Views From the Tower - Spring 2023

Views from theTower

SPRING 2023 | VOLUME 51 | NO. 1

Eight (arms) is Enough

by Dr. Lenore Tedesco, Executive Director, and Devin Griffiths, Marketing & Communications Specialist What has eight

arms, can change colors at will, and is an expert escape artist? An octopus, of course!

fascinating features. The most obvious is their bulbous head (or mantle), which they can force water through to propel them forward. They also have three hearts, use cooper (not iron) as the oxygen-carrying pigment in their blood, and, while not their primary mode of respiration, they can even absorb oxygen through their skin.

to light pink or near white. Specialized muscles in their skin also allow them to change skin texture. This combination allows octopuses to rapidly shift colors and patterns to match their environment.

Octopuses are remarkable, and in coastal New Jersey, the Common Octopus (Octopus vulagris) is a fascinating resident of our local waters. This species of octopus is found throughout the world’s oceans, in tropical and temperate zones. However, people rarely see octopuses in the wild, and most know very little about these incredible creatures. Lucky for you, you can find one right here at The Wetlands Institute, in our Secrets of the Salt Marsh aquarium, waiting to provide a unique up-close opportunity to learn more about these amazing creatures.

Common octopuses vary in length from about 12 inches to three feet. All that growth is fueled by a strict seafood diet. In the wild, they prefer to feast on crabs, clams, and mussels, but will eat virtually anything they can catch. They crush shells with their hard “beaks” and catch prey in powerful webbed arms lined with supersticky suction-cup-like suckers. Octopuses shed the lining of their suckers periodically to keep them sticky. Once captured, they paralyze their prey with a nerve poison present in their saliva.

In addition to their signature arms, octopuses are equipped with a host of

Octopuses are adept at protecting themselves from predators, and when threatened they can release a cloud of ink into the water. This ink dulls a predator’s senses of vision and smell, helping to confuse it while the octopus escapes. If the going gets really tough, an octopus can sacrifice an arm to a predator and grow it back later!

Behind all of these defenses is a highly developed neurological system. Octopuses are believed to be the most intelligent of all invertebrates, possessing large brains and a network of neurons distributed throughout their arms. These neurons function as little sub-brains, allowing each arm to taste, touch, smell, and act independently – no input from the main brain required! Octopuses can determine the size and shape of objects, remember patterns, navigate mazes, and solve problems – and they are the only invertebrate known to use tools. With an expected lifespan of only one to two years, these incredible, intelligent creatures live short but mighty lives.

Their preferred method of defense, however, is hiding – and they have some special tricks to do this. Little of an octopus’ body is solid, allowing them to squeeze into exceedingly small spaces. They also collect shells and other objects to build fortresses around their lairs. The pièce de résistance, though, is their ability to disappear. Octopuses are masters of disguise and can change the color and texture of their skin to blend in with their surroundings. They use a network of tiny, color-changing cells called chromatophores that line their entire body just below the surface of the skin. Octopuses can constrict or relax these special cells, causing varying levels of pigment to appear – allowing them to take on colorations from red or red-brown

So, are you ready to meet one? Our resident octopus, Gary, is still on the younger side, measuring in at under a foot long, but growing each day. He is a fast learner, enjoys hunting live prey, and can open a variety of containers to eat a mix of local seafood including crabs, mussels, and fish. Gary has favorite toys, and is curious about new people. Come on out and spend some time with him. You’ll be surprised at what you discover, and you might leave having made a new friend.

