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Sedge Island Summer Field Experiences
CWF offers field experiences at Sedge Island, in the heart of Barnegat Bay, for both children and adults!
Over 25 pairs of nesting ospreys can be found at Sedge Island, the most densely populated colony in New Jersey. Eric Hance
Did you know that the bay area around the Sedge Islands is the state's only Marine Conservation Zone? Sedge Island is a very unique and pristine salt marsh ecosystem that is home to a variety of wildlife, including the state's most densely populated colony of nesting ospreys (a state-threatened species). During our Summer Field Experiences at Sedge Island, participants will immerse themselves into the salt marsh ecosystem. They will explore the natural and cultural history of Barnegat Bay as well as current environmental issues affecting the bay.
Adult Programs Offered in 2019
Outdoor Women of New Jersey, Sedge Island Smapler, August 3, 2019
Zoom+ The pristine saltmarsh inside Sedge Island WMA. © Ben Wurst
The Sedge Island Sampler is part of the NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife’s “Outdoor Women of New Jersey" (OWNJ) program. OWNJ workshops are designed to provide women 18 years of age and older with a welcoming environment in which to learn outdoor skills.
The Sedge Island Sampler workshops offer sessions in clamming, crabbing, bay fishing and kayaking. Cost is $25 and includes lunch and all equipment.
Registration will be available in June on The NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife website.
Outdoor Families of New Jersey, Sedge Island Sampler, August 4, 2019
Zoom+ Kids at Sedge Island Program show their knowledge of seafood and shellfish. Conserve Wildlife Foundation
The Sedge Island Sampler is part of the NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife’s “Outdoor Families of New Jersey" (OFNJ) program. OFNJ workshops are designed to provide families with a welcoming environment in which to learn outdoor skills. This workshop is limited to families with children 12 or older.
The Sedge Island Sampler workshops offer sessions in clamming, crabbing, bay fishing and kayaking. Cost is $25 and includes lunch and all equipment.
Registration will be available in June at The NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife website.
Sedge Island "Bay to Bowl" Locavore Program, August 9-11, 2019
Zoom+ Come and learn how to harvest Clams this summer!
In partnership with NJ Division of Fish & Wildlife, CWF offers a 3-day 2-night locavore program for adults 21 years old and older interested in learning what’s edible in and around Barnegat Bay.
The program will be held August 9-11, 2019 at the Sedge House, located within New Jersey's first Marine Conservation Zone. Participants will spend time identifying and harvesting edible plants, algae, digging clams, netting crabs, and fishing, all while learning about the salt marsh ecosystem, conservation, and renewable resources.
Participants will learn what’s edible in and around Barnegat Bay, identify, harvest and prepare sustainable local cuisine, shuck clams and oysters, and how to fillet fish and leave with a deeper understanding of our natural environment and the importance of being a good steward.
Each meal will feature something locally harvested by participants, and Saturday night’s dinner will consist mainly of harvested resources that will be cooked through demonstration and by participation. Participants should come with open minds and empty stomachs! (Food allergies may not be able to be addressed.)
- August 9-11, 2019
- $350 per adult (Includes lodging, meals, instruction, and take home items)
- More information and registration at the NJ Division of Fish & Wildlife website
- Program Flyer
Student Programs offered in 2019
Zoom+ Emily K. takes a break from kayaking to explore the salt marsh ecosystem and seek instructions from Program Director Jim Merritt. Alissa Pazienza
Barnegat Bay Field and Research Experience — July 14-19, 2019
The NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife, in partnership with CWF, the Marine Academy of Technology and Environmental Science (MATES), is offering a residential research experience for students entering grades 10 - 12 in fall 2019.
During this program students will be taught field research skills that and conduct team research projects on Barnegat Bay with a culmination of a sharing session the last day of the program. The field and research program take place at the Sedge Island Natural Resource Education Center.
Cost is $770* and includes all meals, lodging, instruction and equipment. Application deadline is July 5.
- July 14-19, 2019
- Barnegat Bay Field and Research Experience Flyer/Application Information
- Barnegat Bay Field and Research Experience Cover Page
SEDGE ISLAND FISHING EXPERIENCE, August 22-25, 2019
Zoom+ The catch of the week - a 30 inch long fluke caught by Stephen M. Alissa Pazienza
In partnership with the NJ Division of Fish & Wildlife, CWF offers a 4-day, 3-night program open to students entering grades 8 and 9 in the fall of 2019.
Students will spend the first 3 days fishing the area while learning about the surrounding ecosystem. On the final night, a parent or guardian will join the group and spend the last night learning from the students, and the following day fishing with them.
Cost is $475/student (includes all meals, lodging, instruction and equipment). Application deadline is August 9.
- August 22-25, 2019
- Sedge Island Fishing Experience Flyer/Application Information
- Sedge Island Fishing Experience Application Cover Page
SEDGE ISLAND FIELD EXPERIENCE
Zoom+ A northern diamondback terrapin hatchling poses for a photo while it is being studied and described in a campers journal entry. Alex Devoy
In partnership with the NJ Division of Fish & Wildlife, CWF offers a 4-day, 3-night program open to students entering grades 7, 8 and 9 in the fall of 2019.
Students will spend their days immersed in the salt marshes of Barnegat Bay while exploring the ecosystem by kayak, living a conservationist lifestyle, and learning firsthand about research from biologists.
Cost is $425* and includes all meals, lodging, instruction and equipment.
Application information will be posted on the NJ Fish and Wildlife website when available.
About the Sedge Island Natural Resource Education Center
Zoom+ Sedge house. © Ben Wurst
Located in Barnegat Bay, the Sedge Island Natural Resource Education Center is a renovated duck-hunting lodge. Students take a 15 minute boat ride across Barnegat Bay’s shallow waters to the center which is equipped with a common room, 7 bunkrooms, a full kitchen, dining room, front porch, and an upper back deck.
During their stay, participants will live a conservation lifestyle since the facility is completely self sufficient. Solar panels provide electricity while sewage is composted in Clivus Multrum composting toilets. Residing at this facility for several days will provide students with a unique view on New Jersey’s natural resources and our human impact on it.
For more information on adult or student programs on Sedge Island contact:
Stephanie DAlessio MA. Ed, CWF Director of Education: Email
609.984.0621
-or-
Karen Byrne, for schorlarship opportunities: Email
609.748.4347
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