Week ending Sunday April 26, 2009

Busy week at the Brewster DNR.

• Finished up the week of Littleneck harvest at Ellis Landing on Sunday the 19th. Weather was on and off all week, but most people got at least one full harvest over the Sunday to Sunday period. Couple photos here: http://picasaweb.google.com/BrewsterDNR/200904LittlenecksEllis#
  
  

On Tuesday we were scheduled to begin our "Learn to Shellfish" program, but it was rained out and postponed until Wednesday.

• On Wednesday we started the kids program at Spruce Hill, educating them on the life cycle of shellfish, how to identify them, and a bit on size and harvest limits (and why they are important). We provided an activity book based on one used in Barnstable. Everyone had fun digging quahogs and steamers (soft shell clams), as well as looking for other native shellfish. As I recall, we found a number of small oysters and a few of harvest size; some blue mussels and evidence of razor clams and scallops.
• Thursday's shellfish program included a visit to the town's shellfish grant off Mant's Landing, at the end of Robbins Hill Road. We worked the grant, culling the oysters by size, removing those that hadn't survived, and seeing what else lived on and around the grant. Then we moved in towards shore to look for more steamers and mussels.
• Friday completed the program, at Spruce Hill once again digging for steamers, quahogs, and heading out a bit to deeper water where The Channel starts.

Overall, a successful program that we hope to continue over summer break. Thanks to those that volunteered for the program, and to Wendy and Brewster Recreation who organized, advertised and sponsored us.

Photo gallery here: http://picasaweb.google.com/BrewsterDNR/200904LrnShellfish#

The Friends of the Punkhorns also met to do some trail work at the north end near the parking lot, both on Thursday and again on Sunday. Great to see people take an active interest in protecting and enhancing their public resources.

Also this week, we participated in some IFAW training (IFAW is the International Fund for Animal Welfare; on Cape Cod, they handle all stranded/injured/dead marine mammals, such as dolphins, whales and seals. 24 hour stranding hotline: (508) 743-9548 ). On Saturday (early), we went to Provincetown to help release two rehabilitated Harp seals with IFAW. Beautiful day; whales in all directions feeding on massive schools of bait fish. The seals travelled up all night from a rehab facility in NJ down near Atlantic City, and quickly headed off to sea northward.

Brewster has had several strandings or dead dolphins and seals this winter, probably because of the way the currents and winter winds bring things in to our beaches. Be aware that it is normal for seals to haul out on our beaches; they usually don't need help, other than keeping dogs and visitors at a safe distance. We're moving into pup season for harbor seals, so don't be surprised if there are a few hanging around in the next month or so.