2015 Annual Report

2015 Annual Report

A non-profit organization studying, preserving and protecting wetlands and coastal ecosystems

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ABOUT US The a

Wetlands non-profit

dedicated

Institute

organization

to

appreciation,

is

promoting

understanding

and stewardship of wetlands and

coastal

through

our

ecosystems programs

in

research, conservation and education. We inspire visitors of all ages to appreciate and steward wetlands and coastal ecosystems by teaching them the

importance

of

these

systems and how they relate to their own lives. Visit our website at wetlandsinstitute. org to find out more about our programs and mission.

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Cover Photo - American Oystercatcher nest at Stone Harbor Point Restoration Site

Message from Dr. Tedesco As we look back at 2015, I am so pleased for the remarkable

the shore is nurtured by their discovery and exploration.

and unwavering support that we have enjoyed.

Your

Festivals provide opportunities for kids, families and adults

gifts and contributions have made all the difference. The

alike to explore the wonders of the marshes and coasts,

Institute has undergone a stunning transformation. The

participate in the conservation work being done, and to

research and conservation work that is being done here

find your own connection.

is important and makes a difference in the health and well-being of the marsh and coastal ecosystems that we

Whether it’s because of habitat loss, pressures from

all hold dear. The education programs touch the lives of

development, or challenges due to climate change and sea

so many children – tomorrow’s stewards. We could not

level rise, the meadows, beaches and bays are changing.

have accomplished all that we have without your belief in

Our work has never been more important.

the importance of this work – and trust that The Wetlands Institute would steward your gifts effectively.

Join us on our journey. Whether you want to get your hands dirty and work alongside us, learn about all that is

In the past few years, we have worked tirelessly to restore

being done through our education programs, or provide

storm damaged beaches, protect diamondback terrapins

the crucial financial assistance that enables it all. You are

from hazards, rescue thousands of horseshoe crabs, and

the cornerstone of all that we do.

enhance nesting habitat for sensitive beach nesting and migratory shorebirds. A common thread that permeates

We have accomplished many things.

We continue to

this work is a responsibility to understand the best ways to

make No Small Plans. Our task as we move into the next

conserve the inhabitants of these precious ecosystems and

phase of work for The Wetlands Institute is to celebrate

work to rebalance systems that are no longer in balance.

the transformation we have experienced, and focus our efforts on sharing all we have learned, and all that we do

Our education programs touch more than 16,000 kids

– with you!

each year. They are tomorrow’s stewards and their love for

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LENORE P. TEDESCO,

PHD

Executive Director

Lenore joined The Wetlands Institute in October, 2011. Since her arrival, the Institute has undergone a remarkable transformation. The Education Department has been revitalized and strengthened. School and visitor programs have been expanded and enriched. The Research and Conservation Department has been diversified and is working on projects focused on diamondback terrapins, coastal birds, wetland health, and horseshoe crab and shorebird habitat restoration programs. Volunteer programs have been enhanced to add opportunities for participation in hands on conservation programs. The Institute is doing important conservation work and translating that work through enriching education programs.

Since coming to The Wetlands Institute, Dr. Tedesco has focused her conservation activities on coastal and wetland ecosystem dynamics and restoration. She has worked to restore critical shorebird and horseshoe crab habitat on the Delaware Bayshore and in Stone Harbor. She is working to restore and enhance the Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary and has launched a wetland health monitoring program at the Institute focused on understanding marsh resilience to sea level rise.

She has a PhD from the University of Miami, Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science and a bachelor’s degree in Geology from Boston University. Prior to coming to Stone Harbor, Dr. Tedesco was a Professor in the Department of Earth Sciences at Indiana-Purdue University for 21 years. She was also the Director of the Center for Earth and Environmental Science, where she worked on wetland restoration, water resources, and environmental education projects. She has published 56 articles in scientific journals, presented more than 150 scientific papers, and given more than 160 invited lectures.

When she isn’t at the Institute, she can be found photographing nature, gardening with native plants, biking or playing pickle ball. Her door is always open and she welcomes your visit and questions.

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NEW FACES OUR STAFF Leadership:

Dr. Lenore Tedesco, Executive Director Dr. Lisa Ferguson, Director of Research & Conservation

Education:

Research Scientist

Bonnie Girard, Director of Finance and Administration

Allison joined the Institute in

Brooke Knapick, Director of Educational Program Development

April 2015 and works on coastal

Christine Mattera, Director of Marketing and Communications

Research & Conservation:

ALLISON ANHOLT

Allison Anholt, Research Scientist Brian Williamson, Research Scientist

bird studies and horseshoe crab conservation projects. Allison has worked with birds in marsh and coastal ecosystems throughout the country for the past six years.

Kaitlin Gannon, Outreach Coordinator Sue Slotterback, Environmental Educator Samantha Sorbello, Aquarist/Environmental Educator

Administration: Terrie Campbell, Financial Administrative Assistant

GLENN THOMPSON Maintenance Technician

Christina Faulk, Administrative Assistant

Glenn joined our staff in March

Joyce Ferguson, Tidepool Shop Manager

2015. He can be found most days

Charlene Smith, Gardener Stephanie Stroble, Reception/Admissions Coordinator Glenn Thompson, Maintenance Technician

maintaining the building and grounds.

Glenn has interest and experience in green building and sustainable landscapes and is working to help the Institute green its practices.

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2015 HIGHLIGHTS ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION • Over 12,126 children and young adults participated in education programs.

• 290 kids participated in Summer Nature Programs.

• 1,012 youth explored the ocean on 18 SEAS trips.

• 3,998 students from 73 schools visited the wetlands for field trips.

• 2,496 children from 22 schools had a program visit their classroom.

• 1,700 participants experienced group outreach programs.

• All children in grades K-2 (~450) from Middle Township Elementary and all children in grades K-8 (~1300) from Ocean City Schools experienced multiple education programs.

• 880 homeschoolers, scouts and local youth organizations enjoyed customized environmental education programming.

• 4,125 people interacted with The Wetlands Institute at 12 community outreach events and 3 invited talks and presentations.

• 104 Monarch butterflies were tagged and released.

• 268 pieces of artwork from 28 schools and art studios were submitted to the Junior Duck Competition.

• 4 undergraduate Environmental Education interns spent the summer delivering programs and completing a project.

RESEARCH AND CONSERVATION DIAMONDBACK TERRAPINS: • 322 terrapins rescued from roadways and returned to breeding population.

• 514 eggs saved from road killed females.

• Over 230 orphaned terrapins hatched from our incubators.

• 157 headstart terrapins released back into Cape May County salt marshes.

• 87 terrapin nests protected from predation by exclosures.

• 24 injured female terrapins rehabilitated and returned to breeding population.

• Nearly 3 miles of terrapin barrier fence repaired and maintained.

• Over 260 local storm drains monitored for trapped terrapins by 10 volunteers.

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HORSESHOE CRABS AND FISHERIES: • Hatched and released nearly 4,000 Horseshoe Crabs through aquaculture techniques.

