by Elizabeth Hefner, Development Team
At The Wetlands Institute, our scientists work tirelessly to discover and develop groundbreaking solutions to the threats that face wetland ecosystems, their wildlife, and our coastal communities. Key projects range from a more than 30-year ongoing effort to study and protect diamondback terrapins, to volunteer-driven rescue work that has saved more than 1 million horseshoe crabs, to sophisticated research on coastal birds and their changing habitat needs. We create connections for more than 17,000 visitors and more than 14,000 schoolchildren each year. Our wetland-focused educational programs help make an informed citizenry to steward these resources for future generations.
The Institute’s mission spans three interconnected pillars: Conducting applied research to guide our conservation efforts and evaluate their effectiveness; undertaking conservation projects that put research insights to work, providing volunteers with actionable opportunities to engage in protecting wildlife and preserving habitat; and delivering education programs that connect people to the wetlands and provide the awareness and the spark that inspires them to take action.
Individually, programs in each of these three areas are essential. Together, they make The Wetlands Institute virtually unique. They allow us not only to carry out scientific work of value, but also to set the stage for countless “ah-ha” moments that meaningfully connect people to nature. These moments can lead to life-long—even multigenerational—engagement, turning visitors and volunteers into stewards of our wetlands and partners in achieving large-scale, lasting change.
Support from our donors has created a sea change for the coastal ecosystem, filled with hope that we can have healthy wetlands teeming with life for future generations. There is so much more that we need to do. How much we can achieve depends on support from visionary donors like you.
Your investment in The Wetlands Institute is an investment in the increased resilience of our marshes, the wildlife that depends on them, and the coastal communities they protect. It enables The Wetlands Institute to respond to new challenges and seize new opportunities.
