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Stone Harbor, NJ, November 10, 2014 – The Wetlands Institute has been awarded a $24,900 grant from the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund (DWCF). The conservation grant recognizes The Wetlands Institute’s many diamondback terrapin research and conservation projects.

“We are incredibly grateful to have received the support of Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund to help us in our education, research, and conservation efforts.” stated Dr. Lisa Ferguson, Director of Research and Conservation.

Projects facilitated by this grant include our road patrols during the nesting season, our storm drain rescue project, terrapin barrier fence installation and maintenance, as well as bycatch reduction device (BRD) distribution. The grant also provides resources to continue and expand our ghost trap removal program, which will allow us to further reduce the threats derelict crab traps pose to terrapins in the salt marsh. To further our goal of educating the public on local conservation issues, The Wetlands Institute will work closely with local teachers to develop comprehensive terrapin-based learning modules that will be available on our website and also be distributed at various meetings and workshops.

Fencing4_26_14-1The Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund focuses on protecting wildlife and connecting kids and families with nature. Since its founding in 1995, DWCF has provided more than $25 million to support conservation programs in 114 countries. Projects were selected to receive awards based upon their efforts to study wildlife, protect habitats and develop community conservation and education programs in critical ecosystems.

For information on Disney’s commitment to conserve nature and a complete list of 2014 grant recipients, visit www.disney.com/conservation.

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About The Wetlands Institute:

The Wetlands Institute is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting appreciation, understanding and stewardship of wetlands and coastal ecosystems through our programs in research, conservation and education. We inspire visitors of all ages to appreciate and steward wetlands and coastal ecosystems by teaching them the importance of those systems and how they relate to their own lives. Visit our website at wetlandsinstitute.org to find out more about our programs and mission.