• Conducted 21 Horseshoe Crab breeding surveys on 2 Delaware Bay beaches with the help of 45 volunteers. Over 4,250 crabs were counted.

• Rescued 5,314 Horseshoe Crabs with the help of 205 volunteers and 6 interns during 39 reTURN the Favor walks.

• Rescued over 30,500 Horseshoe Crabs on 19 beaches with the help of 8 reTURN the Favor partner organizations.

• Tagged 150 Horseshoe Crabs for U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service study.

• Maintained 23 monofilament recycling stations and recovered 4.6 pounds of discarded fishing line.

• Collected over 3,000 pieces of debris during spring and fall beach sweeps.

COASTAL BIRDS: • Monitored beach-nesting birds at Stone Harbor Point, including 21 American Oystercatcher pairs, 6 Piping Plover pairs, a Least Tern colony, and a large mixed colony of Black Skimmers, Common Terns, and Royal Terns.

• Counted over 61 species and 29,000 individuals on Ring Island during surveys.

• Monitored success of 6 nests and 11 chicks on Ring Island including American Oystercatcher, Least Tern, and Great Black-backed Gull.

• Banded 11 American Oystercatcher fledglings to track their movements over the coming years.

EDUCATION: • 6 undergraduate research interns conducted field and laboratory research in our Coastal Conservation Research Program.

• Students from 4 colleges and universities visited on field trips and attended courses at the Institute.

STONE HARBOR BIRD SANCTUARY The Wetlands Institute is working closely with the Borough of Stone Harbor to continue to restore the Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary. Whether it’s monitoring water levels in the marshes, coordinating invasive plant management projects, revitalizing the gardens with native plants, or conducting naturalistled tours, the Institute has numerous ongoing projects at the Sanctuary.

Tracking Box Turtles The eastern box turtle is a terrestrial species with a domed and hinged shell.

The unique markings on their shells mimic a mosaic of sunlight and leaves on a forest floor, where these turtles often live. This year we began a project to learn more about the eastern box turtle population living in the Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary and their habitat preferences. This is just one of many species that relies upon the upland habitat provided by the Sanctuary.

Stop to Smell the Native Plants This year, we set upon a course to revitalize the gardens at the Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary along with the Sanctuary Committee and Borough of Stone Harbor. The gardens are being refreshed with native plants that, once established, will require minimal watering. The garden composition is designed to provide critical needs to songbirds, hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators. For butterflies, the plant selections provide host plants for caterpillars to eat and nectar sources for feeding adults throughout the summer. A special emphasis has been placed on nectar availability for Monarch butterflies that migrate through Stone Harbor in August to October each year.

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RESTORING HABITAT We kept a close eye on beach-nesting birds at Stone Harbor Point this summer as part of a project to restore nesting and roosting habitat for summering and migrating birds. Elevated areas of sandy habitat were created from locally harvested sand over the winter. The elevated habitats proved attractive for the birds – American Oystercatcher, Piping Plover, Black Skimmer, Common Tern, and Royal Tern all nested on the project sites.

TRACKING BIRDS AND EDUCATING ON THE BEACH We also banded American Oystercatcher chicks with orange color bands so that their movements and survival can be tracked for years to come. Our beach stewards helped to make sure the nesting birds were safe from human disturbance. We look forward to continuing beach-nesting bird monitoring at Stone Harbor Point this summer, and are pleased to be partnering with NJ Audubon Society, Niles and Associates, Conserve Wildlife Foundation, NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife, and The Borough of Stone Harbor on this project.

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RUSSIA-USA WETLAND CENTER EXCHANGE PROGRAM The Wetlands Institute, Wetland Link International, and Wetlands International Russia teamed up to generate a beneficial international dialogue between wetland centers in the US and Russia. This project was funded by a grant from the US State Department and brought staff from wetland centers in the US and Russia together to share best practices and approaches in environmental education, support the development of effective outreach and education activities, and directly link peers to foster greater cultural understanding.

Six wetland centers equally divided between the US and Russia were chosen for participation in the project and included a diverse array of centers from different geographic regions and varied areas of expertise and educational focus. Through a series of full immersion exchange visits, all participating US and Russian wetland centers were able to travel abroad to visit their partner centers and spend several days exploring commonalities and sharing ideas for new programs and initiatives, exhibits and signage and community involvement. An international conference was held at The Wetlands Institute this fall. The conference brought all participating wetland centers together to explore lessons learned, discuss best practice approaches for using social media, data sharing and outreach to further environmental education, and produce a bilingual best practices manual for use in wetland centers in both countries. Extending our education programs to an international level is an important step in The Wetlands Institute’s development and provides a solid foundation for future international collaborations.

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25 YEARS OF TERRAPIN CONSERVATION 2015 marked The Wetlands Institute’s 25th year of patrolling local roadways to document the impacts of vehicles on diamondback terrapin populations. Each year, we patrol 38 miles of coastal roads during the nesting season when vehicle use is at its peak. Data collected during our patrols have revealed the scale of the threat roads pose to terrapins nearly 500 female terrapins on average are killed each year on patrolled roadways. Each year we also save hundreds of terrapins from harm on the roads, help numerous injured terrapins, and release head-started terrapins back to the marsh. Collectively, in 2015, our terrapin team, comprised of staff, interns, volunteers and community friends, came across 736 nesting females along our patrol route, which included 322 terrapins that we were able to save from harm.

Our work didn’t end with the summer. In the winter, we hit the water to locate and remove derelict crab traps, known as ghost traps, that entrap and drown terrapins. The work is challenging but comes with the immediate reward of knowing that we are improving the habitat conditions for terrapins, one trap at a time. With continued threats of road mortality, nest predation, derelict crab traps, and habitat loss, the work of The Wetlands Institute is crucial to making sure these diamonds of the marsh have healthy populations for generations to come.

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TERRAPINS IN THE CLASSROOM Terrapins in the Classroom is a state-sponsored program that brings terrapin conservation and education activities into classrooms statewide. Each year, with partial funding through the Disney Conservation Fund, The Wetlands Institute trains and supports teachers who raise terrapin hatchlings with their students for the duration of the school year. These headstarted terrapins, that originated from eggs rescued during our road patrols, become central for lessons in the classroom and beyond. At the end of the year, they are released to their home in our marshes.

A JEWEL OF A TEACHING TOOL In 2012, with support from the Disney Conservation Fund, The Wetlands Institute hosted a select group of teachers for an intensive training as part of the Terrapin Conservation Project. These teachers developed classroom learning activities based on terrapin biology and conservation for their respective grades.

This past year, the Education Department leveraged these initial efforts to create a comprehensive terrapinbased curriculum. By enhancing existing lessons, adding new activities, incorporating Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) principles, and covering concepts ranging from the characteristics of reptiles to laws and regulations to terrapin genetics, this new curriculum is the perfect complement to the Terrapins in the Classroom program.

