by Devin Griffiths, Marketing & Communications Specialist
The number of challenges facing the natural world today can be overwhelming, and caring for it often seems daunting. Sometimes just deciding where to focus is a Herculean effort. What’s most important, and how do you begin?
Since our inception, we at the Institute have been asking these questions, and have dedicated ourselves to studying and protecting South Jersey’s back bays, beaches, and wetlands, to addressing some of our toughest challenges, and to providing ways for people to get involved in creating change.
Our adoptions program gives everyone the chance to make a difference. When you symbolically adopt a Diamondback Terrapin, American Oystercatcher, or Horseshoe Crab, you provide critical funds directly to conservation of those species – funds that allow us to conduct road patrols, maintain barrier fencing, and continue rehabilitation efforts for injured terrapins; purchase American Oystercatcher bands and research equipment; and conduct reTURN the Favor horseshoe crab rescue walks, volunteer training, and conservation efforts. Purchasing an adoption may feel like an abstract action, but it has a concrete and immediate impact on our work to protect and preserve these incredible animals and the coastal areas they call home.
The issues before us are manifold and complex, and while there are no simple solutions, there are easy steps we can all take to move forward, build a better future for the amazing creatures we’re fortunate to share space with, and protect the coastal resources on which they rely. By making a symbolic adoption today, you truly can make a difference.
Check out our adoption options at wetlandsinstitute.org/adopt.
