The NJ DEP Division of Fish and Wildlife and the Conserve Wildlife Foundation of NJ will be holding an exciting week long residential summer program at the Sedge Island Natural Resource Education Center for motivated students interested in exploring New Jersey's salt marsh environment. The program will be held from August 9 - 13, 2010, and is open to New Jersey students entering seventh, eighth and ninth grades in the fall of 2010.
Students will stay at the "Sedge House," which is a renovated duck-hunting lodge located in Barnegat Bay in New Jersey's only marine conservation zone. Here they will explore the Barnegat Bay ecosystem with Fish and Wildlife and Conserve Wildlife Foundation biologists using kayaks, microscopes, water-testing equipment, nets, and other scientific tools. While living a conservation lifestyle, students will gain a better understanding of current environmental issues affecting the bay, and how the choices they make can have a positive impact upon their environment.
The cost is $389 and includes all meals, equipment and instruction. Space is limited and the application process will be competitive. Applications are due by March 31.
Interested parents and students are encouraged to learn more by attending an Open House to be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 27 at the Island Beach State Park Interpretive Center in Seaside Park, NJ. This is a great opportunity to meet the instructors and ask any questions you may have.
The courtesy of an RSVP is requested to Maria Grace at 609-984-0621 or maria.grace@conservewildlifenj.org if you will attend the Open House.
For more information about the Sedge Island Student Field Experience and how to apply visit
http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/sedge.htm or contact Karen Leskie at 609-748-4347 or karen.leskie@dep.state.nj.us.
