Autumn Happenings

It is autumn in the marsh, and The Wetlands Institute is open daily from 9:30-4:30 through September 20. Beginning September 23, we’re open on Saturdays and Sundays from  9:30-4:30. Unless otherwise stated, all activities are free with admission and occur onsite at The Wetlands Institute. Questions?  Please call The Wetlands Institute at 609-368-1211.

Note: The Wetlands Institute is a natural conservation area where outside animals would be a disturbance to local wildlife that inhabits this area. Because of this, pets are not allowed inside Institute buildings or outside on Institute property, including the Salt Marsh Trail, elevated walkway, and dock. Service dogs are welcome as they have been trained to not react to other animals.

Salt Marsh Safari

Starting in Marsh View Hall, watch our award-winning film, Secrets of the Salt Marsh.  Then join us for a guided interpretive walk through the wetlands!  Together we will travel along the new elevated walkway, down the salt marsh trail and out onto the dock overlooking Scotch Bonnet creek.  To fully experience the marsh, make sure to wear shoes that can get wet and muddy!

Not all tours are guided, please call The Wetlands Institute at 609-368-1211 to inquire about the daily schedule.

Daily:  11:00am and 2:00pm
Free with admission

Creature Feature

During this live animal presentation, get up close with turtles, fish, crabs, sea stars and urchins, mollusks, horseshoe crabs, or the popular animals of Finding Nemo. 

Monday & Friday:  12:30pm
Free with admission

Aquarium Feeding

Help us feed the local marine life! We will open up feeding three times each week so you can see the octopus eating crabs and the horseshoe crab gobbling shrimp. (Not all animals are fed each day.)

Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday:  12:30pm
Free with admission

Catch o’ the Day

Get your feet wet (or wear waders!) as you discover what swims in the back bays. Help us drag a seine net through the water to find crabs, shrimp, fish and more. Activity recommended for ages 8 and up. Younger children are welcome to attend and can assist in removing creatures from the net! This activity is tide dependent and may not occur during low tide.

Wednesday:  12:30 pm
Free with admission

Seashell Sunday

Seashells at the seashore! Join us to learn all about seashells, how to collect them without harming the environment, and touch an assortment of live mollusks and cool artifacts.

Sunday:  12:30pm
Free with admission