Deborah A. Hays, Chair

James Donohue, Vice-Chair

Hank Schellenger, Treasurer

John Flynn, Secretary

Jeffrey Alderton

Timothy Jon Clay, D.M.D

John Cuthbert

William Hankowsky

Margaret McAllister

John Millar

Jeannie Morris

Staff

Leadership

Marsh Musings

by Dr. Lenore Tedesco, Executive Director

Donna Rothman

Jon Tullis

Annie Ulichney

Amy Welsh

William Wermuth

Francis J. White III

Dr. Lenore Tedesco, Executive Director

Anne Brickley, Director of Administration

Dr. Lisa Ferguson, Director of Research and Conservation

Brooke Knapick, Director of Educational Program Development

Carol Wyland, Director of Finance

Research & Conservation

Julie Blum, Research Scientist

Samantha Collins, Research Scientist

Meghan Kolk, Conservation Scientist

Amanda Lyons, Research & Conservation Coordinator

Brian Williamson, Research Scientist

Education

Danielle Meeker, Aquarist/ Environmental Educator

Kelianne O'Shea, Environmental Educator

Erin Rawls, Outreach Coordinator

Development & Communications

Devin Griffiths, Marketing and Communications Specialist

Rae Griffiths, Office Assistant

Finance

Terrie Campbell, Finance Administrator

Joan Flynn, Finance Associate

Administration

Kirsten Chervenak, Visitor Services Coordinator

Jeff Dix, Maintenance Technician

Kimberly Dmytro, Tidepool Shop Manager

Devon Patchel, Administrative Coordinator

Visit Us

Hours: Until May 21, open Saturday and Sunday 9:30 to 4:30. May 22 - September 17, open daily 9:30 to 4:30.

General Admission: Members: Free.

Non-members: $8 Adults, $6 Children 3-12.

The Wetlands Institute opened its doors more than 50 years ago, and over the past half-century, much has changed –but much has remained the same. What hasn’t changed is the reliance of all species (us included ) on a healthy, thriving coastal ecosystem. What hasn’t changed is our commitment to each facet of our mission – research, conservation, and education. What hasn’t changed is the tremendous support from our community.

What has changed is our vulnerability to risk associated with rising seas, driven largely by climate change. Today, rapidly rising seas pose the most serious threats to these coastal ecosystems – and with them, our coastal communities. Letting nature run its course – the “do nothing” strategy – is no longer viable because doing nothing is causing harm. Solutions are complex and at times seem unattainable – but there is hope. As we have done since our founding, The Wetlands Institute is once again taking a leadership role in bringing innovative and novel approaches to restoring and preserving our marshes – and by extension, our coastal communities.

In 2019, together with our partners at the US Army Corps and the State of New Jersey, we launched the Seven Mile Island Innovation Lab (SMIIL) as a think-tank and experimental showcase to develop, test, AND implement on-the-ground solutions. This partnership is helping create a sea change for our tidal marshes and the critical habitats that are vanishing around them. We are pioneering new techniques for marsh restoration and habitat creation using clean dredged materials; reducing coastal flood risk; and contributing to the tool kit to preserve our marshes and our way of life. To date, SMIIL projects have effectively restored

or enhanced more than 85 acres of failing marsh and resulted in a paradigm shift that has helped make New Jersey a national leader in marsh restoration and coastal resiliency.

There is hope. Our early work confirms that the resiliency of marshes in the project areas has dramatically increased, ensuring that they will be here for generations to come – but there is so much more to do. Now, as our work continues, we must turn our attention to building resiliency for The Wetlands Institute campus itself – our building, our trails, and the marshes that are our backyard. Elsewhere in this newsletter, we told you we are planning a project in the marshes here – but that is only the first step. We intend to make The Wetlands Institute a model for building resiliency while living in concert with nature, and are identifying ways we can use green infrastructure and construction methods to bring this vision to reality. By using the best available science and planning with intent, compassion, and respect for the living world around us, we will set the example for how we can prepare for the changes already upon us, continue to live in a vibrant and healthy marsh, and invite nature to be an integral part of the campus – and our lives. We will share everything we learn with government agencies and our local municipalities and communities so that they too can enhance resiliency and address vulnerabilities while still allowing space for nature.

The challenges we face are great, but I have never been one to shy away from great challenges – and you have come to expect no less. We are again MAKING NO SMALL PLANS. Stay tuned and join us to learn how you can be a part of it.

Views From the Tower is the quarterly newsletter of The Wetlands Institute and can also be found on our website.

