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In the evolving landscape of science education, a quiet transformation is taking root along the New Jersey coastline. Educators and students are moving beyond the boundaries of traditional classrooms and venturing into the field with digital tools and curious minds. In the Barnegat Bay Watershed—a region both biologically diverse and environmentally vulnerable—students are being equipped… Continue reading Mapping the Bay: Using GIS and Citizen Science to Study Watershed Health

In the salt marshes of Barnegat Bay, where the winds shift with the tides and the murmur of coastal wildlife echoes through thick reeds, a quiet revolution in science education has been unfolding. For decades, one environmental scientist and educator has transformed these landscapes into outdoor classrooms, using the natural world as both textbook and… Continue reading Linking Fieldwork to Classrooms: Building Scientific Curiosity Early

Environmental science is not typically a subject that commands headlines or stirs mass discussion. It doesn’t clamor for attention like more immediate disciplines, nor does it always translate easily into the popular imagination. But its impact, slow and steady, is foundational. It shapes how we interact with natural systems, how we manage resources, and how… Continue reading Student-Driven Coastal Research: Bringing Science to Shorelines

Vocational Technical Education continues to play a pivotal role in reshaping how students in New Jersey—and across the nation—are prepared for modern careers. It is a model of learning that combines theoretical understanding with the application of real-world skills. Deeply embedded in this model is the work of educators and administrators who champion the connection… Continue reading Bridging Education and Industry Through Vocational Technical Excellence

Restoring the health and vitality of coastal ecosystems has become one of the most pressing challenges in the realm of environmental conservation. As rising sea levels, pollution, habitat loss, and climate change intensify, marine ecosystems face mounting threats. Yet amidst these challenges, a powerful grassroots force has emerged—citizen science. By inviting everyday individuals to participate… Continue reading Restoring Coastal Ecosystems Through Citizen Science: A Community-Driven Approach

The practice of fishing, while essential to economies and food systems, brings with it a series of challenges that call for innovative solutions. Among the most persistent is the problem of bycatch—the unintentional capture of non-target species. These unintended victims may include fish that are not commercially valuable, juveniles of target species, or entirely different… Continue reading Protecting Marine Life: The Role of Bycatch Reduction Devices in Sustainable Fisheries

Coastal zones are among the most dynamic and productive ecosystems on Earth. These areas where land and sea meet serve as nurseries for fish, feeding grounds for migratory birds, buffers against storms, and filters for pollutants. Yet, despite their value, they are increasingly vulnerable to the cumulative impact of human activity. Coastal populations are booming,… Continue reading The Ripple Effect: How Small Coastal Actions Shape Global Ocean Health

Each year, as spring unfurls and marsh grasses sway in the warming breeze, an ancient migration begins anew. Tiny hatchlings, remnants of last season’s nesting success, awaken from their winter dormancy. With instinct as their guide, they journey from sandy nesting sites and overwintering spots toward the salt marshes—an ecosystem crucial for their survival. Among… Continue reading Saving Hatchlings: A Season of Stewardship for Sea Turtles and Terrapins