The two-mile beach unit of the cape may national wildlife refuge (CMNWR) provides important refuge for shorebirds during the migration and nesting seasons when birds are competing with people for…

The two-mile beach unit of the cape may national wildlife refuge (CMNWR) provides important refuge for shorebirds during the migration and nesting seasons when birds are competing with people for space on new jerseys highly recreated beaches. This site provides intact and undisturbed habitat for foraging, resting and breeding which is vital in a state with a highly developed coastline. Federally listed piping plovers and red knots regularly use this site along with other species of concern such as the american oystercatcher. The sites location adjacent to a densely settled summer tourist destination makes IT a prime location for stewardship to safeguard the boundary of the refuge and to educate visitors about the importance of protected areas. Shorebird stewards will be present at the height of the tourist season to provide protection for the shorebirds and provide education to visitors about the conservation and management needs of shorebirds.