DELAWARE RIVER

A watershed is an area of land where all water will run downhill and collect in a main body of water. In this area around Palmyra Cove, all the smaller streams flow down and end up in the Delaware River, hence why this is called the Lower Delaware River Watershed. Because the Delaware River is not dammed from the ocean, it also has high and low tides (or “is tidal”) all the way up to Trenton. The difference in tides is more significant up river than in the bay, up to 10 feet.

WATER and the WATER CYCLE

Water is a remarkable substance with unique chemical properties that make life on Earth possible. Its polarity allows it to dissolve many substances, earning it the title of the “universal solvent.” Water’s high specific heat helps regulate temperatures, preventing extreme climate fluctuations. Its cohesion and adhesion enable capillary action, allowing water to move through soil and plants, sustaining ecosystems. Additionally, water is one of the few substances that expands when frozen, making ice less dense than liquid water— allowing it to float and insulate aquatic life in cold environments. The water cycle ensures that this essential resource is continuously purified and distributed. Through evaporation, water rises into the atmosphere, condenses into clouds, and returns as precipitation, replenishing lakes, rivers, and groundwater. This cycle supports all living organisms, maintains weather patterns, and sustains agriculture. Without the water cycle, Earth’s climate would become unstable, and ecosystems would collapse, making water not just a chemical necessity but the foundation of life itself.

WHITE TAILED DEER

Deer eat leaves, grass, and other plants, which contain cellulose that’s tough to digest. To break it down, deer have a special four-part stomach. First, the rumen stores the food, which the deer swallows quickly and then chews again, called “chewing cud.” In the reticulum, microorganisms live and break down the cellulose into usable nutrients. After chewing the cud again, the food moves to the omasum, where water is absorbed, and then to the abomasum where special juices help further digestion. Finally, nutrients are absorbed in the intestines, and waste is passed out. This process involves a symbiotic relationship between the deer and microorganisms, helping each other for mutual benefit. White-tailed deer are the most common type of deer in North America. They change colors with the seasons, becoming grayish in winter and tannish to reddish brown in summer. Their large tails are white underneath, and when they feel threatened, they raise them like a flag. Bucks, or male deer, grow antlers that don’t branch out after their first winter.

PEREGRINE FALCONS

The largest Falcon found in New Jersey, Peregrines are the fighter jets of the raptor world. They specialize in hunting birds like Pidgeon and/or waterfowl, using precise acrobatics at incredibly high speeds to catch their prey in mid-air. With exceptional vision, a peregrine can spot medium sized prey from at least 1 mile away. That’s like a human being able to spot a rabbit at a distance of over 17 football fields away! Once spotted, the falcon sets up its attack dive. This dive, called a stoop, sees the peregrine tuck in it’s wings and reach speeds of over 200mph. The fastest ever clocked hit about 245mph! During this dive the Peregrine’s incredible eyes are processing images at almost 3 times the rate that human eyes can, giving them the ability to precisely track their moving target. Historically nesting on cliffsides and other ledges high up, structures like bridges and skyscrapers are their new more common nesting locations. Our nest box on top of the Tacony-Palmyra Bridge is a perfect example of these nesting preferences. Look up and you might just see the Peregrines flying to and from their nest!

FUNGI

There are many types of fungi that live in the woods, on trees, and in the soil. Fungi are special organisms that are not plants, animals, or bacteria. They can look like mushrooms, molds, or yeast. Fungi are important because they help break down dead plants and animals, which return nutrients to the soil. Fungi don’t make their food from sunlight like plants do. Instead, they absorb nutrients from things around them, like fallen leaves, dead trees, and even animals. They are like nature’s recyclers, helping to clean up and make sure the ecosystem stays healthy. At Palmyra Cove, you can find fungi in places that are moist and shady, like near streams, in the woods, or after it rains. Some fungi are easy to spot, while others are hidden in the soil or on tree trunks. Fungi are also important because some are used in food, like the mushrooms you might eat on a pizza, or in medicine, like penicillin, which helps fight infections. So even though fungi might seem strange, they play a big role in keeping nature and humans healthy!

MUSSELS

There are at least 7 species of freshwater mussels found at The Cove, one of the last sanctuaries for these incredibly important invertebrates. Closely Related to clams, Freshwater Mussels are filter feeding bivalves that trap pieces of sediment and microorganisms in mucous as they pump water through their gills. Some of these mussels can filter over 16 gallons of water every 24 hours and are one of the biggest reasons for the ongoing improvement in water quality in this section of the Delaware River. Look for the shells of these threatened invertebrates on the beach at low tide!

LICHEN

Lichen, unlike fungi that grow beneath bark, typically grows on top. While most lichen is edible, some, like Wolf Lichen, are poisonous. Lichen has various uses, including in dyes, clothing, perfumes, toothpaste, ointments, and even medicines due to its antibiotic properties. In Japan, it’s used in paints for its antimildew qualities. Ancient Egyptians and Arab plainsmen have used dried lichen to make bread. Lichen also serves as food for animals and nesting material for birds, while protecting trees from harsh weather. With over 3,600 species in North America alone, it grows on surfaces like rocks, trees, and even buildings. Lichen is a keystone species, vital to ecosystems, as it absorbs pollutants like sulfur, mercury, and nitrogen, helping to improve air quality. It is sensitive to air pollution, and studying its species can provide insights into environmental health

WILDFLOWERS

Wildflowers are flowers that grow naturally without people planting them. At Palmyra Cove, you’ll find colorful flowers like purple violets, bright yellow sunflowers, and bluebells. These flowers are important because they provide food for bees, butterflies, and other animals. Some flowers even help clean the air and soil! When you walk through the cove, you might also spot different birds and insects visiting the flowers. It’s a great place to explore nature, learn about the environment, and enjoy the beauty of wildflowers.

