Kids spend a week exploring the natural wonders of Barnegat Bay.
By Maria Grace, Education & Outreach Manager
Earlier this month, 14 kids from across the state, got to spend the week in Barnegat Bay. They were the first participants in the Sedge Island Summer Field Experience, a week long immersion that took place at the Sedge Island Natural Resource Education Center, a facility run by the NJ Division of Fish & Wildlife within the Sedge Island Marine Conservation Zone.
This outstanding group of kids spent time clamming, kayaking, bird watching, fishing, fish tagging and even saw diamondback terrapins hatching. Each day a different activity was organized by our friends and partners in the conservation community and each night, the group reflected on their activities by writing in journals provided especially for this experience. These kids were privileged to learn from the experts – biologists and environmental specialists who work on various topics like shellfish restoration, bird and terrapin conservation, to oceanography.
On the last day of the experience, the kids welcomed their families to the island and the kids taught their parents about Barnegat Bay and its natural wonders. All involved considered this pilot program to be a great success that will be duplicated in future years. If you are interested in applying to attend future Sedge Island Summer Field Experiences, please email maria.grace@conservewildlifenj.org.
This, our first Sedge Island Summer Field Experience, was terrific. The kids had a great time. Our staff enjoyed the programs and, like the students, learned a lot from the professionals who came in to assist in the teaching. It was a win win for everyone. Check out our Facebook site- Sedge Island Natural Resource Education Center for pictures and comments.
It is very likely that we will run two Summer Field Experience next summer. We can only accept 14 participants and we had to turn away a good number of students this past summer. Contact Maria Grace early if you are interested.