A non-profit organization studying, preserving, and protecting wetlands and coastal ecosystems. Founded in 1969 by Herbert Mills, Executive Director of the World Wildlife Fund.

Remembering Bert

by Dr. Lenore Tedesco, Executive Director

Earlier this year, The Wetlands Institute family lost an ardent supporter and a dear friend – Roberta (Bert) DeVries.

Bert was a truly amazing champion of everything that The Wetlands Institute is. For more than 20 years, she devoted her time, talent, and energy to furthering the

Institute’s mission, sharing her passion for nature and love of all creatures great and small with everyone who came through our doors. Her tireless dedication to TWI began with helping to pioneer the volunteer docent program, training and mentoring volunteers to share their love of the wetlands with visitors from near and far. Using the vast experience garnered from her years as Travel Planner at the Philadelphia Zoo, Bert also spearheaded a robust and popular travel program at The Wetlands Institute that took her and adventuring patrons to both treasured local spots and exotic destinations across the globe. In 2003, Bert joined the Board of Trustees, and she was always ready to lend a hand wherever it was needed, doing everything she could to ensure the Institute’s continued success. She also loved the Tidepool Shop and always enjoyed exploring the offerings.

Bert, and her beloved John, showed their deep dedication to and love of The Wetlands Institute by making a Legacy commitment and including the

Institute in their estate planning. Upon John’s passing, Bert established the John DeVries Research Fund to help further our research and conservation work. In celebration of the 50th Anniversary of The Wetlands Institute, Bert endowed John’s research fund. Now upon her passing, Bert’s family has renamed the fund The John and Roberta DeVries Research Fund in recognition of their long-standing commitment in service of The Wetlands Institute’s mission.

Bert was a wonderful person, full of positive energy and light, and she fully embraced life. Her love of nature, especially the South Jersey shore, infused everything she did, and her bright, joyful spirit captivated all who knew her. She will truly be missed.

Please join us in honoring Bert by making a donation in her memory to the John and Roberta DeVries Research Fund. You can donate online by visiting wetlandsinstitute.org/donate or mailing your gift to the Institute.

TWI2.0 Planning for Resilience: Restoring Our Marsh Backyard

by Dr. Lenore Tedesco, Executive Director

The biggest threats our wetlands, coastal ecosystems, and coastal communities face are climate change and the impact of rising seas. Sea level rise is real and accelerating, and its effects are obvious: flooded roadways along the coast are the norm rather than the exception; “nuisance” or “sunny day” flooding is a regular occurrence; tidal marshes are inundated more frequently and to greater depths than ever before. These marshes support more than 75 percent of the commercial fish (and 90 percent of the recreational fish) caught in this

country and up to half of North America’s bird species. Marshes are one of Earth’s most productive ecosystems, second only to tropical rainforests in the level of biodiversity they host. They are beautiful and bring us all a sense of calm and wellbeing. Yet they are at risk of drowning. The resilience of coastal ecosystems is being tested, and ours along with it. Our ability to adapt our coastal communities and intervene to preserve and protect these fragile ecosystems depends on whether or not we work to lessen the effects of climate change. Steps that society takes now to cut greenhouse gas emissions matter a lot in whether sea level is 1 versus 2 feet higher by 2050, or 21/2 versus 6 feet higher by 2100.

Wetlands Institute scientists have been studying these marshes for more than 50 years, and working to understand how rapidly rising seas are stressing and weakening these marshes and impacting the wildlife that depend on them. Research conducted here, and by

many other organizations and agencies, is showing that many of New Jersey’s marshes are reaching a tipping point. In addition, our work on the marshes in our own backyard – the core of our laboratory and classroom, the marshes you love to visit and explore – clearly indicates that they are under stress and experiencing dramatic change.

Thankfully, we are moving from evaluating to action. Through our partnership with the US Army Corps of Engineers and NJ Department of Environmental Protection in the Seven Mile Island Innovation Lab, we have implemented several marsh restoration and enhancement projects, and we have the data we need to move forward with more. This partnership is providing an opportunity to bring a restoration project home to our marshes here at the Institute. We are in the exciting planning stages and will be sharing more in the coming months and newsletters as our plans take shape. Stay tuned!

