Bycatch in Traps: A Pervasive but Solvable Problem

by Brian Williamson, Research Scientist Diamondback terrapin populations face many threats, but none as widespread or detrimental as bycatch in crab traps. Terrapins breathe air, and can only hold their breath for about 45 minutes during warmer months. As carnivores,...

Reflections From a Seasonal Naturalist

by Eunice Hudzik, Seasonal Naturalist As a Seasonal Naturalist, it is almost a certainty that each day, while either out in the marsh or on the beach, I will experience some kind of wildlife sighting. These likely encounters have fueled my enthusiasm for a job that...

Making Our Mission Happen

by Elizabeth Hefner, Development Team For most of us, exploring the marsh and visiting The Wetlands Institute is part of the fabric of summer. Every year, you join us in celebrating the joy of diamondback terrapin hatchings, the spectacle of shorebird migration, and...

Marsh Musings – Autumn 2023

by Dr. Lenore Tedesco, Executive Director Yep, it happened again. Summer flew by and once again, I’m not sure how it went so fast. As we settle into the rhythm of fall, it’s a time when I take a minute to reflect on all the wonderful things that we accomplished...

Our Eyes (and Ears) are on the Marshes

by Dr. Lenore Tedesco, Executive Director Wetlands and coastal ecosystems are incredibly dynamic and change is constant. Superimposed on their rhythmic changes are increased pressures related to climate change, sea level rise, and intensifying human use of these...

2023 Environmental Education Intern Projects

This year’s Luing Family Internship Program Environmental Education Interns spent 12 weeks leading public education programs, while immersing themselves in the unique environment of the surrounding salt marsh and barrier islands. They worked hard and through it all...

2023 CCRP Intern Project Abstracts

This summer, six Luing Family Internship Coastal Conservation Research Program interns brought incredible energy and insights to The Wetlands Institute. Interns contributed to long-term monitoring of diamondback terrapins and coastal birds, designed independent...

Welcome to the Team – Summer 2023

Meet Devon Patchel Devon Patchel joined The Wetlands Institute as the Administrative Coordinator in March 2023. She works closely with our Executive Director and the Development and Communications team, specifically focused on special event coordinating and...

Martins & Swallows: The Marsh’s Aerial Acrobats

by Rae Griffiths, Office Assistant Spring migration in Cape May holds many special moments. Whether it be Ospreys returning to nesting platforms; Red Knots scouring the beaches along the Delaware Bay; or colorful warblers traveling north from the tropics, the arrival...

Marsh Musings – Summer 2023

by Dr. Lenore Tedesco, Executive Director Time – it keeps on slipping, slipping, slipping, into the future. Truer words are hard to find. And so, we are on the cusp of another busy summer season. There is comfort to the rhythm and I am surrounded by constant reminders...