Views from theTower
~ NEWSLETTER
SUMMER 2021 | VOLUME 49 | NO. 2
A Head Start Starts Here by Dr. Lenore Tedesco, Executive Director, and Kristen Egan, Development Manager When we talk about our “Head Start Program” we’re usually referring to our terrapin conservation work. While we take great pride in the hundreds of terrapins that we are able to hatch and release each year, we are especially proud of the hundreds of students that come through our doors each year that broaden our reach and carry our mission forward to continue promoting appreciation, understanding and stewardship of our natural world and coastal ecosystems. Building connections to the natural world is at the heart of our mission. Whether it be through our Summer Nature Program for children, our internship program for college students or simply through time spent walking our trails and exploring our salt marshes, we are inspired by the stories that highlight the impact these experiences provide and how passion for the natural world now guides these Institute head starters. Here are just a few stories that capture the ways head start experiences lead to a lifelong connection with nature. Celina Ceballos: Fulbright Scholar
Celina Ceballos, a lifelong Avalon summer resident and recent graduate from Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida, has been awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to conduct sea turtle research in Honduras. The Wetlands Institute planted the seed
for Celina’s passion for turtles when she attended Summer Nature Program growing up. Celina spent several summers volunteering with Summer Nature Program and the Terrapin Conservation Program gaining valuable field experience and deepening her growing passion for biology and ecology. Celina graduated from Eckerd as a Marine Science major with minors in Chemistry, Journalism, and Spanish, and looks forward to making her mark in global sea turtle research.
Brandon Henry: PhD student at the University of Maine, Orono
Carlee Scott Dunn: NOAA’s Ernest F. Hollings Scholar
Carlee Scott Dunn’s love of the ocean has always been a big part of her life. She credits her parents’ support for allowing her to attend Summer Nature Program here that sparked her interest in salt marsh ecology and environmental science. She is now a dean’s list biology major and marine science minor at The College of William and Mary and was recently awarded the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Office of Education’s prestigious Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship. This two-year scholarship program is awarded to aspiring undergraduates pursuing degrees in NOAA mission fields and is extremely competitive. She looks forward to diving further into oceanographic research, marine biology and more.
Brandon Henry’s history with us stretches back to the 3rd grade, when he and his family began attending programs and events here. Those early experiences helped cultivate his love of nature, and planted the seeds that grew into a driving passion to educate others and instill in them the same wonder he feels for the natural world. He attended summer camp here in the 7th grade, began volunteering in 2013, and became an Environmental Education intern for the summer of 2019. That summer was the time of his life, and gave him the skills he needed to join the University of Maine as a PhD student this coming fall. “The Institute is what focused me on becoming a teacher,” Brandon says. “Before the Institute, I wasn’t sure if I would take on any graduate school; the Institute opened me up to being able to do this. Going there was one of the most important steps to getting me where I am now.” We are honored that we could give these future leaders – and so many like them – their own “head starts”, and look forward to watching them change the world!
wetlandsinstitute.org | 1075 Stone Harbor Blvd, Stone Harbor, NJ 08247 | 609.368.1211
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.
Deborah A. Hays, Chair Jane Rakestraw, Vice-Chair Robert Rich, Treasurer John Flynn, Secretary Jeffrey Alderton Raymond Burke, III Timothy Jon Clay, D.M.D John Cuthbert Roberta DeVries James Donohue Trish Luing Margaret McAllister John Millar
Jeannie Morris Wayne Renneisen Donna Rothman Hank Schellenger Jon Tullis Amy Welsh William Wermuth Francis J. White III
Staff Leadership
Dr. Lenore Tedesco, Executive Director Dr. Lisa Ferguson, Director of Research and Conservation Bonnie Girard, Director of Finance and Administration Brooke Knapick, Director of Educational Program Development
Marsh Musings A Time for Renewal by Dr. Lenore Tedesco, Executive Director With summer comes renewal and hopefully the end of a long and difficult time for us all. These past several weeks have brought the first glimpses of a return to more normal times. Visitors are back at the Institute enjoying the wonders of the spring migration and myriad of remarkable creatures that spend the summers here – or are moving through to their final summering grounds. We’re gradually hearing the laughter of children again as educational programs begin to return. Every day we welcome seasonal staff, dramatically expanding our staffing numbers to meet summer program needs. With all the hustle and bustle here, the silence of last year is gradually fading into a distant memory.
