Three pairs of American oystercatchers have returned to Fishers Island. FIConservancy Naturalist Justine Kibbe observed the first pair at about 2 p.m. March 29 on Stony Beach in Hay Harbor. She reported the second pair on Sanctuary of Sands, along the Elizabeth Field Runway April 22 and the third pair on Stony Beach April 23.

Multiple people reported late afternoon beaver sightings on the West End in April. The first was April 18 near the airport, and the second was April 19 at the Gatehouse. This is a good thing! Beavers are critical to the healthy ecology of streams and wetlands.

The Fishers Island Fire Department (FIFD) reported a successful planned burn Mar. 27 of 36.04 acres of restored grasslands along the airport runway and on the Parade Grounds. But what do our volunteers actually do to conduct a safe burn in specifically prescribed areas? Don Beck, FIConservancy Board Member and Fishers Island Club golf course superintendent explains…

Piping Plover pair returns to Fishers Island. House hunting on Sanctuary of Sands, South Beach.

It took 20 days, but the capsized fishing vessel “All for Joy” was finally removed from the mouth of Hay Harbor at 6:05 p.m. Mar. 30.

Healthy Seagrass Meadows by Justine Kibbe

In response to the decimation of once abundant and protective eelgrass meadows in Long Island Sound, the Nature Conservancy recently completed an evaluation of eelgrass areas and boating patterns around Fishers Island. (Photo of Fishers Island eelgrass meadows at low tide, by Justine Kibbe.)

Out in the Field awaiting what the USCG has deemed a “pollution mitigation event”, north side off Hay Harbor, Fishers Island. Fishing vessel to be raised (for now) and all fluids emptied and removed. From the Field, Field Note, Justine Kibbe, Mar. 19, 2019

The commercial fishing vessel, “All for Joy”, capsized south of the Race March 10 and eventually came to rest at the mouth of Hay Harbor, leaking fuel that reached Fishers Island. Two fishermen were rescued unharmed. (Jane T. Ahrens Photo)