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HORSESHOE CRABS AMONG US reTURN the Favor The reTURN the Favor program works to make the beaches of New Jersey safer for the hundreds of thousands of horseshoe crabs that spawn annually between May and July on the Delaware Bayshore. For the second year in a row, the program rescued over 30,000 crabs with the help of its partners and trained volunteers. Many of the rescued crabs had been overturned by wave action, or trapped in natural or manmade structures such as jetties or old housing structures.

The Wetlands Institute is proud to be on the Steering Committee of this state-sanctioned program and to be helping lead the way for people in New Jersey to get involved in horseshoe crab conservation. Eight other organizations sponsor important spawning beaches. Over 200 people joined the Institute for our program walks this season, and helped us rescue over 5,000 crabs at our sponsored beaches. Projects to remove hazards identified by this program are an important part of the work.

EXTREME MAKEOVER: HORSESHOE CRAB AND SHOREBIRD EDITION Only at The Wetlands Institute can you touch a live horseshoe crab, visit a horseshoe crab egg hatchery and see wild horseshoe crabs in the salt marsh creek all in one visit. Seeing an opportunity to infuse more horseshoe crab conservation into existing education programs, The Wetlands Institute Education Department redesigned and reintroduced our popular Horseshoe Crabs and Shorebird field trip program for the start of the 2015-2016 school year.

This redeveloped program features student use of skills such as math, data analysis, data interpretation, and research methods and techniques, while introducing new concepts such as energy/metabolism, struggles of migrating animals, and species interdependence. Of course, no program would be complete without a live horseshoe crab interaction or two!

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SEEING LIFE IN THE SALT MARSH A BIRD’S EYE VIEW The installation of three live video cameras atop The Wetlands Institute’s iconic tower, offer unparalleled views of the marsh and a unique addition to the Institute’s research and education programs. Each of the cameras offer a distinctive vista – one looks to the southeast and includes the salt marsh trail and elevated marsh walkway, another provides sweeping views of the marsh to the south of The Wetlands Institute, and the third offers a long range view of our popular osprey nesting platform. These cameras supplement the existing osprey nest camera, which allowed us to closely observe this year’s fledgling osprey, Chance, until she ultimately left for warmer climates. During the nesting period, the cameras received an unprecedented 43,923 views!

MARSH MONITORING Salt marshes provide important habitat for birds and other wildlife during nesting and migration. Bird monitoring at Ring Island, the marsh island in our backyard, was initiated this spring following experimental marsh restoration in August 2014. Marsh restoration and habitat creation used dredge materials in two ways: two thin layer areas increased marsh elevation and elevated area provides nesting habitat for the Black Skimmer, a statelisted endangered bird, and other species. Over the course of the year, we documented 61 species and over 29,000 birds using Ring Island. We also conducted focused surveys of the Black Skimmer habitat and monitored the many species that used the site. Nesting species included American Oystercatcher, Least Tern, Great Black-backed Gull, diamondback terrapins and horseshoe crabs. Work continues in 2016.

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TRAINING TOMORROW’S SCIENTISTS This year, the Coastal Conservation Research

Shane McFoy, Philadelphia University

Program (CCRP) internship continued its

Shane studied the dynamic of salt pannes

objective to provide undergraduate students

around our property and the patterns of fish-

an immersive, summer learning experience in

eating bird use within the pannes.

conservation and research. Six interns joined seminars, and the chance to take part in our

Cate O’Neill, St. Mary’s College of Maryland

on-going terrapin, horseshoe crab, and bird

Cate explored the prevalence and abundance

studies. A highlight of the program is the unique

of a trematode parasite in the digestive tract of

opportunity for CCRP interns to develop and

terrapins collected at different locations along

conduct their own research projects, complete

our road patrol route.

us for professional development training and

with field elements and data analysis. At the present results of their projects at our annual

Matthew Sehrsweeney, University of Michigan

Intern Symposium.

Matthew used a novel technique, bioacoustics,

culmination of the program, CCRP interns

to detect differences in laughing gull densities CCRP intern projects from 2015 included:

at the colony on Ring Island.

Lindsay Diehl, Elizabethtown College

Jennifer Terry, Bucknell University

Lindsay measured the elevation of terrapin

Jennifer

nests and evaluated the effect of body condition

terrapins over an 11-year period and assessed

and substrate saturation on nest fate.

how nesting terrapins respond to human

examined

disturbance

Lauryn Freedman, University of Massachusetts, Amherst Lauryn conducted a presence/absence and site characteristic study of potential spawning locations for horseshoe crabs in the backbays of southern New Jersey.

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property.

on

nest

The

site

Wetlands

fidelity

of

Institute’s

MENTORING THE NEXT GENERATION OF EDUCATORS A cornerstone of the Education Department

new interactive activities that highlight the

is

complete phenological cycle of the osprey,

mentoring

environmental

the

next

educators.

generation Part

of

of this

while

providing

visitors

with

mentorship asks our education interns to

understanding of osprey behavior.

develop and implement an education project

Joseph Seebode, College of the Holy Cross

of their choosing that will ultimately hone their program development skills, which are essential to creating fundamentally successful

Sustainability

and

a

holistic

Stewardship

in

programs within the field of environmental

Action

education. Completed projects were presented

water conservation as a way to promote

at both the Intern Symposium and Water

environmental

Awareness Day held in August.

rain barrels, creating a rain barrel educational

Mary Birrer, Rutgers University

- Joseph focused his project on sustainability

by

installing

pamphlet and spearheading a Water Awareness Day that featured kid-friendly environmental

The Evolution of Marion’s Gardens - Mary’s

stewardship pledges, and a social media

project focused on increasing the educational

campaign, #DifferenceMakerTWI.

characteristics of the Institute gardens, known

Hannah Sinclair, Medgar Evers College

as Marion’s Gardens, by creating 25 new plant identification signs; redesigning the dedication

Kaleidoscope of Worlds within Worlds - Hannah

sign for Marion’s Gardens; and creating a

developed a new Science Feature that allows

brochure identifying several common invasive

kids to explore the ‘unseen’ world of plankton

species of Cape May County and native

– the kaleidoscope of worlds within worlds.

alternatives.

This program utilizes modern technology tools

Jacob Lipton, Stockton University

like digital smartphone microscopes, plankton nets and 3D models and a unique educational

Revitalizing the Osprey Learning Station - In

approach incorporating visual, interactive and

efforts to create a stronger visitor impression

documentation techniques.

and enhance the year-round appeal of the osprey learning station exhibit, Jacob created 15

CONNECTING PEOPLE WITH NATURE EDUCATING BEYOND THE MARSH Every summer, the Education Department expands public programming beyond the borders of the marsh and offers weekly programs in Stone Harbor, Avalon and Ocean City. Partnering with local businesses and municipalities, The Wetlands Institute is able to conduct engaging, naturalist or docent-led programs on the beaches of Stone Harbor Point, along the Avalon Dune and Beach Trail, in the back-bays of Ocean City and through the wooded trails of the Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary. These unique programs highlight local conservation efforts and research projects, showcase the ecological diversity of South Jersey, and are enjoyed by hundreds of adults and children each year. Join in the experience!

