Wetlands Institute
1075 Stone Harbor Blvd.
Stone Harbor, NJ 08247
(609) 368-1211
www.wetlandsinstitute.org/

Founded in 1969 by conservationist Herbert H. Mills, the Wetlands Institute has evolved into one of the most complete facilities of its kind in the Northeast. The Institute is dedicated to public education and scientific research concerning intertidal salt marshes and other coastal ecosystems,

Housed in attractive cedar-shake buildings, the Institute's facilities include everything needed for a wonderful family or group outing. Visitors can explore:

• Secrets of the Salt Marsh, an education center with saltwater aquaria, exhibits depicting life in the salt marsh, and an observation deck.
• Wetlandia, a children's discovery room with games and exhibits.
• Marshview Hall, a meeting room featuring wildlife art and window walls that overlook the marshes, including an osprey nest.
• Observation Tower, providing a panoramic view of the wetlands.
• Salt Marsh Trail, that visitors can explore on their own year-round, or with a guide during the summer.

Beautiful Gardens feature native and seashore-hardy garden plants and shrubs -- habitat for birds and butterflies. A research Library contains an excellent selection of natural history and marine science books.The Institute well-fulfills its goal of education through a wide variety of programs and field trips for individuals, families, and groups of all kinds. Adult Workshops are available on topics such as carving, painting, quilting, and crafts. Other family activities includes Field Trips, Boat Cruises with a nature guide, and a premier Lecture Series. Throughout the year a variety of special events are offered, including Creature Days, featuring selected animals. Each year South Jersey's Wings 'n Water Festival is held here. This two-day extravagance features music, arts, decoy carving, boat cruises, and much, more in a celebration of the earth and the sea.School Groups can choose from a variety of great hands-on programs. Marsh Critters & Discover Walk (grades Pre-K - 2) introduces students to the salt marsh and its inhabitants. Cycles of Life (3 - 4) explores the food web connections between marsh plants and animals. Turtle Talk (3 - 4) offers a springtime look at the life of the turtle. Estuary (5 - 6) has students build their own estuary, an in-depth look at this important habitat. Horseshoe Crabs & Shorebirds (5 - 12) looks at the lives and relationships between these animals and the Bay. Wetlands Ecology (7 - 12) takes students into the marsh to collect specimens and learn about this valuable environment. Several other one- to two-hour programs are available, some are seasonal. Programs can also be custom-designed to suit students' needs. Programs will be delivered regardless of the weather.