Bert DeVries, right, with Susan Handy

“Sunny day” flooding on Seven Mile Island

2022 Donor Honor Roll

$100,000 and up

The Wiseman Family Foundation

$50,000 to $99,999

Jim and Barbara Summers*

Virginia F.C. Batchelder Foundation

Will and Jennie Wermuth 

$25,000 to $49,999

The Leff Family Foundation

Samuel Vrooman and Denise Cifelli*

The Ward Family Foundation

$10,000 to $24,999

Anonymous

Archer & Greiner, P.C.

Sana and Andy Brooks *

Ray and Ellen Burke*

Colin and Leslie Convey

Roberta DeVries *

Diller Family and Foundation, Inc.

Disney Conservation Foundation

East Side Surf Shop

Anne Galli *

Susan Handy *

Bill and Rosemary Hankowsky

Michael and Deborah Hays *

High Hopes Farm of West Grove, LLC

John Lazarich Foundation*

Larry L. Luing Family Foundation

Margaret McAllister and Erik Hirsch

John Millar and Rault Kehlor 

Julian and Betsy Miraglia *

Jim and Jeannie Morris

Hank and Julie Schellenger*

Jon R. Tullis

Valley Fund Charitable Organization

Verizon

$5,000 to $9,999

Jeffrey H. and Lee Alderton 

Thomas and Pamela Allingham

Anonymous

Boscia Family Foundation

Kim and Scott Boylan

Michael Craig *

Mark Creighton

The David Nation/Suzan Willcox Family Fund

Rosemary Georganna*

Glenmede Trust Co, NA

Lee and Nicky Harp*

The Estate of Gladys M. Hebeisen

ICONA Avalon

Linda Keil*

William and Melissa Lafferty

M&T Bank

Mary Millar*

Raynier Institute and Foundation

Wayne and Kay Renneisen*

RJ Soens Group - Compass RE

Chip and Nancy Roach*

Ron and Elaine Sandmeyer*

Sturdy Savings Bank*

Sam and JoAnn Thomas

Marc and Kathy Uknis

The Washington Inn*

Philip and Amy Welsh*

Laura Wilson and Mark Menting

Mike and Gayle Yoh 

Jennifer (Jacobs) Zeigler*

$2,500 to $4,999

1830 Family Foundation

7 Mile Publishing and Creative, LLC

Anonymous

Avalon Flooring*

Marie Boylan and Jeffrey Freedman

Tim and Rose Clay 

Tom and Maggie DeVita

Foster-Karney Foundation Fund

Steve and Judi Frame

Amy Katz Gainfort

Glenn Insurance*

Hafetz & Associates

Barry and Lois Hamilton*

Hays Sheet Metal, Inc.*

David Juras

Helen Kroh

Tom and Candy Kurlak

Lang Rogers Family Foundation

John Lashkevich

Mastercard, Inc.

John Mazzo*

Tom and Diane McMeekin 

Andy and Lynn Moceri*

New York Life Insurance and Annuity Corporation

Opera Wine Imports, LLC

The Phillies

PSEG Services Corporation*

Jane Rakestraw*

The Raupp Family

Revolution X Asset Management

Stone Harbor Chamber of Commerce

Stone Harbor Marina

John and Amy Swanson

Roy and Susan Tedesco*

Steuart and Linda Thomsen

Drew and Annie Ulichney

Wakefern Food Corporation

$1,000 to $2,499

Margery and Frank Abel

Jim Amigh*

Anonymous

Bob and Joyce Asher*

William and Bernice Ayers

The Boland Investment Group of RBC Wealth Management

Brown & Brown of New Jersey, Inc.

