We are pleased to announce the 2015 Festival and Special Events Calendar for The Wetlands Institute. 2015 will be filled with many great opportunities to play, learn, volunteer, participate and enjoy the coastal and wetland ecosystems of southern New Jersey. This year’s festival line up continues to showcase the remarkable natural phenomena of migration with both the Spring Shorebird and Horseshoe Crab Festival and Fall Migration Festival. Both provide a full weekend line-up of activities spread across several locations in the area. We will again offer program components that allow for active participation in horseshoe crab, monarch butterfly, or shorebird tagging and banding. Guided beach and marsh walks are sure to excite everyone from beginners to those looking to brush up on their bird identification skills or learn about conservation programs in the area. Naturalist led kayak and boat tours will provide access to the more difficult to spot birds, and a close-up encounter with the marsh and back bay ecosystem.
Our three 1-day events are themed, event days packed with games, contests, educational programs, and a host of great activities for families. TurtleFest is again on the Saturday of Easter Weekend, with a pancake breakfast, turtle egg hunt, crafts and fun. Crabulous Crab Day spotlights the delicious, interesting and even little known crab species that make the salt marsh their home. Wetland Wonderland returns again on Saturday of Thanksgiving weekend and celebrates the wonders of winter and the adaptations of animals to this difficult time.
The most exciting change to the event schedule relates to the Wings ‘N Water Benefit Auction. After 32 years of holding the benefit auction under the tent at the Institute, the host committee is reimagining the auction and its venue. All things must change as the only constant is change. The host committee, comprised of board members and community leaders, is pleased to announce that the benefit auction will be restructured under a new name and at a new venue. The Inaugural Wetlands Institute Summer Celebration will be an exciting, cocktail party and benefit auction to support the mission and programs of the Institute. The celebration will be held at the Reeds of Shelter Haven on Saturday night, August 1, 2015. The evening’s festivities will include great food and drinks, entertainment, the spectacular scenery and view to the Institute, and a live auction. Our emphasis will be on raising funds in direct support of mission-based programs. The new venue provides the perfect ambiance for the renewed focus. The Summer Celebration is the Institute’s premier fund-raising event and a critical event to support the continued growth and development of the Institute into a world-class research, conservation, and education facility. Newly structured sponsorship opportunities are a perfect way to support the Institute, and distinctive VIP ticket packages are being formulated. We will be announcing news and highlights as the planning continues. Save the date – Saturday, August 1 – you don’t want to miss all the excitement.
View our calendar of events