HANDS ON, FEET WET! With over 12,125 children and young adults, from nearly 125 schools and youth organizations, participating in formal education programs with The Wetlands Institute, 2015 was truly a record breaking and hands on, feet wet year! Whether seining during a Wetlands Ecology field trip or otter trawling during a Science Education at Sea (SEAS) program, visiting students are fully immersed in enriching science and environmental education. In an effort to keep outdoor learning experiences accessible to all students, The Wetlands Institute continues to offer all expenses paid scholarships to worthy schools for participation in education programs. This year, 5 scholarships were granted, affording over 300 deserving students the opportunity to explore the wonders of the marsh.

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A SALUTE TO MORE THAN 40 YEARS OF SERVICE – LEE HARP Lee Harp stepped up to serve The Wetlands Institute hours after it was dedicated and has served with passion and dedication ever since. Lee retired from the Board of Trustees in October and he will be sorely missed.

Lee is most well-known for his long tenure chairing the Research and Conservation Committee and being a persistent advocate for the Diamondback Terrapin Conservation Program. He is most proud of the Institute’s intern program and the number of students that have gone on to have successful careers in conservation. In recognition of Lee’s commitment and passion for the Institute, the Board of Trustees conferred upon Lee the honor of inclusion among individuals noted for Exceptional Giving. Lee is only the 4th member so included and is listed alongside the great leaders and contributors to the success of the Institute. We miss him every day.

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR Our volunteers give of themselves and bring with them their skills, abilities, and compassion and ask for nothing in return. Their commitment to the Institute is an inspiration to all of us.

During our annual Volunteer Appreciation event in October, we recognize our volunteers for their selfless dedication. One of these individuals was Diane McFadden. Diane was named Volunteer of the Year for having donated 230 hours to the Institute in 2015. She always has a smile and her contributions mean so much. Thank you Diane and all of our wonderful volunteers!

CITIZEN CONSERVATIONIST AWARD The 2015 Citizen Conservation Award was presented to Donna Rothman – a year-round volunteer at The Wetland Institute and a true voice for conservation in her community. For over ten years, she has served as a Summer Docent and Aquarium Care Volunteer. She is informative, passionate and committed to educating the public about the plants and animals in the salt marsh, while instilling in them the need for environmental stewardship and conservation. Donna is a wonderful collaborator, mentor and educator and we truly appreciate her commitment and dedication to her community and The Wetlands Institute.

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IN A DONOR’S WORDS THE NATURAL WORLD IS IMPORTANT TO ME Having been a member of The Wetlands Institute for over fifteen years, I decided to include The Wetlands Institute in my estate planning. The natural world of the shore is both enjoyable and important to me.

As a young child, I loved being outside! Nature was a big part of my life. My grandmother could catch a fly in flight and would say “We have to put this fly outside because it is part of nature’s big plan.”

I bought a small house in Stone Harbor in 1998. My heart bursts with gratitude for my little home. While there I walk to the beach as often as possible. It’s paradise. I am so thankful for The Wetlands Institute. With every visit I learn something new. The staff and volunteers are superb. Their dedication to education, research and conservation is so evident. Through tireless efforts, they encourage humanity to blend, to coexist with nature’s fragile web.

I have never been able to catch a fly like my grandmother, but I can be a small part of the Herbert Mills Legacy Society and be proud of that. As a mother and grandmother, I want the Institute to be an ongoing part of my family’s life and continue their work which benefits us all.

Evelyn Rider Herbert Mills Legacy Society Member

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REFLECTIONS FROM OUR CHAIRMAN On behalf of the Board of Directors, I am pleased to share our accomplishments in 2015. In the last few years, the Institute has experienced amazing growth in professionalism, capability and reputation. Under Lenore’s leadership, it has become widely, even internationally respected for its scientific expertise and innovative educational programming.

We are grateful to be able to share our excitement about all of these new projects and directions with you.

There is, however, another element to all of this and for me it is very personal. As a youth, I enjoyed countless hours wandering across the wetlands behind my family’s home on Jenkins Sound. I would fish and crab. I had my own oyster beds. I would sail across Jenkins Sound, through the tidal creeks to get to Stone Harbor to join my friends at the beach.

Along the way, the wetlands would engage my senses. I would listen to the birds and the sounds of the wind and water. I would watch the tides rise and fall; the weather and the sky; the sunrises and sunsets; the small creatures inhabiting the marshes. I was in many ways a child of these wetlands and it has always been a part of me. I have never lost my sense of wonder as I gaze across the open spaces of our wetlands. I am still filled with a sense of awe.

Now I am older, more educated, and hopefully a little wiser. I better understand the fragile nature of this place and the vulnerability and challenges that face it. So I have made a commitment to it. To this wonderful place that is so much a part of me. I understand that the only way to save it is through science, and research and education. I also know that no individual can do these things alone. It takes the involvement of so many dedicated people.

So lets go back 50 summers and picture in your mind - just for a moment – a young boy with a pack on his back, a floppy hat, dark glasses, a sunburned nose, mud on his legs and sneakers, an even muddier dog at his side.

The boy is captivated by his surroundings. He is looking. He is listening. He is watching. Always watching.

Always listening.

So I ask you to join me in this mission - to save this place for future generations to visit and enjoy, and yes even grow up in.

Raymond M. Burke, III Chairman 19

2015 BOARD OF TRUSTEES Raymond M. Burke, Chairman - President, Burke Motor Group - Director, Sturdy Savings Bank Deborah A. Hays, Vice Chairman - Attorney/Partner, Archer & Greiner Anne Galli, Secretary – Retired, Environmental Educator – Vice Chair,

New Jersey Commission on Environmental Education Jane Rakestraw, Treasurer - Retired, VP Human Resources, Saks Fifth Avenue NY Jeffrey Alderton - Senior Partner, Deloitte Consulting Michael Craig - Owner, The Washington Inn John Cuthbert - Retired Physicist, Technical Manager, Bell Laboratories Roberta DeVries - Philadelphia Zoo Travel Planner & Program Coordinator James Donohue, Chair Governance Committee - Retired Partner, White and Williams, LLP John Flynn - Retired, NJ DEP/Green Acres Program, State Trails Coordinator Lois Hamilton, Chair Education Committee - Community Volunteer C. Lee Harp – Of Counsel, Attorney/Partner, Archer & Greiner Dorothy Ives-Dewey, Ph.D., Chair Research and Conservation Committee - Professor of

Geography and Planning, West Chester University Daniel Klem, Jr. Ph.D. - Professor of Biology & Sarkis Acopian Professor of

Ornithology and Conservation Biology, Muhlenberg College, PA Mary M. Millar - Principal, Avalon Flooring G. Wayne Renneisen, Chair Finance Committee - Retired Attorney,

Harvey, Pennington, Cabot, Griffith & Renneisen, LTD

Robert Rich - Owner/Broker Coldwell Banker Otton Real Estate Henry E. Schellenger, Chair Development Committee - President/CEO, DelWeb LLC