Bryn Mawr Trust

Donna Cashman

Anthony and Donna Celentano*

Charlie and Wendi Chase

Michael Chase

Circle Liquor

The Clem Family

Concentus Wealth Advisors

Stewart Cook

Marge Corson*

CrossCountry Mortgage, LLC

Terrie Cwik*

Lynn Dever

Patti DiMarco

Paul and Anne Disdier and Family*

Jim Donohue and Carol Mager*

Eden Charitable Foundation

Alan Feiger

Jim and Maureen Fendrick

Loretta Finnegan*

Kevin and Teri Fischer

Fitzpatrick, Bongiovanni & Kelly, PC*

Rebecca Flyckt

Terry and Lynn Fortino

Rod and Pam Gagne

Gary and Nancy Gallagher

Tom and Mary Grein

Dolores Guerrero

Halliday Financial Group

Karl and Katie Hausker

Cole and Diane Henry*

Joseph Hofmann

Ralph Hueske

Gwyn and Irv Hurd*

Helen Kushla*

Linda and Abe Littenberg

Kevin and Trisha Luing

Dan and Rebecca Magee

Michael and Teresa Mallon*

Joe and Debra May

Paul and Bea McKirgan

Stephen Miller*

L.S. Moretzsohn*

Russell Neale

OceanFirst Foundation

Duane and Martha Parker

Rich and Carol Redeker

Tim and Cindy Roach*

Chris and Dawn Ryan

Laurene and Bill Ryan

Peter and Amy Sargent

Scarborough Marine Group

John and Jana Scarpa

John and Catherine Shamlian

Shoprite of Hunterdon County, Inc.

Charlene Smith and Richard Pike*

Matt and Lisa Stiles

Tim and Kristen Stout*

William Studt and Susan Frey*

Lenore Tedesco and Nancy Fribley*

Ashley Tobin*

Mark and Mary Van Kooy

Gary and Nancy Vogt

Ann Whitman

Terry and Judi Wochok

Ron and Ruth Workman*

Yacht Club Of Stone Harbor

Harold (Spike) Yoh, Jr.*

$500 to $999

Harry and Pat Allex

Felicia Pfeiffer Angus and Michael Angus

Anonymous

Art For Sea

Atlantic Cape Fisheries, Inc.

Mark Badagliacca

Lindsey Dickinson Baynard

Anne Bazik

Sharon Bojcik

Carolyn Boris

Phil, Lisa, and Andrew Buckingham

Monica Caballero

Cape May Winery*

Jim and Beth Carll

Paula Castaldo

Francis and Kathleen Cianciulli

Brian and Julie Clements

Joseph and Jeannie Colalillo*

Anthony Costanzo

Brenda and Bob Dale

Julann Donnelly

EarthShare of New Jersey*

I.S. and Tita Eberly*

Therese Esperdy and Robert Neborak*

Ritson and Julie Ferguson*

Elizabeth Fitzpatrick

Dale and Leslie Florio

The Wetlands Institute depends on the generosity of our donors to promote appreciation, understanding, and stewardship of coastal and wetland ecosystems. This support is pivotal in helping us sustain and expand our programs in research, conservation, and education. Thank you for partnering with us!

Bill and Linda Furge

Jim and Mantura Gallagher

John and Frances Glomb

Paul and Kathy Gonsalves

Keith and Amy Green

Mike and Dot Green

Joe and Bethann Griesser

Aidan Griffiths, Bufflehead Nature Tours

Carole Griffiths

Rae and Devin Griffiths

Stephen and Mary Ann Gring*

Harbor Outfitters*

Mary Louise Hartman*

Michael and Ann Henahan*

Harry and Louise Hill*

Megan Hoskyns-Abrahall

Robert Humbert

Henry Justi

Bob and Maryann Kelly

Father William Kelly

Robert and Carol Lake

Bob and Dianne Lamina

Carol D. Lane*

Hillary Leonard

Denise Lewis

Dorothy Linvill-Neal

The Lobster House

Lund’s Fisheries

Daniel Matassino

Terry and Betty McCabe*

John and Suzanne McGowan*

McMahon Insurance Agency, Inc.

