2025 Winter Programs

Hello there,

We have some great programs coming up at the JC NERR! To start, our next Lunch N' Learn will feature last year's JC NERR graduate research fellow, Kyra Fitz. We also have some fun family programs plus a special movie screening to round out the winter season. For more details and how to register, see the information below!

Sincerely, Kaitlin Gannon

gannon@marine.rutgers.edu

Lunch N' Learn Programs

These presentations will be conducted online through Zoom Meeting only.

February: "Improving Range Projections for Atlantic Croaker"

When: Wednesday, February 12th, 2025

Time: 12:30pm-1:30pm

Presented by: Kyra Fitz, Ph.D. Candidate

Graduate Program in Ecology and Evolution, Rutgers University and past Margaret A. Davidson Fellow

How to Register: Click Here

Marine species on the East coast are rapidly moving north as waters warm. This presentation will cover a new approach to projecting how and when species move their ranges. The approach uses DNA sequencing to identify adaptation across an organism's genome and applies it to Atlantic croaker, a fish that has been moving into the New Jersey area in recent years. This presentation will be conducted online through Zoom Meeting only.

March: "Salt Marsh Response to Sea Level Rise: Changes in the Last Century"

When: Wednesday, March 12th, 2025

Time: 12:30pm-1:30pm

Presented by: Dr. Ken Able, Professor Emeritus, Marine and Coastal Sciences, Rutgers University

How to Register: Click Here

Join Rutgers Professor Emeritus, Ken Able for an in-depth discussion about how the salt marshes within the Jacques Cousteau Reserve, particularly along the Great Bay Blvd Wildlife Management area, have changed over time in response to sea level rise and what we can expect to see in the future.

To view the rest of our upcoming Lunch N' Learn Programs, click HERE!

Family Fun Programs

"Rooted in Nature: A Grassle Marsh Trail Walk with an Ecotherapy Twist!"

When: Saturday February 22nd, 2025

Time: 10:00am - 11:00am

Presented by: JC NERR Communications & Outreach Coordinator, Amy Plantarich

Where: 130 Great Bay Blvd. Tuckerton, NJ. 08087

How to Register: Click HERE

Join JC NERR Communications & Outreach Coordinator Amy Plantarich as she leads you through the Grassle Marsh trail, diving into its history, habitats, and more! Out on the boardwalk that overlooks the pocket marsh, you will be led through a short mindfulness activity and do some nature journaling to fully immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and sensations of the natural world. We’ll then continue this connection through the remainder of the trail, inviting you to bring the calm with you through the rest of the day.

Fun for both kids and adults! Dress for the outdoors!

The Grassle Marsh Trail is ½ mile in length. Please note: There are some exposed tree roots along the flat dirt trail, so please wear proper footwear.

*Program is weather permitting.

Please note: There are some exposed tree roots along the flat dirt trail, so please wear proper footwear.

"First Signs of Spring Lab!"

When: Saturday March 29th, 2025

Time: 10:00am - 11:30am

Presented by: JC NERR Education Coordinator, Kaitlin Gannon

Where: 130 Great Bay Blvd. Tuckerton, NJ. 08087

How to Register: Click HERE

After a long and chilly winter, it's time to investigate for any signs of spring! In this program, we will be scientists for the day, spending the first part on our trail collecting samples of moss, bark, soil, leaves etc. Then we'll take our samples back to the education center to investigate for any signs of life! Children will be able to use magnified glasses, microscopes and other scientific gear. This program is best for children 6 years old and over. Dress for the outdoors!

*Program is weather permitting.

A JC NERR Special Event!

Join us for an in-person movie screening followed by a Q&A!

"Antarctica: The Giant Awakens"

When: Wednesday, March 12th, 2025

Time: 6:00pm-7:30pm

Presented by: Dr. Jennifer Walker, Rowan University

Where: 130 Great Bay Blvd. Tuckerton, NJ. 08087

How to Register: Click HERE

This documentary follows a team of scientists to Antarctica and highlights the continent’s role in the global climate system plus the threat of sea-level rise. Featuring Dr. Jennifer Walker, Assistant Professor in Environmental Science, Rowan University. This film will be shown at the JC NERR followed by a Q & A with Dr. Walker.

The Jacques Cousteau National Estuarine Research Reserve| (609) 249-8822| 130 Great Bay Blvd. Tuckerton, NJ 08087 | www.jcnerr.org