Research & Conservation Samantha Collins, Research Scientist Brittany Morey, Research Associate Brian Williamson, Research Scientist
Education
Danielle Meeker, Aquarist/ Environmental Educator Erin Rawls, Outreach Coordinator Michelle Rebilas, Environmental Educator
Development & Communications Kristen Egan, Development Manager Devin Griffiths, Marketing and Communications Specialist Rae Griffiths, Office Assistant
Administration
Terrie Campbell, Financial Admin. Assistant Jeff Dix, Maintenance Technician Kimberly Dmytro, Tidepool Shop Barbara Parks, Administrative Assistant Stephanie Stroble, Front Desk Receptionist/ Admissions Coordinator
Visit Us Hours: Open 9:30 to 4:30 daily with special evening hours until 7pm Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from June 22 through September 2. General Admission: Members: Free. Non-members: $8 Adults, $6 Children 3-12.
wetlandsinstitute.org
There is so much that we missed over these past 15 months, but also so much that we have learned and discovered. Our staff have been simply amazing. They have navigated massive operational disruptions, retooled processes and procedures to continue the life-saving research and conservation work we do, and re-envisioned educational programs to help people connect – or reconnect – to nature. It’s been a massive undertaking that stressed us to our core. It’s often said that you don’t learn your true strengths until you are tested. All of us have been tested. And we learned that we are strong, innovative, and valued. Perhaps equally important, we were reminded
that our friends and supporters will stand by us. Stand by us you did – and more: your support and encouragement helped carry us through.
We’re looking forward with excitement. Though last summer marked the first time in more than 30 years that we were without our interns, we have welcomed them back and are thrilled to have a wonderful cohort of undergraduates working with us again this summer. Our seasonal scientists are here gaining valuable early career experience and supporting critical field research operations. Summer Nature Program registrations are robust. We are planning for in-person celebrations throughout the summer, and hope to see you at the Institute soon. Our future looks bright and your steady support was an important part of making that happen. I’ve missed seeing you and sharing the excitement, but there is more ahead. As we emerge from the challenges of the pandemic, we are turning our attention to defining strategies for building additional resilience into the organization. You will be hearing about these efforts in the coming months. Be sure to stay connected to all that is happening at The Wetlands Institute. I look forward to seeing you all. My door is open and most days you can find me here. Drop by, share your thoughts, and know I am always listening.
Providing Certainty in Uncertain Times
by Kristen Egan, Development Manager In 2018, we set a bold goal. As the Institute’s 50th Anniversary approached, it was an ideal moment in our history to build the foundation for the Institute’s long-term fiscal health via an endowment. We recognized the need for long-term program enrichment, sustained funding for core programs, and sought that ability to respond to evolving demands facing the Institute and the natural resources that we steward. At the dawn of the next era of the Institute, it was our time to take the next bold move to ensure that these marshes and this Institute are here for
generations to come. Our supporters stepped up in remarkable ways, and despite the challenges of 2020, we have successfully completed the endowment campaign. We are indebted to everyone who came together to establish the 50th Anniversary Endowment that has already provided certainty in uncertain times. With the closing of our endowment campaign, we can celebrate the lasting legacy that we have built together—a legacy that will live on in perpetuity to help us advance our critical work in environmental research, conservation, and education.
Endowment Campaign Milestones Raised
$4.1M
Campaign Honor Roll VISIONARIES
Estate of Jane Dent Larry L. Luing Family Foundation Margaret McAllister & Erik Hirsch Jim & Jeannie Morris Barbara & Jim Summers Sam & JoAnn Thomas The Wermuth Family
LUMINARIES
Rosemary & Bill Hankowsky Leff Family Foundation Mary M. Millar Marjorie Moretzsohn Hank and Julie Schellenger Jennifer (Jacobs) Zeigler
LEADERS
Sana & Andy Brooks Ray & Ellen Burke Roberta “Bert” DeVries James J. Donohue & Carol A. Mager Anne Galli Lois & Barry Hamilton Michael & Deborah Hays Kevin & Trish Luing John P. Millar & Rault W. Kehlor Julian & Betsy Miraglia Jane Rakestraw Donna & Craig Rothman Gay Schellenger Jon Tullis Harold L. Yoh, Jr.
