by Dr. Lenore Tedesco, Executive Director

The strangest things happen when you least expect it. As we transitioned our largest fund-raiser, the Summer Celebration, from an in-person to a virtual event, we focused on how best to tell our story. Our story is that “It’s In Our Nature” – to preserve, protect and steward marshes and coastal ecosystems. It’s in our nature to use cutting edge research to inform conservation of sensitive species. It’s in our nature to train tomorrow’s environmental stewards. It’s in our nature to teach people of all ages about the wonders of the watery world of wetlands. It’s in our nature to connect people with nature so that they act for conservation – so that they will care.

We thought that it might be really great to have people tell us in their own words about their relationship to The Wetlands Institute. And they did! We received so many wonderful videos from friends near and far, spanning the ages from junior volunteers to retired career scientists. Their message was clear – this place matters and has had profound and life-changing impact on so many.

The messages were so clear and the voices so loud, it quickly became apparent that we need to hear more stories. In the coming weeks, we are launching an oral history project for The Wetlands Institute and we want to hear from you. We will create a space for you to tell your stories so your words can inspire the next generation of stewards.