INSECTS

There are many cool insects to discover, other than butterflies and caterpillars! One insect you might spot is the dobsonfly. It has huge, jaw-like pincers, but don’t worry, it’s not dangerous. Dobsonflies live near water, where their larvae grow in streams before they turn into adults. Another interesting insect is the firefly, which lights up at night. These glowing insects use special light to talk to each other, creating a beautiful show in the dark. You might also see dragonflies and damselflies near the water. These insects are great at flying and catching smaller insects to eat. Ants are very busy at Palmyra Cove, working together to find food and protect their nests. Some of these ants, like red fire ants and the red velvet ants, can sting, so it’s best to watch from a distance! The ground beetle is another insect you may find hiding under rocks or logs. It helps by eating pests that can harm plants. These insects, though small, play important roles in nature by pollinating plants, eating pests, and helping the environment stay balanced!

BUTTERFLY MEADOW

Butterflies are everywhere, especially in the spring and summer! Butterflies love the colorful wildflowers that grow there, like milkweed and goldenrod. These flowers provide nectar, which butterflies drink to stay healthy. You might see different kinds of butterflies at Palmyra Cove, such as the orange and black Monarch butterfly or the bright yellow Tiger Swallowtail. Butterflies are important because they help pollinate flowers, which means they help plants grow and make seeds. If you’re quiet and patient, you might even see a butterfly land on a flower! Palmyra Cove is a perfect place to watch these amazing creatures up close.

BULLFROG POND

Despite its small size, Bullfrog Pond is a safe haven for all different kinds of wildlife — Birds, Mammals, and especially reptiles and amphibians. If you approach quietly – Frogs and Turtles have exceptional hearing – frogs can be found along the pond’s banks and turtles can be seen basking on logs. Unlike Humans and other Mammals that produce their own body heat, these cold-blooded organisms rely on the sun’s energy to warm them up each day. If you’re visiting during the spring, keep an eye out for another hopping amphibian! Fowler’s Toads gather at Bullfrog Pond to breed before hopping away to their usual forest homes.

BEAVER POND

Named for a family of beavers that have since moved their lodge into the tidal cove, Beaver Pond is rich with wildlife of all kinds. Aerial predators like Tree Swallows and Dragonflies can be seen darting through the air catching insects of all sizes. Herons and Kingfishers wait for the unsuspecting fish to swim near the surface and plunge into the water to secure a meal. Mink can even be seen perched on a stump waiting for their next meal to swim by. On the surface, ducks and other waterfowl gather for the food and safety the pond provides. It is for this reason that Beavers are still occasionally sighted here, so keep your eye out as you explore!

EARTH OBSERVING SATELLITES

In the Space to Earth: Earth to Space (SEES) Model, Earth Observing Satellites pass over the Living Laboratory daily, providing a unique opportunity for students to validate and refine satellite data through Ground Truth Verification. By comparing real-time satellite data with on-the-ground observations, students ensure data accuracy while enhancing their understanding of how space-based technology supports local environmental monitoring. This process connects students with both space science and real-world applications, equipping them with valuable skills for the future.

OZONE GARDEN

Did you know that ground-level ozone is a serious pollution problem? Ground-level (“bad”) ozone is toxic to plants and animals – including humans. It is different from the ozone layer (“good” ozone) high in the atmosphere that blocks the Sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, even though it is the same chemical in both places. Ground-level ozone is harmful to us because it is in the air we breathe. Although ozone is invisible, its effects can be observed on the leaves of certain plants. Ozone sensitive plants develop symptoms on their leaves that we can see, telling us when high levels of ozone are present in the air around us. Because they provide this information, they are called bioindicator plants. However, there are still lots of questions when it comes to ozone and plants: What ozone concentrations cause damage to plant leaves? How severe does the damage get? Is it the same everywhere? Scientists are trying to understand the answers to these questions.

WILDLIFE

There are a rich tapestry of wildlife, making here a vibrant and fascinating destination for nature lovers. Among the animals that roam the area are minks, red foxes, and playful river otters. Minks are agile, solitary hunters often spotted near water, using their sharp claws to catch fish and small mammals. Red foxes, with their bushy tails and keen senses, thrive in the woodlands, adapting to a variety of diets including small mammals, fruits, and insects. River otters, social and playful, are expert swimmers and dive deep in the cove’s waters to hunt for fish and crustaceans. The cove is also home to larger mammals like white-tailed deer, often seen grazing quietly at dawn or dusk. Wild turkeys roam the forests, their distinct calls echoing through the trees, while raccoons forage at night. Snakes, such as the Eastern garter snake, slither through the underbrush, playing an important role in controlling insect and rodent populations. Bird watchers can spot a variety of species, from herons and egrets to red-tailed hawks soaring high in the sky. The wetlands also attract ducks and geese, making the area a key stop for migratory birds. This mix of forest, wetland, and river habitats creates a rich environment where a wide range of animals—big and small—thrive, making Palmyra Nature Cove a haven for wildlife and an exceptional place to explore nature.