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“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”

- Helen Keller

DONORS

Names marked with an asterisk (*) are members of our Loyalty Society

$50,000 and up Davenport Family Foundation

$25,000 to $49,999 Bert Devries*

$10,000 to $24,999 Anonymous* Ray and Ellen Burke* Disney Conservation Fund Lee and Nicky Harp* Bob and Sally Herd* Mary Millar* Steen Outdoor Advertising Jim and Barbara Summers* Ken and Diane Watterson

$5,000 to $9,999 Avalon Flooring* Michael Craig Glenmede Trust Co, NA Barry and Lois Hamilton* Jim and Susan Handy John Millar Jim and Hannah Miller* Julian and Betsy Miraglia PA Lumbermens Mutual Ins. Co PSEG Foundation Wayne and Kay Renneisen* Chip and Nancy Roach* Hank and Julie Schellenger* Sturdy Savings Bank* Karen Welke Spike Yoh

$2,500 to $4,999 Jeff and Lee Alderton Archer & Greiner, PC Atlantic City Electric John and Muriel Cuthbert*

Connie Dent Jim and Carol Donohue* Mike and Debbie Hays* Hays Sheet Metal, Inc Lang Rogers Family Foundation Pennsylvania Trust Company Princeton Strategic Communications PSEG Services Corporation* Jane Rakestraw* South Jersey Industries Subaru of America Inc The Reeds at Shelter Haven Sam and Joann Thomas

$1,000 to $2,499 AGP Holdings, L.L.C. Sallie Arning Atlanticare Mark and Ann Baiada John and Julie Barnoski Jack and Dorothy Berrigan Peter and Claudia Beyda Cape Bank Charitable Foundation* Bev Cassidy* Dick and Angela Clark Ben and Maggie Crisman* Dennis Dutton* EarthShare of New Jersey* Eden Charitable Foundation* Barbara Eckhardt* Louis and Nina Eni Fitzpatrick,Bongiovanni & Kelly, PC Foster-Karney Foundation Fund Cameron and Diane Fowler* Joan Galli* Andy and Rosemary Georganna* Greenspring Associates Joanne Greenspun Ann Gundry Hafetz & Associates Dick and Dottie Irrgang*

Joseph Jehl John Lazarich Foundation* Ed and Meredith Jones* Kindle Ford Mercury Lincoln, Inc.* Lucky Bones Backwater Grille Michael and Teresa Mallon* Marsh & McLennan Agency LLC Joseph and Kathy Mattos* John and Anne Mazzo* Bill and Anita McMahon* Marge Moretzsohn* Jim and Jeannie Morris Tony and Victoria Ostrander Jim and Diana Perella* Prospect Mortgage Bob and Josee Rich Tim and Cindy Roach Scarborough Properties Richard Schmollinger R.J. and Sara Soens Greg and Emily Stahl Stone Harbor Golf Club Lenore Tedesco and Nancy Fribley The Cleveland Family Foundation The Red Store Union League of Philadelphia Wawa Philip and Amy Welsh Will and Jennifer Wermuth Yacht Club Of Stone Harbor P.J. Yeatman Ken and Jennifer Zeigler*

$500 to $999 7 Mile Publishing and Creative, LLC Steve and Susan Ahern AM Resorts Lee and Jim Amigh* Atlantic City Country Club Avalon Home and Landowners Assoc.

John and Sylvia Baer

Bass Pro Shops Wally and Patricia Bishop* Brown & Brown of New Jersey, Inc. Jim and Ali Bruder Audrey Buckingham* Cape May Winery Joanne Carrocino Tim and Rose Clay Joseph and Jeannie Colalillo* Cold Spring Fish and Supply Co., Inc. Marge Corson* Therese and Robert Esperdy Heather Evans Lew and Joyce Ferguson* Ritson and Julie Ferguson Alan and Michele Ferner* Loretta Finnegan* Terry and Lynn Fortino Anne Galli* Mr. and Mrs. Richard Gleason Glenn Insurance Barry and Peggy Grass* Greate Bay Resort & Country Club Harbor Outfitters Mary Louise Hartman Cole and Diane Henry Timothy Hughes Ian Somerhalder Foundation Rault Kehlor Linda Keil Rick and Lizann Killmeyer* David and Teri Kratz* William and Pat Lamb Jennifer Lavin Jim and Ann Lim Lund’s Fisheries, Inc. Mad Batter Restaurant Andy and Roxanne Majka Henry and Mary Mayer Terry and Betty McCabe Bill and Janis McCracken* Stephen Miller* 21

DONORS Andy and Lynn Moceri Moselem Springs Golf Club Matthew and Julie Mueller Greg and Linda Osberg Fay Oxenreider Michael Powers Vickie Rosskam William and Catherine Ruhling Ron and Elaine Sandmeyer* Skimmer Tours, LLC John and Patti Staley* Stone Harbor Chamber of Commerce Robert and Susan Tafel* Roy and Susan Tedesco The Howard G. and Frances Y. Jones Fund Vincent and Patricia Trosino Larry Wehr* Patti Weiser Wildwood Golf & Country Club Bob and Roz Williams* Fred and Carolyn Wood* Roger Wood Ron and Ruth Workman* Janice Zimmerman

$250 to $499 Suzanne Aptman Bob and Joyce Asher* Pete and Bonnie Ault Pat Begley Blue Heron Pines Golf Club Kim Boylan Chris and Leslie Branda* Christopher and Patricia Brown Dan and Eileen Brown Kenny Brown* Bob and Linda Bugden Gregory and Regina Carolan Stephen T Chase Bob and Lisa Clark* Concord Suites* Phil and Jean Dahlen* 22

Bill and Hilary Dahms* Joseph and April Denny* John and Dottie Dewey Paul and Anne Disdier and Family Bill and Jan Dougherty* Frank Dunn Stephen and Roseanne Duzinski Michael and Michelle English Glen Ferguson Donna and Jack Ferraioli Clifford and Alexis Finkle John Flynn and Kathe Hocevar Marian Frank* Bill and Linda Furge Ned and Sharon Galbally Rob Gannon Wendy Garthwaite* Norma Jean Geesey* Ed and Vonne Geiger Glenn Insurance, Inc. Green Cuisine* David Grimes Stephen and Mary Ann Gring* Chris and Kathy Gubanich* Bob and Amy Hall* Rob and Lisa Hamilton Harbor Pines Golf Club Graysha Harris* Michael and Ann Henahan* Doug and June Heun Harry and Veronica Hoplamazian Ed and Josie Hueber* Bob and Tracey Ivey Joseph and Anne Jacovini Edward Jones Quincy and Nori Jones* Gary and Pamela Kern Charles and Sandra Koenig* Chuck and Donna Kosteva Valerie Kristinus Laura Kunewa Tom and Candy Kurlak

