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Coastal Workshop for Teachers
May 19 - 21


The Coastal Workshop For Teachers provides participants with first-hand experience with coastal habitats. The workshop is designed to increase knowledge of marine and estuarine ecosystems and their value, and to stimulate teachers to incorporate the information into the curriculum. Learn how to use coastal sites as outdoor classrooms.

The workshop is taught by professional wildlife biologists and educators who are skilled in coastal natural resource subjects.

A choice of nine courses are offered during the weekend. Participants may choose three. We will try to accommodate everyone's first choices but preference will be first come-first served in most instances.

Registration Information: The Coastal Workshop for Teachers is open to the first 60 pre-service teachers, classroom teachers and/or non-formal educators who register. Non-educators will be admitted if space allows. For registration materials call 856-629-7214, email bowwomen@snip.net or write: Coastal Workshop for Teachers, NJDF&W, 220 Blue Anchor Rd., Sicklerville, NJ 08081

Workshop Fee: $130 includes instruction, materials, equipment, meals and lodging.
*NOTE: If own arrangements for lodging are made, the workshop fee is $75.00.

Cancellation: Anyone who cancels by Friday, May 12 will receive a full refund. After that date, no refunds will be issued. You may send a substitute.

College Credit: New Jersey City University offers one graduate credit. You must complete the workshop and an independent assignment. The cost will be $221.75 for N.J. residents and $333.50 for non-residents. Requests for credit will be forwarded to Dr. John Marchisin, NJCU. Payment and enrollment will be made at the workshop. Contact Dr. Marchisin at 201-200-3108 if you have questions.

WOW! The Wonders of Wetlands: This FREE, optional workshop will be held on Friday, May 19th from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Participants will receive the 330 page WOW! Activity Guide which contains 44 student activities for grades K-12, organized into 3-5 day units of study on coastal and inland wetlands. The guides also contain background information, appendices and lesson plans. You may register for WOW! without attending the rest of the weekend.

What to Bring: Wear field clothes which can get wet or muddy. Old jeans, spare sneakers or hip boots, warm clothes to layer, rain gear, a hat and sunglasses are recommended. You may also want to bring insect repellent, sun block, chapstick, water bottle, day pack, binoculars, hand lens, field guides, flashlight, clipboard, notepad and pencils/pens.
*NOTE: Bring your own mug. There will be a most original mug contest (and it's environmentally friendly)!

Facilities: The workshop will be held at the Wetlands Institute (WI), a modern research facility and education center run by Lehigh University. The Wetlands Institute is located on Stone Harbor Boulevard, just before entering Stone Harbor, NJ. The facility offers easy access to the saltmarsh, coastal beaches, back bays, the inland water way and tidal creeks. All meals will be served at WI.

There are overnight accommodations for 10 women in the WI dormitory. Women staying here will need to provide their own linens, pillows and towels. Rooms accommodate 2 to 4 people in bunks. Two bathrooms, complete with shower facilities, are available. Call for availability.

The Harbor Inn Motel, a 4-minute drive from WI is also available. Hotel accommodations are based on double occupancy. If you prefer a single room, you will be required to pay an additional fee.

Scholarships: A limited number of scholarships may be available through your county Federation of Sports men's Clubs (call 856-629-7214 for the contact person in your county). Rotary, Kiwanis, Lion's Club, AAUW and PTAs have all supplied scholarships in the past. Contact your local organization. If necessary, the division can supply a letter of intent and a copy of the registration brochure.

Course Descriptions

Session I

Principles of Wildlife Management: This course will discuss the history and principles of wildlife management. Participants will receive materials and references needed for teaching about wildlife. Wildlife population changes will be demonstrated by working models. Requirement for first timers.

Marine Resources and Their Importance to People: The cultural and economic importance of marine resources and human impacts on these resource will be discussed. Participants will take a trip to commercial fishing and processing businesses.

Conservation Technology: Technology today is changing fast, with computers being the tool of choice for many wildlife biologists. Participants will receive demonstrations of GIS, satellite tracking and video conferencing.

Session II

Beasts and Beaches of the Barrier Islands: Physical processes influence the barrier islands and the plants and animals that inhabit them. Learn first-hand about the physical and economic pressures which shape these fragile islands.

Wetlands Wildlife: Participants will learn about the species common to tidal wetlands by helping to conduct a biological survey. Discover the importance of tidal ecosystems.

Delaware Bay Migration: Take a trip to Delaware Bay beaches to observe the spectacular shorebird migration and horseshoe crab breeding. Learn about the biology, ecology and research involved in trying to protect this phenomenon.

Session III

Schooner Cruise: The Delaware Bay Schooner Project's restored oyster schooner, A.J. Meerwald, acts as a floating classroom for school groups. Enjoy an educational cruise and learn about the history, culture, traditional industries, ecology and biology of Delaware Bay. Preference will be given to first time participants.
NOTE: You will be driving here and leaving for home directly after the cruise.

Bayman's Boat Cruise: Join a working boat and try your hand at hauling gill nets and crab pots, digging clams and more. Weather proof gear is strongly recommended.

Bay Kayak Ecotour: Launch from the Wetlands Institute dock for a "no experience necessary" paddle along the backbay and through tidal creeks to explore the saltmarsh up close. The weather may be warm but the water will still be cold. Bring clothing which will stay warm if wet (wool, polypropylene, microfleece - NOT cotton).


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