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The Wetlands Institute
http://www.wetlandsinstitute.org
Contact:  Tedor Whitman      601.368.1211

 The Wetlands Institute is located in Middle Township near Stone Harbor and Cape May.  It includes 6,000 acres of coastal wetlands and its purpose is to promote the conservation and preservation of coastal ecosystems by providing a fun educational experience.

The Wetlands Institute offers Electronic Field Trips to school systems that have compatible technology with the ISDN line.  These programs allow teachers and students to interact with the Institute scientists regarding conservation issues and coastal habitats of New Jersey.  Topics range from terrapin conservation to salt marsh ecology and are available for students in grades K-12.  Typical field trips run from a half hour to forty-five minutes and include lectures live animals and a lot of interaction.  Fees vary by program.

Adaptations: Lower Elementary
The salt marsh is a habitat that is different than any other habitat in the United States.  Learn what defines a habitat and then learn how the unique animals of the marsh have adapted to the conditions.  Animals examined could include sea stars (not star fish, which will be explained), terrapins (the salt marsh turtle), osprey, and horseshoe crabs. 

Terrapin Conservation: Lower and Middle Elementary
(can be adapted for Secondary School)
Terrapins are the only reptiles of the salt marsh.  While most people like turtles, the terrapin has been having great trouble with humans.  Learn about those troubles (cars, crab traps, over-development, turtle soup) and how the Institute and local children have been helping these interesting animals. 

Wetlands Ecology:  Middle and Upper School
There are many different types of wetlands found thoughout New Jersey and the United States.  But they have not always been appreciated.  Between 1900 and 2000, we have destroyed over 53% of the lower 48’s wetlands.  Learn what is a wetland, why they are important to all people, and about some of our efforts to help promote student participation in saving wetlands.

http://www.wetlandsinstitute.org/education/elecfieldtrips.html