Wetlands Institute Named Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund Grants Recipient

The Wetlands Institute has been awarded a grant from the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund (DWCF) for its Jersey Shore Terrapin Conservation Project. The Institute is among 80 projects selected this year for their efforts to inspire people and collaborations to protect the world’s wildlife, and to connect children and communities to nature.  The grant is part of the DWCF’s $20 million milestone in conservation giving since its inception in 1995.

The Jersey Shore Terrapin Conservation Project is a community-based program designed to assess the impact of human activities on diamondback terrapins and implement practices to reduce those impacts.  During 2012-2013, the Institute plans to (1) develop a new community-based conservation initiative in response to large numbers of emerging diamondback terrapin hatchlings being trapped in storm drains on barrier beach islands in southern New Jersey; (2) continue their long-term diamondback terrapin research and conservation activities; and (3) enhance the pilot program funded by DWCF in 2011-2012 to develop and distribute terrapin conservation-based learning activities designed by grade school teachers for grade school students. 

“We are delighted to be working with DWCF to expand our work to reduce terrapin mortality due to human impacts in our community,” said Dr. Lenore Tedesco, Wetlands Institute Executive Director. “These programs provide the community with opportunities to participate in meaningful and impactful conservation efforts.”

About DWCF

The Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund works to save species and habitats and to connect kids to nature to help develop lifelong conservation values.  To date, DWCF has granted more than $20 million to support conservation programs in 112 countries.  Projects chosen for funding must address a critical conservation need, contribute solid field science, and incorporate community conservation education and engagement.  To see the complete list of 2012 DWCF grant recipients, visit disney.com/conservation.

Learn more about Disney’s citizenship efforts at www.disney.com/citizenship

About the Wetlands Institute

The Wetlands Institute is a non-profit 501 (c)(3) educational and research facility focused on salt marsh and coastal ecosystem preservation.  Annually, the Institute educates over 20,000 visitors, of which 6,000 are school aged children.  The Wetlands Institute’s mission is to promote appreciation, understanding and stewardship of wetlands and coastal ecosystems through programs in research, education and conservation.  The Institute was founded in 1969 by the late Herbert H. Mills, (former Chairman of the Board of the World Wildlife Fund, and Executive Director of the National Audubon Society), to further coastal environmental knowledge.  From its inception, the Wetlands Institute has pioneered a number of research, education and conservation programs about wetlands and coastal ecosystems, and worked with numerous regional, national and international organizations to foster stewardship of these resources worldwide.   For more information on the Institute, please visit www.wetlandsinstitute.org.