The Harbor Heron Survey Project is run in conjunction by New Jersey Audubon, New York City Audubon, and Citizen Science to look at movements of birds between breeding and foraging sites and to determine the importance of different foraging areas.
Results of this survey will fill gaps in knowledge identified by the New Jersey Wildlife Action Plan for coastal areas in the Hackensack Meadowlands and the Raritan Bay conservation zones of the Piedmont Plains. In addition, it will provide information needed for the Harbor Heron Conservation Plan, which in turn will help ensure persistence of these charismatic birds.
In addition to the important ecological information on the status of a natural resource to allow for appropriate management decisions, this project will raise awareness and engage the public in understanding and more actively conserving wildlife.