CHAMPIONS
Goal
$3.5M
$200K+
Annual Impact
Jeffrey H. & Lee Alderton G. Wayne & Kay B. Renneisen Philip & Amy Welsh
INNOVATORS
Tim & Rose Clay Michael Craig Joan Galli Jim & Susan Handy Harold & Nancy O’Connor Estate of Nancy Roberts Tom & Diane McMeekin
SUPPORTERS
Joseph & Jeannie Colalillo John & Muriel Cuthbert John & Dottie Dewey John Flynn & Kathleen Hocevar Bonnie L. Higgins & Thomas J. Sullivan Bob & Josee Rich Tim & Cindy Roach Trey & Christine White
New Legacy Society Members
Endowment Campaign Steering Committee Raymond Burke, III James Donohue Anne Galli Barry Hamilton Lois Hamilton
Deborah Hays Cindy Leff Todd Leff Carol Mager Mary Millar
Jane Rakestraw Hank Schellenger, Chair Jim Summers William Wermuth
HERBERT MILLS LEGACY SOCIETY Anonymous John & Muriel Cuthbert Anne Galli Stephen & Mary Ann Gring Michael & Deborah Hays John Flynn & Kathleen Hocevar Philip & Amy Welsh Harold L. Yoh., Jr.
Rallying Behind Research by Kristen Egan, Development Manager Margaret McAllister’s connection with and care for our coastal community started at a young age. She remembers spending summers on the water teaching swimming and windsurfing at the Yacht Club of Stone Harbor (YCSH), which brought exposure to a variety of coastal birds, including some injured ones that she helped transport to regional rehabilitation centers. For a time, she would post a log of the number of birds saved and track how they were doing so that other YCSH staffers and campers could follow them.
Research Associate Brittany Morey holds a banded American Oystercatcher
“People really cared and started sharing a story here and there of how they helped a bird. Those experiences stuck with me and sparked my interest in conservation efforts,” said McAllister. This passion for helping animals, along with concerns over rising sea levels and its impact on coastal habitats, has inspired Margaret and her husband, Erik Hirsch, to make environmental research and protection one of the priorities of their philanthropic efforts.
marshes are alive with these vibrant birds for generations to come. Margaret now serves as a board member and enjoys sharing the positive work and research happening at the Institute to connect more people with conservation efforts.
With a significant gift to our Endowment Campaign, The Wetlands Institute now has The Margaret McAllister & Erik Hirsch Coastal Bird Conservation Program. This funding provides ongoing support for Institute scientists to conduct research that directly informs conservation. Their investment helps protect the iconic birds of the saltmarsh and restore the habitat they depend on to ensure that the
Research Scientist Samatha Collins bands a Great Egret chick
2021’s World Series of Birding Draws to a Successful Close by Devin Griffiths, Marketing & Communications Specialist for 2021 as well – heading out on foot, bike, and horseback to identify as many bird species as possible while raising funds for the Institute’s coastal bird conservation programs.
Blue Grosbeak
On Saturday, May 8, The Wetlands Institute’s team of irrepressible birders, The Marshketeers, once again gave up sleep for birds, competing in the 24-hour challenge that is NJ Audubon’s World Series of Birding. After winning the Carbon Footprint Cup last year, The Marshketeers treaded lightly again, taking on the Carbon Footprint Cup
Faced by heavy rain in the early hours, the team nevertheless remained undaunted. They closed the day with 145 species – including this year’s bonus bird, the Blue Grosbeak – repeating their 2020 victory and bringing the Swarovski Carbon Footprint Cup home again. The real winners, though, were the birds: through generous donations and pledges, The Marshketeers raised more than $6,000, which goes directly to The Wetlands Institute’s coastal bird research and conservation programs and supports the lifesaving work we do on behalf of our imperiled beach-nesting birds.
Our 2021 Institutional Sponsors
The Marshketeers, clockwise from top: Lenore Tedesco, Aidan Griffiths, Devin Griffiths, Brittany Morey, Lisa Ferguson, Samantha Collins
Coastal Conservation Research Program
Environmental Education Program
The 2021 Coastal Conservation Research Program interns have been fully immersed in their summer at the Institute, learning new skills, contributing to our projects, and developing their own individual studies:
Hands-on, feet wet! Our Environmental Education interns are elbows and knees into leading public programs and looking forward to meeting you:
Terrapin Projects Cameron Forehand, Clemson University Nicole Fox, Stockton University Brandon Ross, University of Connecticut Wetlands Bird Projects Laura Cammarata, West Virginia University Samuel Hermanstorfer, University of Wisconsin-Madison Autumn Turney, Lenoir-Rhyne University
Heather Bariso, Stockton University Grace Fanning, University of Pittsburgh Olivia Hogan, Eckerd College Callie Knudson, Unity College Be sure to learn more about their experiences at our Annual Intern Symposium on August 2!