Carol Lane* Gregory Lane Mike Lawrysh Thomas, Kecia Lee and Cailey Cammarata Paul Leiser Little Mill Country Club Charley and Kay Livingston* Phyllis Lowe* Jay Mallon Edward McAssey Dave and Val McClung McCullough’s Emerald Golf Links Wally McMichael Kathleen McNicholas* Julie Mealo David and Eileen Merlin Nancy Moyer Hector Negroni and Kimberly Weil Bruce and Linda Nicholson* Kathleen O’Dea Tim and Marianne O’Shaughnessy* John Ounsworth and Carol Haynes Wayne and Anne Parker* Deborah Payson Tony and Mary Petrick Steve Pfeiffer Dick Pike* Rich and Carol Redeker Michael and Jane Rice Evelyn Rider* Susan Riepen Elizabeth Rita Nancy Roberts Sallie and Rick Robinson Sharon and John Rothwell Sand Barrens Golf Club Bob Scott Seaville Religious Society of Friends Carolyn Seidle Jeff and Ann Semmer Jeff and Carolyn Serfass

Peter Kelly and Heidi Setz-Kelly* John and Charlotte Sideravage* Eileen Smalfus* George and Joyce Steele* Ray and April Stercula Jack Stoner* Philip Stonier* Nancy Storer* William Studt and Susan Frey Ronald and Carol Stump Summer House Design Group Bud and Claire Thalman Michele Thompson Ellsworth Thorndike Charlie and Sherry Tomlinson Tim and Beth Toolen John and Kathy Tunnell* Pat Turbett Norm and Suzy Veasey* Herman Voellm* Kenneth and Carol Walck* Chuck and Carol Walsh* Greg and Joanne Willis* Laura Wilson and Mark Menting Joseph and Ann Marie Zaladonis*

$100 to $249 A.J. Meerwald Richard and Linda Adams* Nedra Adelizzi Jim and Pat Agger* Michelle Andrews Anonymous Aqua Trails Bert and Jillian Archer David and Janet Atkinson* Avalon Free Public Library Avalon Golf Club Avenues to Independent Living William and Bernice Ayers Louis Bachmann Bob and Diana Bachmann

DONORS Henry Bain Dorothy Bair* Paige Bannan Beachcomber Camping Resort Alexander Berol* Andrew Blair Ralph Boerner and Betsy Wrobel-Boerner Sharon Bojcik Jim and Debbie Bolognese Brian Borak* Mary Ellen and Bill Bowen* Lynn Bowlby David Boyer Carroll Boylan Darryl and Bev Breniser John and Roseanne Bretherick Andrew Brooks and Cassandra Naylor Brooks June Brophy Ashley Brown Lawrence and Suzanne Brown Margot Brubaker Harriet Burg* Cafe Loren Stew and Terrie Campbell Cape May Whale Watch Jim and Beth Carll Bill Carney* Marc Carpenter Jolynn Carroll Jerome and Judith Casciani Everett Cassel and Lucina Johnson* Bruce Cassidy Lenny and Cindy Catanoso Ed and Laura Caterson* Joan Cavalier* John and Teresa Cavenagh Kathleen Chancler and Richard McMonigle Sandra, Anne and Ava Lord Christos* Tom Cifaloglio Anthony and JoAnne Ciferni John and Dorothy Clapham*

Brian and Julie Clements Steve and Carolyn Cloetingh Geoff Coe Robert and Deborah Cohen Dennis and Geraldine Colgan* John and Jacqueline Connor Wayne and Sue Conrad Mary Lois Cooper Osman and Edith Corson* Gerrie Crudele* Marie Cwik* Won and Jhin Cynn Paul and Nancy Daggett* Doug and Dottie Davidson* Lorna Davis James and Sallie Davis* Ken and Nancy Davis Christina Deaver Paul and Carolyn DeLong Diane Detweiler Tom Detweiler and Maria Hackney Jack and Robby Devery Drew and Christine Devitt Anthony Dimarco Diving Horse Restaurant Jack and Lorraine Dodson Joann Dolan Donna’s Place Barbara Driscoll Carlos Duarte Judee and Brian Dunn Ebbitt Room/Virginia Hotel Judith Ehlerman* Wendy Eisenhofer John and Iris Jane Enberg Joanne English* Gregory and Lori English Linda Everett Paul and Rosemarie Fahey Rose Faralli and Michael Stein David and Alexandra Farber Christina Faulk

Jim and Nancy Faulk Elaine Faulkner Joe and Donna Ferrier William and Sherry Flippen Alan Ford and Elaine Braccio* Jean Forstenhausler* Mary Foukleva John Fowler and Beverly Williams Alice Fox Terry and Lawrence Frangiosa Benjamin and Stephanie Frick* Fuze Italian Anthony and Florence Galatola Joe and Kathy Gallagher* John Gallagher Matthew Garamone and Adreinne Booth Garden Greenhouse and Nursery Stuart and Joan Gaul John Gaydos and Dawn Pistilli Gary and Laura Gehman* James and Margaret Geiling* The Geisel Family* George and Martha Hodges Foundation* Katie Gifford Gilbane Building Company Bob and Bonnie Girard Joyce Gitin The Glenn Family John and Suzanne Glomb John and Diane Gobeil Lisa Godwin and the girls from Avalon Golden Inn Patricia Greenwood* Caren Greisman Vince and Valerie Guida John and Cecelia Hallinan* Greg and Debbie Hamilton Peter Harp James and Melody Hartbauer George and Nancy Hassel* Gerry and Pat Haughey John and Pat Hayden*

Sam and Margaret Hayes Alexa Hays Stephanie Hays Martha Hays and Richard Horwitz Mary Hays Philip and Ruth Heck Jennifer and David Heckler Alan Heisel Martha Heller Stacey Helmers Steven Hepding and Deborah McGough* Robert and Mary Lou Hesser Charles and Judy Heuisler* Thomas and Melissa Hinkle John Hinkle Sue Hoffman Joseph and Augusta Hogan Peter Holter Tim and Ginny Horn Julie Horowitz Helen Hovdesven Josephine Hueber Sonya Hulbert* Holly Hummel Harry and Marybeth Hurley* Lynne Ives* Torrie and Charlie Jenkins Peter and Kathleen Jespersen Jessie Creek Winery Kenneth and Barbara Johnston* David Juras Henry and Helen Justi Tac and Melinda Justi Frank and Mimi Keeley* Thomas and Carol Keightley* Robert Keith* Bob Kelly Richard Kent* Stephen Kepchar* Kathleen Kilkuskie Michael and Jaclyn Kirchhoff Todd and Ellen Klein* 23

