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Volunteers Sought to Count Horseshoe Crabs

dnrec.delaware.gov

DOVER, Del. (AP) - Delaware natural resources officials say volunteers are being sought for an annual horseshoe crab survey.

The Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve is seeking volunteers for the survey in May and June at the Ted Harvey Wildlife Area, Kitts Hummock and North Bowers beaches.

DNERR will host two 90-minute training sessions for volunteers at the St. Jones Reserve. The first will be at 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 21 and the second is scheduled at 10 a.m., Saturday, April 6.

Horseshoe crab eggs are a key food source for migrating shorebirds that arrive in May and June on Delaware beaches. However, despite their importance, survey organizers say little is known about the population. Survey results will help monitor changes in numbers of spawning crabs.

Don Rush is the News Director and Senior Producer of News and Public Affairs at Delmarva Public Media. An award-winning journalist, Don reports major local issues of the day, from sea level rise, to urban development, to the changing demographics of Delmarva.