Our summer intern positions are supported through The Larry L. Luing Family Foundation and The Barbara and Jim Summers Intern Endowment Fund
New Fellowship Program Provides Invaluable Early Career Preparation by Kristen Egan, Development Manager
We are thrilled to welcome another young scientist eager to work on coastal research and conservation projects and help build on classroom-based knowledge. Chris Dolan is working as a Research Assistant this summer and gaining valuable field experience in avian ecology, as well as exposure to Diamondback Terrapin and Horseshoe Crab research and conservation programs. His position was made possible through the generous gift to our endowment campaign from Jeannie and Jim Morris to establish the Jeannie Morris Graduate Fellowship program. Jeannie and Jim hold strong beliefs in the importance of early carrier training opportunities as foundational experiences for young scientists. “I feel like this program was made for someone like me,” Chris said. “I studied
environmental issues in college, but upon graduating, I didn’t go directly into the field. After 18 months teaching English abroad and exploring avian biodiversity more in Colombia, I knew I really wanted to work in the environmental field. This fellowship is an amazing opportunity for me to get varied experience in ecology.” Banding American Oystercatchers within his first few weeks on the job was easily the coolest experience for him. “Knowing that this opportunity was made possible by others’ generosity makes me feel very grateful.” Having vacationed frequently in Cape May and Ocean City, we’re thrilled Chris returned to his roots and is supporting the Institute’s coastal research and conservation work.
Tidepool Shop The Tidepool Shop is happy to welcome everyone back with fresh titles in our book collection, hands-on nature and science-themed children’s toys, unique clothing... and a tribute to the horseshoe crab! The iconic horseshoe crab is one of the most famous visitors to the Delaware Bay, and critical to the health of the entire bayshore ecosystem. With our super-soft cotton T, you can show your love for horseshoe crabs in comfort
and style. The whimsically wonderful Harry Horseshoe Crab is a great way to introduce young children to this amazing creature - and the soft and adorable plushie makes the perfect reading companion. Come visit us and see what’s new. The possibilities truly are “Limulus”! As always, your purchase at The Tidepool Shop directly supports our important work here at The Wetlands Institute - Thank You!
Our book and gift shop is open daily from May 24 to September 20. Can’t visit us? Give us a call or shop online at tidepool-shop.myshopify.com.
Summer Happenings The Wetlands Institute will be open daily from 9:30am-4:30pm with extended evening hours and activities until 7:00pm TuesdayThursday from June 22-September 2, 2021! Unless otherwise stated, all activities are free with admission and occur onsite at The Wetlands Institute. For more information, visit wetlandsinstitute.org/events.
Salt Marsh Safari 10AM, 12PM & 2PM 11AM & 1PM
Monday - Friday Saturday & Sunday
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 11:15AM & 1:15PM
Monday & 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 3:15PM 2:15PM
Tuesday and Thursday Saturday
Help us feed the local marine life! We will open up feeding three times each week so you can see the box turtles munching tomato, the terrapins chasing fiddler crabs and the horseshoe crab gobbling shrimp.
Hooked on Fishing 10AM
Saturday
Go fishing! We’ll teach you how to bait a hook, cast a line, catch a fish and reel it in. We’ve even got fishing poles and bait.
Seashell Sunday 10AM
5PM
Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights are bursting with fun! Meet live animals, learn about our latest research, release a terrapin (Tuesday) or horseshoe crab (Thursday) from our dock or spend an evening with the fish (Wednesday)!
Catch o’ the Day Monday, Wednesday, Friday 3:15PM Get your feet wet (or wear waders!) as you discover what swims in the back bays. Help us drag a seine net through the water to find crabs, shrimp, fish and more.
Dune and Beach Walk 9:30AM
Wednesday
Meet at 48 Street and Dune Drive in Avalon for an interpretive walk along the maritime forest and dune trails to learn about the flora and fauna that call this area their home. th
Free to attend and generously sponsored by Avalon Free Public Library.
Exploration Point 9:30AM
Monday
Bring your buckets! Meet at the trailhead at 122nd Street in Stone Harbor and explore Stone Harbor Point for awesome seashells, cool birds, and fun things that live under the sand. Suggested $3 donation to The Wetlands Institute.
Sunday
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.
Crabbing at the Dock 2:15PM
Special Evening Happenings
Sunday
Drop a line in the water and see what pinches it! We’ll provide the bait and handlines - You reel in the blue crabs!
Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary Tour 10AM
Sunday (June 6 - August 29) Saturday (July and August)
Grab binoculars and your best bird guide! Then meet us at Holly Path, 2nd Avenue Entrance in Stone Harbor, for a guided tour of the Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary. Free to attend and generously sponsored by the Borough of Stone Harbor.