DONORS Ryan and Brooke Knapick James and Marie Koegel* Stephen and Betty Lou Kosloski Bev Kovacs Mitchell and Eileen Kowal* John Kowchak Gina Kozek and the Bunco Group Karen Koziara Patricia and Larry Kraft Joan Kramar Larry and Bonnie Kratzer Kellie Krause Cary and Lisa Kravet Larry and Utta Kravet Maurie Kring Joanne Kubacke Walter and Lois Kushla* Anita LaPlaca Joe and Frankie Lastowka* Bill and Anna Lauth* Bill and Carol Lehman Michael and Jan Lemert* Jon LeVeen and Mary McPherson* Milton and Elizabeth Levy Brian and Heather Lineaweaver Arthur and Alice Lintgen Carolann Littzi Janice Lloyd Joseph and Joann Loeper Maurice and Adrianna LoPiccolo Michelle Louden Kevin and Marci Lutsky Kevin Lux Wilbert and Nancy Lyons* Bob and Gail MacFarland* Larry and Mickey Magid Arthur Mann and Diane Cribbs Mann Titica Manolukas and Lilanna Andre Bucky and Jane Mansuy Charles Mapes* Elizabeth Martin Albert and Lucretia Mathis 24

Chuck and Lynn Matthews Michael and Kristy Mattise Marjorie Mattos* John Maurello Ed May John and Megan May Jay and Nancy Mayes Leonard and Helena Mazur John Dent and Pam McBride Dent Greg and Jennifer McClure Robert and Carol McCook Suzanne McGowan Georganne McIntyre Rod and Margaret McLaughlin Mari McLean and Ann James* John and Lisa McNichol Thomas and Georgianna Melzer Judy Merlin Joseph and Gloria Meschino John and Nancy Michalski* Middle Township High School Kerry Miller Laura Miller Hal Miller Ralph and Esther Milnes Carol Miner* Hugo and Linda Monformoso* MTHS Go Green Club Mildred Morgan* Larry and Debbie Morier Jeff and Jenny Morris* Albert and Patricia Morrison Joe and Gail Moss Daniel Mowday* David and Joanne Moyer Joan Murray* Brian Murray Cassandra Naylor* Joseph and Judith Newby* Chuck Newcomer Diana Newton Rich Noon

Anna and Christopher Norton Matthew O’Brien Jackie Ohls Andrew and Phyllis Orochena* Craig and Lauren Otton Adolf Paier* Richard and Janet Palmerchuck* Betty Papastavros and Christina Fay* Bernadette Park Steve and Deidre Parker Marya and Carlos Parral Ray and Bunny Parzych* Gabriel and Rose Marie Pascuzzi* Jan and Mark Pask* Davis and Mittie Pearson* John and Marie Peltier* James and Barbara Penders* Allyn Penkethman Michele Peruto Peter Shields Restaurant Rich and Sally Petro Leonard Pfeiffer and Anna Gunnarsson Philadelphia Zoo Thomas and Virginia Phillips* Cynthia Pisciotta Steve Popowski Seymour and Jean Preston* Jane Prinski Janice Pruch Chris and Robin Pruitt Michael and Ann Ramage William and Emma Raupp* William and Gail Remo* Brian and Mary Reynolds* Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Riley Eleanor Ritchie Christine Roach William Roberts Rob and Carolyn Robertson* Lee Robinson John and Ruth Rosser* Craig and Donna Rothman*

Philip and Patricia Rowland Herman and Dot Saatkamp* Mark and Rebecca Sadowski Anil Sahukar, Ellen Blair and Family Ferd and Molly Sauereisen James Schellenger Susan and Stephen Schmidt Joe and Leslie Schneid Louis and Cynthia Schweickhardt* Seashore Ace Shades of Stone Harbor Mr. and Mrs. Sharkey Katherine Shaw Barbara and Al Sherwood Hilary and Ray Sisson Charles and Mary Jane Slugg* Jack and Maryellen Smiley Betsy Smith Scott and Gloria Smith Randolph Snook Leslie Sours Springers Homemade Ice Cream Halsey and Gretchen Spruance* Mark and Dorice Stancher Allison Stattner Melanie Stein Steve & Cookies by the Bay Rich and Judy Stingle Stone Harbor Elementary School Tim and Kristen Stout* Stewart and Phyllis Stroble Stephanie Stroble Bill and Cheryl Struble Christopher and Samantha Sullivan Mike Surak David and Regina Surdam Sustainable Jersey Joel and Susan Swanson Linda Swick Mary Switch Meredith Szymelewicz Cindy Tang

DONORS Phil and Phyllis Tedesco Mike Templeton The Miss Avalon The Nature Conservancy Thrivent Financial for Lutherans* TOA Reinsurance Company of America Ashley and Robert Tobin Michael Toner Townsend Inlet Yacht Club John and Stephanie Trinkl* Tropicana Casino Chris Tsiouris Janet Tucker Luther and Cordelia Tucker Delina Tumolo* Bob Turkelson Jon Unkicevich and Julia Colarusso John Vaccaro Earl and Lauren Vitelli Samuel Vrooman* Catherine Ann Wagner* Robert and Margaret Wagner Helen Wallace Suzanne Walters Michael and Susan Weed* Sandra Weidner* Sharon Weimar Ben and Carol Weimer* Stock Weinstock and Beth Graybill Matt and Fran Whichard* Diane Whitebay Charles and Linda Whitman* Drake and Sandra Williams* Windrift Resort Hotel Holly Winton Charles and Susan Wolfe George Woodward Mike and Katie Wooters Nick Zedonek Charlie and Kathy Zepka Martha Ziskind Greg and Paula Zollner

Gifts in Honor of

Gifts in Memory of

Herbert Mills Legacy Society

Recognizing all of our friends who All the Staff and Volunteers Alberta Appleby have included us their estate plans, Armed Forces Lee D. Arning † Deceased past and present.

Steve Ahern Virginia Bruce Ruth E. Bruce Francis Dennis Jim and Lee Amigh Ray Burke John DeVries Ruth H. Berry † Nicholas Carini Joanne Ditullio Anonymous Marge Corson Rose Frahm Dr. Constance Dent Donna Dawes Mary V. Gannon John † and Roberta DeVries Roberta Dean Irene Jameson Richard † and Barbara Eckhardt Roberta DeVries Helen and Harry John Marion Glaspey † Patsy Earles Joseph Lasprogata Maxine G. Haneman Heather Gee Amy Austin Lukens Lee and Nicky Harp Abe Gleason and Shanna Dunn Gleason Joan McAndrew Bob and Sally Herd Barry and Lois Hamilton D.L. Miner, Sr Joseph E. LaVance, Jr. † Lois Hamilton Stan Moore Bill and Janis McCracken Lee Harp Shirley Moyer Mary Millar David Kirsh Betty O’Toole Fay J. Oxenreider Carol Lane John D. Ohls Jane Rakestraw Joan McAndrew Bridget Ann Park Wayne and Kay Renneisen Mary Jo Monk Kathy Pascale Evelyn A. Rider Margery Moretzsohn Charles and Gail Poliero Sam † and Nancy Roberts, Sr. John D. Ohls Izzie Rohrbaugh Joyce Robinson Bridget Park Patricia Schroeder Donna and Craig Rothman Anne and Wayne Parker Kathryn and Timothy Stonier Jim and Barbara Summers Doris Raker Helen and Fred Sutliff Dr. Albert E. Wood † Tim and Cindy Roach Howard Zoeltsch Jennifer (Jacobs) Zeigler Izzie Rohrbaugh Barbara Rooney Lenore Tedesco The Doyle Family Vincent Trosino We wish to acknowledge all those who supported our mission Charlie and Mary Valentine Dr. Albert Wood throughout the year. Since space in this book is limited, we have posted a more Brian Zogas

