CAPE MAY POINT — Borough Commission discussed plans Aug. 26 for the upcoming Dunes and More Day when plants and grass plugs are added to the dunes to help shore them up for fall and winter.
The longstanding event is scheduled for Oct. 11 at Triangle Park and the fire station.
Jonathan Westcott and the Environmental Commission made recommendations for specific plants.
“We owe a debt of gratitude to Jonathan Westcott,” Mayor Anita VanHeeswyk said. “I agree with everything that he is recommending and the Environmental Commission had recommendations [too].”
One of the recommended species was coastal panicgrass, a perennial grass that can grow 3 to 7 feet tall.
“Rather than waiting until the next meeting, the Environmental Commission is recommending panicgrass be added to this year’s plan,” VanHeeswyk said. “It’s native to coastal New Jersey and benefits wildlife.”
VanHeeswyk added that the coastal panicgrass seeds provide food for birds throughout the fall and winter months, and the grass blades provide nesting material and cover for birds throughout the year.
“I defer to Jonathan’s expertise more than mine, and I would stay with what Jonathan is [recommending],” VanHeeswyk said. “If seaside goldenrod cannot be sourced for purchase, [Jonathan] recommends a list of other native goldenrod.”
The Environmental Commission provided Borough Commission with a list of possible beach entrances that could be given priority for planting of black-eyed Susans.
“If the budget cannot support adding these plants at all of the original locations listed on the draft plan, we recommend including Stites Avenue, Cape Avenue and Whildin Avenue, based on the growing conditions at the various sites,” VanHeeswyk said.
She added that Environmental Commission Chairwoman Paula Massanari stated in a memo that the dunes are an important feature of Cape May Point, and Dune Day is an extremely important event.
Deputy Mayor Elise Geiger noted that the availability of local plants is always a factor, and some grasses are not readily available and must be ordered in advance.
Commissioner Suzanne Yunghans said Westcott and the Environmental Commission were working together on recommendations. She said Westcott has faithfully helped the borough year after year.
“Thanks to the watering, the black-eyed Susans have thrived at Coral and Brainard avenues,” Yunghans said. “I don’t know if planting more in the fall gives it a better opportunity to survive, because this planting was done in the beginning of summer and they had to water because it’s so sandy in both of those places.”
She added that compost and soil had to be added to help the flowers survive.
“People have enjoyed them and commented on the beauty,” Yunghans said. “And it helps our Mayor’s Monarch Pledge.”
Other business
In other news, Yunghans said the fence has been installed around the new Public Works building, marking another step in the renovation.
She noted that Public Works Supervisor Bill Gibson is aware of the streetlights out at Cape Avenue and is working on rectifying the issue.
“Bill wanted me to let everyone know that there was some beach impact from Hurricane Erin,” Yunghans said. “We lost some sand from Surf to Alexander avenues, but we were lucky.”
By RACHEL SHUBIN/Special to the Star and Wave