John and Lisa McNichol*

Christopher Mills

Joe and Gail Moss

Jack O’Brien and Alexa Hays-O’Brien

Howard and Mary Panitch

Steve and Kris Pfeiffer*

Stephen Popowski

Seymour and Jean Preston*

Pursuit of Hoppiness Charters

Scott and Lorraine Reese*

Vickie Rosskam*

Catherine Ruhling*

Henry Schellenger III

Richard and Kathleen Schmidt

Fritz and Mary Schroeder*

Skimmer Tours, LLC

Charles and Mary Jane Slugg*

Eileen Smalfus*

Greg and Emily Stahl

Eric and Karen Strid

Robert and Susan Tafel*

Philomena Tedesco*

Amanda and Josh Tolman

Ronald Triolo

Miles and Judy Truesdell*

Alessandra Trunzo

Bob Turkelson*

Amy Voloshin, Printfresh

Kenneth and Carol Walck*

Chuck and Carol Walsh*

Lisa Walters

Dale and Lauri Wannen

Jim and Dale Watson

Trey White and Christine

Reynolds 

Fred and Carolyn Wood*

Brett and Jenna Yeager

$250 to $499

AmazonSmile

Carol Angelo

Anonymous

Aon Service Corporation

David and Janet Atkinson*

Mark Attmore

Pete and Bonnie Ault*

Eugene and Joan Bissell

Charles and Barbara Blake

Blooms Florist*

Beth and Richard Brake*

Mary and Patrick Bridgeman

Ashley Brown

Christopher and Patricia Brown*

Kenny Brown*

James Bruder, Jr.

Audrey Buckingham*

Bob and Linda Bugden*

Thomas Cahill

David and Ruth Capuzzi

Robert Castelo

Chubb Charitable Foundation

Andrea Corbley*

Bill Cordasco

John and Gloria Corrado

James Crum

John and Judy Curtis

John and Muriel Cuthbert*

Bill and Hilary Dahms*

Carol DeArmitt

Dennis Township School District

Joseph and April Denny*

Donna Devlin

Jan Dougherty*

Joe and Lisa Dower

Ebbitt Room/Virginia Hotel

Jeanne Eisele

Steve Eisenhardt

Paul and Rosemary Fahey

Elaine Faulkner

Joyce Ferguson*

Lisa Ferguson

Donna Ferraioli*

Michael and Faith Fiocco

John Flynn and Kathe Hocevar*

Christopher Fowler*

Thank you!

Tim and Kelley Murphy

Cassandra Naylor*

Hector Negroni and Kimberly Weil*

Nev-R-Enuf Sportfishing

Anna Nilsson

Tim and Marianne

Terry and Lawrence Frangiosa*

Benjamin and Stephanie Frick*

Barbara Friday

Luke Frikert

Joan Galli*

Craig Garretson

John and Suzanne Glomb

Henry and Marion Gorelick*

The Grosso Family*

Walter Hansen

Graysha Harris*

Elaine Heil

Christine and George Henisee

The Hodges Family Foundation*

Julia Horowitz

Jean Hunter

Mary Beth Hurley*

Jackson Family Wines

John and Barbara Kelly

Ted and Sandy Kestner Jr.