Thank you!

complete list of donors and volunteers on our website at wetlandsinstitute.org

Why Does Your Gift Matter? Ever wonder how your gifts impact our work? You can find out by viewing an amazing video of work we have done this past year at wetlandsinstitute.org/impact

25

GIFT PLANNING

2015 VOLUNTEERS Lindsay Adler Mitch Adler Stephen Ahern Susan Ahern Ben Anderson Kristie Anderson Michele Bellinger Dee Bilotta Katelin Bradley Barbara Brophy Catherine Callahan Mary Capaldi Celina Ceballos Sydney Cleveland Marge Corson Joseph D’Antonio Max Donaldson Carlee Dunn Stephanie Fasciano Lew Ferguson Tim Freiday Nancy Fribley

Harmony Hagner Keith Hankowsky Mary Hawk Brandon Henry Julie Hobbis Helen Kushla Noah Lee Madison Leibowitz Jen Leibowitz Steve Leventelis Emily Lowry Mimi Matey Lynn Matthews Chuck Matthews Diana McFadden Hal Miller Harrison Miller Nick Nguyen Michael Nguyen Audrey Nigh Stephen Palmer Kaitlyn Pasquarella

Paul Popovick Stephen Popowski Ella Reed Josee Rich Maria Riley Donna Rothman Craig Rothman Tim Ruskowski Emily Ruth Annie Shand Kathleen Smith Delaney Smith Samantha Smith Heather Swagler Taylor Tedesco Lucia Tepper Max Tepper Amy Welsh Rachel Wilson Emma Yeatman Nick Zedonek

FOR THE INSTITUTE’S FUTURE AND YOURS Making an enduring gift to The Wetlands Institute is easier than you might think. One of the simplest and most popular legacy or planned gifts – whereby you make a commitment to benefit the Institute at a future date – is to include The Wetlands Institute in your will or revocable living trust. If you already have a will, it is not necessary to rewrite your entire will. You may simply instruct your attorney to include an amendment to your current will or trust. We are happy to provide example language.

The Herbert Mills Legacy Society honors those donors who have made the ultimate expression of confidence and commitment to The Wetlands Institute by including it in their estate plans. Named after the founder of the Institute, the Herbert Mills Legacy Society recognizes those individuals for their generosity and commitment to the Institute’s future and its world-class research, conservation, and education programs that inform people of all ages about the wonders of the coastal environment, and the importance of the

2015 CORPORATE SPONSORS Archer & Greiner, PC Atlantic City Electric AtlantiCare Avalon Flooring Burke Volkswagen-Subaru CapeBank Fitzpatrick, Bongiovanni & Kelly Glenmede Greenspring Associates Hafetz and Associates Hays Sheet Metal, Inc Kindle Auto Plaza 26

Lucky Bones Backwater Grille Marsh & McLennan Agency Pennsylvania Trust Prospect Mortgage PSEG Nuclear Reeds at Shelter Haven South Jersey Industries Stag & Hare Steen Outdoor Advertising Sturdy Savings Bank Subaru of America Wawa

wetlands to their daily lives.

We Invite You to Join!

Working with your attorney or financial advisor, donors have a variety of giving options to consider when making a planned gift to The Wetlands Institute. We accept a range of assets to make giving a convenient and easy process. For more information on planned giving opportunities, please visit our website at wetlandsinstitute. org/legacy

or

contact

Executive

Director

Lenore Tedesco,

609.368.1211, or email at ltedesco@wetlandsinstitute.org.

FINANCIAL REPORT FISCAL YEAR 2015 (1/1/2015 - 12/31/2015)

FY2015 Revenues

The Wetlands Institute grows and is able to serve our coastal and wetland community through

 Contract/Grants $319,755

the generous support of our members and donors. We strive every day and in every way to

 Gifts/Memberships $580,711

steward these gifts wisely and direct gifts to programs and projects that benefit the natural

 Program Income $418,096

environment. Programmatic expenditures accounted for 86% of expenses.

1% 24%

31%

 Invested Funds $15,832

Over the past few years, The Wetlands Institute has undertaken a bold growth and development

Total Revenues

plan. The Trustees adopted this aggressive growth plan as an investment in tomorrow. The

$1,334,394

44%

Plan for the Future was launched in spring, 2012 with the goal of professionalizing the staff, diversifying research and conservation programs, revitalizing and enriching educational programs, modernizing our facilities, and diversifying revenue streams. As we close 2015, we

FY2015 Expenditures

5%

are pleased to report that we have largely achieved the goals set forth in the Plan and are celebrating the Institute’s achievements and planning for the next chapter in the history of this

 Programs $1,287,028

organization.

 Development $75,711

9%

 Administrative $140,682

Achieving the goals of the growth plan resulted in an increase in expenses that was both planned for and financed through a long-term loan program. Hurricane Sandy was an unexpected added

86%

Total Expenditures

$1,503,481

burden that impacted the Institute finances. We are pleased to report that in the final weeks of 2015, we have officially closed the books on the infrastructure rebuilding from Hurricane Sandy.

With the close of 2015, we can report that revenues continue to grow and have increased 10% over 2014. While we continue to enhance administrative efficiencies and reduce fund-

Annual Operating Revenues and Expenditures, 2009 - 2015

raising costs, we are still faced with increasing expenditures. Operational expenditures totaled

$1,600,000

$1,503,481, an increase of 11%. This increase is largely related to increasing cost of compliance,

$1,400,000

health care costs, and staffing.

$1,200,000

As we look to the future, the Institute’s focus is on celebrating the achievement of the goals of the Plan for the Future and stabilizing revenues. We have adopted a detailed plan for closing the

 Expenditures

$1,000,000 $800,000 $600,000

deficit and achieving long-term sustainability. We have the tools and staff in place to move into

$400,000

the future in a bright and confident way. Your support and belief in the Institute, our projects

$200,000

and programs, are the catalysts that drive all that we do. We have Made No Small Plans and we

$-

are a better organization because of it. Thank you for being a part of it.

 Revenues

FY2009

FY2010

FY2011

FY2012

FY2013

FY2014

FY2015

*FY2015 reported financials are pending final audit.

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THE WETLANDS INSTITUTE 1075 Stone Harbor Blvd Stone Harbor, NJ 08247 Phone: 609.368.1211 Fax: 609.368.3871

wetlandsinstitute.org A non-profit organization studying, preserving and protecting wetlands

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TA ABL ER

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AND M E

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As a conservation organization, we have a special responsibility to address the global challenges of climate change and sustainability. We are committed to minimizing environmental impacts in all aspects of our operations. Visit our website at wetlandsinstitute.org/about-us/sustainability for more on our sustainability initiatives.

D S P R I NT E

and coastal ecosystems