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The Wetlands Institute A non-profit organization studying, preserving, and protecting wetlands and coastal ecosystems. How Can You Help? http://wetlandsinstitute.org/donate-2/
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Coastal professionals from across the country learned the science behind the restoration of Scotch Bonnet Marsh Enhancem...
10/16/2026

Coastal professionals from across the country learned the science behind the restoration of Scotch Bonnet Marsh Enhancement and the Salt Marsh Trail Restoration projects last week.

Attendees of the Shore and Beach Preservation Association's National Coastal Conference Centennial Celebration took a field trip to The Wetlands Institute. They learned about tools and techniques the Seven Mile Island Innovation Lab has developed to save drowning marshes and witnessed the success of our nature-based work at Scotch Bonnet Island.

They also were able to see evidence of drowning marshes and how we’re working to raise the Salt Marsh Trail and restore marsh habitat for diamondback terrapins and coastal birds at the Institute that is being lost because of increased flooding.

A bald eagle flyover, Peregrine Falcons on the hunt, and an abundance of monarch butterflies were an added display of the fall migration in Cape May County.

Visit our website to learn about how we protect marsh life through our research, conservation, and education: https://wetlandsinstitute.org/[L

We’re proud to share that the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association (ASBPA) has recognized the Seven Mile I...
10/14/2026

We’re proud to share that the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association (ASBPA) has recognized the Seven Mile Island Innovation Lab (SMIIL) with its 2026 Robert L. Wiegel Coastal Project Award.

What’s special for us and our SMIIL cofounders Philadelphia District U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is that the nomination for this recognition was based on our work as a collaborative think tank that promotes engineering solutions that work in harmony with nature.

The presented the award October 7 at its National Coastal Conference Centennial Celebration in Atlantic City noting SMIIL is a project that has stood the test of time and has shown a positive environmental, social, or recreational benefit.

Our press release has details: https://wetlandsinstitute.org/smiilaward/

10/14/2026

Yesterday we shared that a team from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection joined us to check on our marsh before we begin work on the Salt Marsh Trail. It was a beautiful fall day to assess the majesty of the marsh we are protecting as we Reimagine The Wetlands Institute.

It was a beautiful day on the marsh today as we welcomed a team from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protecti...
10/13/2026

It was a beautiful day on the marsh today as we welcomed a team from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Natural Climate Solutions Grant program. Our Executive Director, Dr. Lenore Tedesco, hosted the team at our Stone Harbor Boulevard location, which is not open to the public while we Reimagine The Wetlands Institute. Together they documented wetlands conditions and reviewed plans to start revitalizing the Salt Marsh Trail this month.

In other news, staff and aquarium animals are all safely in our temporary facilities.

We will open for our fall hours in our temporary home - the New Jersey Coastal Conservation Center (NJCCC) - on November 7.

You can visit the grounds now at 600 North Delsea Drive, Cape May Court House, NJ to see nature showing off its fall colors.

Learn more about the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative grant that supports our efforts to care for the marsh here: https://wetlandsinstitute.org/2025-rggi-grant/.

We mark World Migratory Bird Day twice each year – in the spring as migratory birds fly to north to nesting sites and on...
10/10/2026

We mark World Migratory Bird Day twice each year – in the spring as migratory birds fly to north to nesting sites and on the second Saturday in October as they head south to their winter homes.

“Every Bird Counts – Your Observations Matter,” is the 2026 theme.

Many species of migratory birds, including short-billed dowitchers, red knots, whimbrels, and semipalmated sandpipers rely on healthy marshes and coastal ecosystems during their long flights. Some continue on farther north to nesting grounds, while others breed in our area. The south-bound migration has been ongoing since late August with many birds moving through our marshes as they begin to turn their autumn colors.

By transforming mudflats back to thriving marshes and replacing lost habitat, we’re ensuring these and many other species can be successful.

We collect and analyze data about how these species use our marshes and the effectiveness of restoration projects. Nature-based solutions lead to safer journeys for birds that connect ecosystems across the globe.

At we work to help birds soar to ensure future generations enjoy their incredible migrations and the broader benefits of healthier ecosystems.

We're proud to partner with Stockton University on a pilot study funded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s A...
10/07/2026

We're proud to partner with Stockton University on a pilot study funded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s Atlantic Flyway Shorebird Initiative exploring American oystercatchers nesting in salt marshes of New Jersey.

This year, University students, staff, and faculty joined The Wetlands Institute’s efforts to study American oystercatchers and other migratory shorebirds.

From conducting boat-based marsh surveys with the Stockton marine field station staff to mapping bird sightings and coastal habitat data, six student interns enrolled in the environmental studies program gained valuable experience while contributing to critical conservation research. The interns’ efforts are helping our team better understand how these remarkable shorebirds rely on the salt marsh, and the successes and challenges they experience in these changing coastal habitats.

We’re grateful for our Stockton University partnership. Together, we're advancing conservation science while providing students with educational opportunities to contribute to meaningful research.

Read more: Stockton Interns Help The Wetlands Institute Study Marsh-Nesting Shorebirds [stockton.edu]

Pickleweed is putting on its seasonal show! Pickleweed (also known as Salicornia or glasswort) is a quirky little plant...
09/29/2026

Pickleweed is putting on its seasonal show!

Pickleweed (also known as Salicornia or glasswort) is a quirky little plant that thrives in salty marshes and coastal wetlands. It's a succulent, meaning it stores water in its fleshy stems, and it doesn’t just tolerate salt, it actually needs it to survive!

In spring and summer, pickleweed is green and full of life, soaking up sun and saltwater. But with fall’s arrival the tips of its stems have turned bright red. Why? Because the plant pushes excess salt to the ends of its stems, which then die off, turning red before eventually dropping off. It’s the plant’s way of "detoxing" before winter.

Pickleweed plays an important role in wetland ecosystems, providing habitat and food for birds, insects, and other critters. Plus, it’s edible for humans too (tastes salty and crisp!).

What does it take to restore and protect our coasts for future generations?This week, our Executive Director, Dr. Lenore...
09/26/2026

What does it take to restore and protect our coasts for future generations?

This week, our Executive Director, Dr. Lenore Tedesco, joined experts from across the country at the Restore America's Estuaries 2026 Coastal & Estuarine Summit to answer that question.

From sharing innovative restoration strategies to discussing real-world lessons learned, the summit brought together passionate professionals dedicated to ensuring healthier waterways and stronger coastal communities. 🌊

We're proud to be part of the conversation shaping the future of coastal restoration.🌿

Address

1075 Stone Harbor Boulevard
Stone Harbor, NJ
08247

Opening Hours

Monday 9:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 9:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 9:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 9:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 9:30am - 4:30pm
Saturday 9:30am - 4:30pm
Sunday 9:30am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+16093681211

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