Bill and Kimberly Kirkpatrick

Jean Kraft*

William and Johanna Kramer

David and Teri Kratz*

Allan and Laura Kunewa

Jason and Samantha Kurzik

Stephen and Dolores Levine

Phyllis Lowe*

Martin and Mary Lukacs*

Andy and Roxanne Majka*

Joseph and Kathy Mattos*

Tom McClintic

Greg and Jennifer McClure

Anne McCord

Hugh and Diana McFadden*

Marguerite McFalls

Mari McLean and Ann James*

Kathleen McNicholas*

Julie Mealo*

David and Eileen Merlin*

Microsoft Corporation

Warren and Tara Miller

Ralph and Esther Milnes*

Hugo and Linda Monformoso*

Harriet Monshaw*

John Moyer

Mike and Lisa Munroe

Mike and Siobhan Murphy

O’Shaughnessy*

John and Laura Owens

Fay J. Oxenreider*

Anne Parker*

Tony and Mary Petrick*

Pier 47 Marina

Thomas and Maria Reynolds

Evelyn Rider*

Ferd and Molly Sauereisen*

Richard and Beth Saunders

Stephen and Jeanne Schlussel

Joe and Leslie Schneid*

Bob and DiDi Scott

Heidi Seitz-Kelly and Peter Kelly*

Steve and Aimee Shihadeh

George Siegle

John and Patti Staley*

Deborah Stowe

Strathmere Fishing & Environmental Club

Bill and Cheryl Struble*

Summer House Design Group*

David and Regina Surdam

Paul and Michele Thompson

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans

Blair and Candis Trugner*

Janet E. Tucker*

John and Holly Tyson

Gerard and Margaret Vaccacio

Amy Vangor

Phil and Kathy Wagner

Joe and Jolly Waterman

Joseph and Elaine Watson

Wayward Gardener

Mike and Susan Weed*

Charles and Linda Whitman*

John and Susan Willet

Charles and Susan Wolfe

P.J. and Erin Yeatman and Family

Dominick Zampino

Tom and Patty Zick

2022 Endowment Gift

Herbert Mills Legacy Society

*Loyalty Society

This list reflects donations greater than $250 received throughout 2022. For a more complete list, visit wetlandsinstitute.org/donors.

Continued on next page

2022 Honorary & Memorial Gifts

In Honor of

Jeff & Lee Alderton

Helen J. Bullard

Marge Corson

Denice Dennis

Barry C. Hamilton

Elizabeth Hannon & The SJE Confirmation Class of 2022

Aileen McHugh

Sam Roberts, Jr.

John Shamlian

Melanie Smith & Liam Imbesi

Walt Surdam

In Memory of

Lee Amigh

Molly & Abraham Bailin

Harry F. Bradley

Pat Chamberlain

Harry Clayton

Marlene Clayton

Henrietta “Etta” Creighton

Mary Diamond

Mary Garon

Kate & Margaret Ann Gaskin

Andrew Georganna

Emily C. Goldner

Kerry Michael Guerrero

Louise Halprin

J. Robert Herd

Andrew Kousmine

Frances “Frankie” Lastowka

Daniel Luxemburg

John D. Ohls

Betty O'Toole

David Martin Palmer

Bridget Bachmann Park

Jesse Patterson

Thomas G. Pfeiffer

Josephine Powell

Doris Raker

Tim Richmond

Edward R. Rickenbach, Jr

Lee Shahan

Constance “Conni” Smith

Philip K. Stonier

Philip R. Tedesco

Philomena Tedesco

Stephen J. Triolo

Louis J. Zucca

We strive for accuracy in all that we do, but if we made an error in the listing, please contact us to help update our records.

Connecting to Conservation with The Marshketeers

As the dark days of winter give way to the lightening spring, a small group of us at the Institute anticipate more than just pleasant days ahead. We await the arrival of a feathered flood: spring migration is nearly upon us, the birds are on their way – and on May 13, The Marshketeers will be ready to meet them. The Wetlands Institute’s band of birders are again gearing up to take on the annual 24-hour birding marathon that is New Jersey Audubon’s World Series of Birding. 10K for 10K

There are an estimated 10,000 species of birds worldwide. While we can’t see that many in Cape May County, The Marshketeers will search high and low to find the most species and break our fundraising record for this event. Last year, we saw 134 species and raised nearly $9,000 for the birds. This year, we’ve set our sights higher, aiming to raise $10,000 for conservation – one dollar for every species on Earth. It’s a lofty goal, but with your support, we know we can reach it – and we’ve chosen a special bonus bird to help put us over the top. The American Oystercatcher has been a focus of our research and conservation efforts from the beginning, and serves as a charismatic reminder of the critical nature of our work.

Help

Give Us Wings!

