Cape May Point Restores Lake Lily

CAPE MAY POINT – Is it Lake Lily or Lily Lake? Many call it both. Either way it’s said, for some, the lake at Cape May Point is a picturesque pond, a great place to take a few photographs and perhaps have a picnic.
Yet its importance dates as far back as the Revolutionary War, when it was used to fill the water supply for ships sailing to Philadelphia and beyond. It was fresh water, a rare commodity on a peninsula surrounded by saltwater, with the Atlantic Ocean on its eastern side and the Delaware Bay on its western side.
In fact, during the Civil War, a ditch was dug to connect the lake to a saltwater northern marsh, which made it unfit to drink. This denied southern vessels a place to refresh their supplies. It wasn’t until 1954 it converted completely back to freshwater.
Lake Lily feeds through the Point to Cape Island Creek and out into the Cape May Canal. It has been recognized by the National Historic Preservation Commission as one of the most historic lakes in the country.
As Cape May Point and other shore towns are prone, flooding is a major issue. Cape May Point Commissioner Robert Mullock said it might only become worse.
“We usually have about 10 minimal flooding issues but estimates say by 2030 it may increase to 30,” said Mullock. “We are now in the process of a storm mitigation project which we started in April.”
Mullock said two of the biggest problems are rotting telephone poles by the lake, as well as on a former drainage system installed approximately 20 years ago.
The borough’s mission is to keep it historically preserved, serving also as a natural habitat for its wildlife.
Bill Bidson, public works manager said, “Many non-native species are intruding in the lake, which are causing it to become shallower. We have cleared that out and intend to expand on the natural habitat. This will attract butterflies and birds.”
“Right now, the dragonflies are coming through and the monarchs are starting,” he added.
A small boardwalk is also being installed, which Mullock said conforms to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which would make lake accessibility easier.
Partners in the storm mitigation project include the Borough of Cape May Point, Cape May County Open Space and Farmland Preservation, “Friends of Lily Lake,” the Environmental Committee, the New Jersey Audubon Society and New Jersey Fish and Wildlife.
Cape May Point is part of the bird migratory path and Lake Lily is an important stopping point along the way.
“We have cranes and many others who stop to drink or catch a fish if they are lucky,” Bidson said. “If the lake isn’t suitable for them, it would be a great loss.”
Cape May Point is also home to the Cape May Bird Observatory, which attracts birders from all over the world. The World Series of Birding, organized by the New Jersey Audubon Society, is held in Cape May County every May.
The project is on schedule, the lake is 75% healthier and hopes are to have the project finished by the end of the summer.
Mullock said, “Our number one main goal is to preserve our history and keep Lake Lily as a natural habitat which will last a minimum of 50 years or maybe even 100.”