You are Cordially Invited to the Wetlands Institute Winter Lecture Series.
Covered Dish Dinners
6 pm on select Fridays this winter. Please bring an entrée, salad or desert to share with at least 8 people. $7 members/$12 nonmember, plus a covered dish. Please sign up in advance of the event by calling 609-368-1211.
January 25th at 6:00pm. “Tied up in Knots- the Battle to Save the Delaware Bay Shorebird Stopover” Join Dr. Larry Niles, Delaware Bay Shorebird Project Director, as he discusses the critical shorebird stopover and horseshoe crabs breeding ground in the Delaware Bay and its hemispherical importance.
February 22nd at 6:00pm. “Reptile and Amphibian Projects in Africa: Past, Present, and Future” The African continent has a rich diversity of reptiles and amphibians whose populations are increasingly endangered. Meet Wetlands Institute Research Scientist Dr. Patrick Baker, as he shares his experiences in Ghana, South Sudan and South Africa.
CANCELED! March 29th at 6:00pm. “The American Oyster – An Ecological and Economic Engine Powering a Fishery, Aquaculture, and Restoration” Come meet Dave Bushek, director of the Haskins Shellfish Laboratory of Rutgers University. Dr. Bushek will discuss efforts at oyster restoration, aquaculture and fisheries in the Delaware Bay and compare and contract different approaches.
Lunch and Learn
Join us for a weekly exploration of topics of importance to our coastal and wetland ecosystems. Bring your lunch and the Institute will provide coffee and dessert.
January 11th 11:45am - “Ecology of the Atlantic Barrier Islands” Dr. Ralph Boerner, Professor Emeritus from The Ohio State University. Join us for a discussion on the ecological relationships and importance of these coastal habitats.
January 18th 11:45am - “Bugs of the Sea” Meet Wetlands Institute Aquarist and Plankton expert extraordinaire Kirby Hoffman, as he shows us how the smallest sea creatures have the biggest roles to play in the ocean.
February 1st 11:45am - “Reptile and Amphibian Projects in Africa: Past, Present, and Future” The African continent has a rich diversity of reptiles and amphibians whose populations are increasingly endangered. Meet Wetlands Institute Research Scientist Dr. Patrick Baker, as he shares his experiences in Ghana, South Sudan and South Africa. Due to the weather, this presentation has been rescheduled as a Covered Dish Dinner presentation on February 22nd.
February 8th 11:45am – Special Start Time: 12:15pm. “What’s so special about blue crabs?” Paul Jivoff, Associate Professor from Rider University. From aspects of their life history, biology and behavior to zoology, discover why this economically and ecologically important species is so special. Even if you have been catching and eating these crabs for years, you may walk away learning something new about them!
February 15th 11:45am – “Meet and Greet with Brooke Knapick” Come meet the new Director of Educational Program Development at the Wetlands Institute and hear about her ideas and background.
March 1st 11:45am - “Dredging the Coral Reefs of Guam- A Threat to the Local Ecosystem and Dive Industry” Home to many coral species and associated marine life, the Territory of Guam is known as one of the prime scuba diving destinations in the word. Unfortunately, the island’s coral reefs are facing a major dredging project sponsored by the U.S. Navy. Join Wetlands Institute Conservation Coordinator Katie Sellers as she discussed the politics and environmental impacts involved with this dredging operation.
March 8th 11:45am – “Ospreys Then and Now” Learn about this majestic bird’s biology, life history, and the many hardships this once endangered raptor faced. Join Hans Toft, retired biology and natural science teacher from Cape May Technical School High School,
as he shares his experiences working with ospreys for more than 30 years.
March 15th 11:45am – “Super Storm Sandy in Cape May County” Dr. Lenore Tedesco, Wetlands Institute Executive Director. Come learn about the anatomy of Super Storm Sandy and its impacts to the natural areas of Cape May county including the barrier island beaches and dunes and shorebird and horseshoe crab nesting beaches of the Delaware Bay.
March 22nd 11:45am – “Jersey Jammin’” Jalma Farms, located in Cape May County, is committed to establishing sustainable Native Fruit Orchards, such as beach plum, while preserving open space and protecting sensitive fresh and salt water ecosystems. Listen in with local farmer Alma George, and see how her farm is making a difference by using sustainable farming methods and helping to restore beach plums to the Barrier Islands. Plus taste testing at the end!
