Press Release
Middle Township, NJ – The Wetlands Institute (TWI) invites the community to visit its marsh home of more than 50 years before it ends its 2026 summer season. Hours will be seven days a week from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM through Monday, September 7, the final day of public programming at the 1075 Stone Harbor Boulevard location. The Institute Team will embark on a new chapter to Reimagine the Wetlands after closing its doors that day. For information about exhibits and programming, visit https://wetlandsinstitute.org/visit-us/ or call 609-368-1211.
The Institute will resume fall and winter programs in November at a transitional location as it begins work to elevate the Salt Marsh Trail and revitalize the surrounding ecosystem to create a reimagined marsh campus.
“We welcome the community to visit the marsh and our legacy building that has delivered so many connections to families, students, and fellow researchers over the past five decades,” said Dr. Lenore Tedesco, executive director, TWI.
Tedesco said protecting the marsh and creating a resilient building is crucial to the future health of the wetlands. “Our campus is experiencing more frequent and severe flooding as a result of higher sea levels,” she explained. “In 2000, the Salt Marsh Trail flooded about twice per year; over the past five years, it has flooded 70 times per year. This impacts diamondback terrapin nesting and compromises habitat important for marsh-dependent birds that rely on the marsh for their well-being. Flooding limits programs and services we provide visitors. And it has broader detrimental environmental, community, and economic implications.”
“We’re profoundly appreciative of everyone who continues to support the Institute and the vital research, conservation, and education services our team provides,” said Annie Ulichney, Wetlands Institute Board chair. “Whether you’ve visited for a day, your children have attended our Summer Nature Program, you’ve thrived in one of our internship programs, or you’ve served as a volunteer or employee, you contributed to what makes TWI invaluable to the community. We look forward to continuing to partner with you in being stewards of our beautiful wetlands to enhance marsh life and life on Earth.”
###
About The Wetlands Institute
Founded more than five decades ago, The Wetlands Institute is a nonprofit research, conservation, and education organization based in Stone Harbor, New Jersey. The Institute operates a nationally recognized coastal research facility and works to protect wetlands and coastal ecosystems through applied science and monitoring, habitat restoration, education, and public engagement.
In collaboration with state, federal, academic, and municipal partners, The Wetlands Institute has worked to advance the science and practice of tidal marsh restoration using science-based, nature-driven approaches that address marsh loss, sea-level rise, and coastal flooding. Through long-term research, restoration, and education, the Institute serves as a trusted scientific resource for communities working to protect coastal ecosystems and the benefits they provide. For more information, visit wetlandsinstitute.org.