by Dr. Lenore Tedesco, Executive Director

It’s hard to believe the “summer that wasn’t” has come to a close. It has certainly been an unusual year thus far, and one I would like to put behind us. The quiet building is certainly something we are not used to during the summer. We finally were able to open to the public on July 1 and welcome you back with a focus on outdoor experiences. We were so happy to see everyone, and seeing families and children discovering the marsh and all her secrets has been wonderful and has helped lift the spirits of all of us. Just as you all continue to navigate this strange new world and the uncertainties of the fall, we do as well. We are working very hard to find the silver linings in all of this, as difficult as that may be.

Pivot. One of the new words in our vocabulary has taken on incredible importance. As much as I don’t like the concept, it aptly describes all that we have been doing. Our Research and Conservation teams have been operating under modified schedules and protocols to continue their work and to steward the wildlife we work with. The Education team has been working to reimagine programs and offerings to create impactful and meaningful exploration and learning tools to help keep people connected to nature. Connections are so important, yet it is connections that are the most difficult to safely provide.

The silver linings for me have been the new ways that we are learning to communicate and share with all of you. The virtual platforms that we have been creating have helped us to reach a broader audience and to share our work with people across a much larger geographic space. Our work has always been about much more than our local marshes, and the new tools and technologies that are now commonplace have given us an opportunity to take advantage of this added reach.

We know that one of the best things about The Wetlands Institute is being at The Wetlands Institute. In these most unusual times, we are pleased that we can welcome you here, but also welcome you to the world of discovery all year round – and regardless of where you are.

I miss seeing all of you and am humbled by your encouraging words and messages. We need each other through these times. If you would like to stop in for a visit or chat about how we are doing, remember my door is always open – let me know if you would like to find a way to catch up.