy to keep the project moving forward.
A Clean Slate for the Island and the Lake
The Borough is currently executing a thorough restoration of the island’s footprint and the surrounding waters:
- Deep Clearing: All overgrown vegetation is being cut back, and the dense root mats and underbrush are being removed. This "root-level" work ensures that invasives don't simply bounce back in the spring.
- Sub-Aquatic Management: To control vegetation in the water without using harsh chemicals, the Borough has installed "lake mats." These benthic barriers naturally suppress invasive aquatic growth by blocking sunlight, keeping the waterways open for our resident turtles and waterfowl.
Your Impact: Planting the Future
While the Borough handles the heavy clearing, the Friends of Lake Lily are focused on what comes next: The Rebirth. Ongoing efforts to restore the island include:
- Native Replanting: Once the clearing is complete, we will begin planting native species specifically chosen to provide food and nesting cover for migratory birds.
- Regular Maintenance: To ensure the invasives don't return, the Borough and the Friends have committed to a rigorous long-term maintenance schedule.
How You Can Help
These restoration efforts are a true community partnership. Donations to the Friends of Lake Lily directly and the Cape May Point Taxpayers Assoc. fund these plantings and the ongoing care of the island. Your support ensures that as the seasons change, the island remains a vibrant, healthy, and beautiful sanctuary for the thousands of birds and wildlife that call the Point home.To learn more, volunteer, or make a tax-deductible donation go to donation page at www.Friendsoflakelily.org
Starting the attempted burn by the Division of Forestry
Almost, but not quite....
Placement of the Lake Mats