Your generous gift today can help us make a real difference for birds! Can we count on you? Proceeds go directly to supporting our Margaret McAllister & Erik Hirsch Coastal Bird Conservation Program. There are several ways to support us:

1. Pledge an amount per species identified, and send your contribution after we tally the results.

2. Contribute a fixed amount to send in right away.

The Marshketeers are sponsored by

3. Offer an additional pledge based on whether we find this year’s Bonus Bird, the American Oystercatcher. Help advance our coastal bird conservation work by supporting The Marshketeers. Donate or pledge online at wetlandsinstitute.org/wsob, download a printable pledge form, or call us at 609-368-1211.

THE WETLANDS INSTITUTE’S ANNOUNCING

MAY 13-21

• Horseshoe Crab Rescue Walks

• Guided shorebird walks

• Birding and Wildlife cruises

• special horseshoe crab presentations

• shorebird and Horseshoe crab workshops

• Wildlife and bird tours

• and more!

Spring Happenings

As the sun shines longer and the flowers begin to bloom, The Wetlands Institute will be open daily starting May 22, 2023! Unless otherwise stated, all activities are free with admission and occur onsite at The Wetlands Institute. Questions? Please call The Wetlands Institute at 609-368-1211.

Salt Marsh Safari

11am and 2pm Daily

Watch our award-winning film, Secrets of the Salt Marsh, then join us for an interpretive marsh walk along our elevated walkway and onto the dock overlooking Scotch Bonnet creek!

Creature Feature

12:30pm Monday and Friday

During this live animal presentation, get up close and personal with turtles, fish, crabs, sea stars and urchins, mollusks, horseshoe crabs, or the popular animals of Finding Nemo.

Aquarium Feeding

12:30pm Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday

Help us feed the local marine life! We will open up feeding three times each week so you can see the octopus eating crabs and the horseshoe crab gobbling shrimp.

Summer activities start June 19, 2023! New this year, The Wetlands Institute will be open 9:30-4:30 each day, but will not be having extended evening hours. However, we will continue to offer all the programs you have come to love throughout the day. Please check our website calendar for programming updates as we transition from spring to summer hours.

Tidepool Shop

Spring is here, and The Tidepool Shop is ready to help you usher in this time of renewal with a host of great nature-themed toys, gifts, games, and books for readers of all ages.

If your hands have a thirst for the theater, we have them covered with our adorable selection of finger puppets. From fish to frogs, butterflies to birds – and even a super-soft narwhal for good measure – these creatures will turn your thumbs into thespians, your pinkies to performers, for productions sure to please.

When bedtime beckons, there’s nothing better than going off to sleep with a good story. What

Catch o’ the Day

12:30pm

Wednesday

Get your feet wet (or wear waders!) as you discover what swims in the back bays. Help us drag seine or dip nets through the water to find crabs, shrimp, fish and more.

Seashell Sunday

Sunday 12:30pm

Seashells at the seashore! Join us to learn all about seashells, how to collect them without harming the environment, and touch an assortment of live mollusks and cool artifacts.

Enjoy a virtual visit to The Wetlands Institute, anytime and anywhere, by visiting the Salt Marsh Safari section of our Virtual Wetlands Experience portal on our website. wetlandsinstitute.org/virtualwetlands-experience/startexploring

nighttime adventures does Little Owl go on? How do you send a little bear off to dreamland? And why are the bunnies not in their beds? Settle in with your young ones and one (or more) of our engaging and delightful board books and find out! You’re sure to be charmed and entertained as you turn the page on these (and more) adventures!

As always, your purchase at The Tidepool Shop directly supports our important work here at The Wetlands Institute. Stop in soon and see what’s in store andThank You!

Our book and gift shop is open every weekend until May 21 and daily from May 22 to September 17. Can’t visit us? Give us a call or shop online at tidepool-shop. myshopify.com. We will ship your purchase anywhere in the United States.

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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.

Enjoy

... and do it all at a great rate!

Until May 28, new members can get a Family Membership at a 50% discount!*

Want to learn about our work and experience a year of everything we offer? Then take advantage of this introductory offer for NEW members.

*Offer