The Wetlands Institute is closely monitoring COVID-19 developments and the guidance issued by state and local agencies, specifically as they relate to our Summer Happenings. As needed, we are planning for and adjusting our programs and operations accordingly to promote community and staff safety, both on our grounds and during our programs. When visiting us, please join us in creating a safe, enriching, and fun experience for all of our visitors by understanding our programs may be modified in accordance with this guidance. We will see you soon!
Go Paperless
Paperless newsletters are more sustainable and they help reduce our cost so a larger portion of your gifts directly support our research, conservation, and education programs. Sign up for our e-newsletter at wetlandsinstitute.org/about-us/newsletter.
Summer on the Water Back Bay Birding and Wildlife Tours Board The Skimmer to cruise the beautiful back bays of Stone Harbor. Highlights include bird watching, salt marsh wildlife viewing and marine life touch tanks. Trips depart weekly, Tuesday through Thursday, with both daytime and evening tours available. Call 609-884-3100 for reservations or book online at skimmer.com.
Back Bay Kayaking and Paddle Boarding Kayaking and paddle boarding have become very popular ways to explore the marsh. Join us Monday through Friday, day or evening, for a guided kayak or paddle board tour of the coastal marsh ecosystem in a single or tandem kayak or atop a paddleboard. Call 609-368-1211 for reservations.
Double the fun for summer ‘21!
June 30-July 2
If your child loves nature, the outdoors, and the salt life this is the summer adventure for them. This year, The Wetlands Institute has two great ways for you to enjoy a fun-filled summer of imagination and discovery. Take part in our traditional in-person Summer Nature Program at the Institute or bring the programs home with our Summer Nature Program Adventure Chests. Whatever you choose, the summer is yours to explore! Join us! For complete details, including descriptions, pricing and registration packet, please visit www.wetlandsinstitute.org.
Creation Nation: Crafting with Nature
July 19-23 Close Encounters with Micro-Macro Wildlife
Reservations required for all activities. Please check our website for complete schedule and pricing. Unless otherwise stated, all activities leave from The Wetlands Institute dock.
Wild Walks: Explore the Shore
July 26-30 Weather or Not Climate Science
Aug. 9-13 Secrets of the Way Down Under
July 12-16
July 5-9
Nature’s STEAM, STREAMs & STEMs
Aug. 2-6 Fins, Scutes, Scales & Tails
Aug. 23-25
Aug. 16-20 Marine Mammals and the Sea Life Web
Creation Nation: Seashells in My Pockets
When Passion and Career Intertwine by Brooke Knapick, Director of Educational Program Development
For the past nine years, I have had the pleasure of working alongside one of the best environmental educators in the profession – The Wetlands Institute’s Environmental Educator, Sue Slotterback. Sue’s career began long before The Wetlands Institute, but the quality of her programs and the initiative she took to bring her experience, enthusiasm and passion for education to not only her peers but also the next generation of environmental stewards leaves a valuable and lasting impact on this organization and the community.
will be so for a lifetime. The Wetlands Institute says goodbye to her for now, but knows we will see her in her happy place – on the beach, toes in the sand, salt in her hair, horseshoe crab in hand. Until then, thank you Sue for all you have done and the mark you have made, on not only The Wetlands Institute but also the countless children and adults who have had the pleasure of learning from you. Enjoy everything the future holds for you and we will see you on the beach!
As Sue enters retirement and steps forth into her future, it remains clear that environmental education is more than just a job – it is her way of being. Although she will no longer be coming to work at The Wetlands Institute every day, Sue is a consummate educator and
find us on
1075 Stone Harbor Blvd. Stone Harbor, NJ 08247-1424
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A non-profit organization studying, preserving, and protecting wetlands and coastal ecosystems
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.
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Views from theTower SAVE THE DATE
The Wetlands Institute’s
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Call 609.368.1211 or stop in to buy tickets. Drawing: December 16, 2021 at The Wetlands Institute
Only 240 tickets being sold... Get yours today! *$12,000 if all 240 tickets are sold. No substitution of the offered prize may be made. Winner does not need to be present to win. Must be 18 years of age or older to participate. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call toll-free 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537). Net proceeds will be used to further environmental education and conservation programs at The Wetlands Institute. RA# 07-21 481-5-25895 Middle Township.
TICKETS AND EVENT INFORMATION WETLANDSINSTITUTE.ORG/SC2021 PRESENTED BY LARRY L. LUING FAMILY FOUNDATION THE DILLER FAMILY FOUNDATION MARGARET MCALLISTER & ERIK HIRSCH