Partners

PARTNERS

AMERICAN LITTORAL SOCIETY

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Since 1961, the American Littoral Society has been empowering people to care for the coast through advocacy conservation and education. Through their educational programs and events, the American Littoral Society offers hands-on approaches to learning – focusing on the importance of protecting our coast from harm by allowing students to get their feet wet and hands muddy.

BRICK TOWNSHIP MUNICIPAL UTILITIES AUTHORITY

The Brick Township Municipal Utilities Authority (BMUA) supplies clean, safe potable water and reliable sanitary collection services to more than 10,000 residents in five townships located in the Barnegat Bay watershed. As a water conscious company, BMUA actively promotes water conservation and watershed protection. BMUA has spearheaded several green infrastructure projects along the Metedeconk River that will help improve water quality and the local ecosystem.

CLEAN OCEAN ACTION

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With a strong, committed presence for over 30 years, Clean Ocean Action (COA) has become a prominent non-profit organization championing to protect our coast by ending ocean pollution. Comprised of 125 active groups and organizations, this broad-based coalition has effectively raised awareness about pollution with creative campaigns and rallies, and influenced local and federal pollution reduction legislation.

CONSERVE WILDLIFE FOUNDATION OF NEW JERSEY

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With its core mission “to preserve rare and imperiled species of wildlife that live and breed in and migrate through New Jersey”, Conserve Wildlife of New Jersey (CWF) is committed to the protection, conservation and education of NJ’s biodiversity. Conducting research projects centered around restoration and monitoring efforts has allowed CWF to protect populations of NJ’s vulnerable to endangered species, and continue to keep them from extinction.

GEORGIAN COURT UNIVERSITY

Georgian Court University is a coeducational, forward-thinking institution that encourages intellectual inquiry, moral analysis, and social dialogue. Located in Lakewood, NJ set on a magnificent 156-acre estate bordering Lake Carasaljo, the site is a National Historic Landmark with alluring statuary, beautiful architecture and lush gardens. The university offers a curriculum that is broad enough to be truly liberal, yet specialized enough to provide in-depth preparation for careers or further study.

JERSEY COAST ANGLER’S ASSOCIATION

The Jersey Coast Angler’s Association (JCAA) is a charitable non-profit organization that was founded in 1981. The original objective of the JCAA, that continues today, was to combine a group of marine sport fishing clubs in order to form and promote a united consensus on issues relevant to saltwater anglers in New Jersey.

JACQUES COUSTEAU NATIONAL ESTUARINE RESEARCH RESERVE

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Through scientific research, education and stewardship, Jacques Cousteau National Estuarine Research Reserve (JC NERR) has promoted the protection of the Mullica River-Great Bay estuary. Dedicated to improving the management of land and other natural resources within the estuary, JC NERR offers community resiliency and preparedness training and has helped guide important coastal decision-making practices. The properties within the Reserve are protected from human development, preserving the environmental integrity of this area and providing opportunities for long-term research.

LONG BEACH ISLAND FOUNDATION FOR THE ARTS & SCIENCES

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Through its all ages educational and cultural programs, the Long Beach Island Foundation (LBIF) has successfully supported the arts and sciences community on Long Beach Island and the surrounding areas for over 70 years. Aimed to inspire thought and discussion about current trends in the arts and sciences, LBIF offers a unique facility set to continue enlightening and educating generations for years to come.

MARINE TRADES ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY

Established in 1972, the Marine Trades Association of New Jersey (MTA/NJ) is a non-profit trade organization dedicated to advancing, promoting and protecting the recreational marine industry and waterways in New Jersey. The MTA/NJ is dedicated to promoting the interests of the industry as a whole for the benefit of its individual members and the consumers whom they serve.

MONMOUTH COUNTY DIVISION OF PLANNING

The Monmouth County Division of Planning provides professional planning services and technical assistance as staff advisors to the Monmouth County Planning Board and other County departments, divisions and agencies. The Division works in a broad range of topical planning areas including development review, strategic and long range planning, environment and sustainability, geographic information systems (GIS), community development, and transportation. In addition, the Division’s staff has the responsibility to manage, implement and update planning studies and programs of regional influence and significance to the County and to assist municipalities in the coordination of their local planning efforts.

MONMOUTH UNIVERSITY

Located along New Jersey’s northern coastline, Monmouth University offers a welcoming and dynamic setting for student development with innovative academic programs, individual faculty attention and a nationally ranking Division I athletics department. Monmouth’s beautiful coastal campus sits at the heart of a vibrant culture rich in history, the arts, technology and entrepreneurship.

NATIONAL OCEANIC & ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION, NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE

NOAA Fisheries is responsible for the stewardship of the nation’s ocean resources and their habitat. NOAA Fisheries provides vital services for the nation: productive and sustainable fisheries, safe sources of seafood, the recovery and conservation of protected resources, and healthy ecosystems—all backed by sound science and an ecosystem-based approach to management.

NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

On America’s first official “Earth Day” — April 22, 1970, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) was born. New Jersey became the third state in the country to consolidate its past programs into a unified major agency to administer aggressive environmental protection and conservation efforts. For decades, the DEP’s Endangered and Nongame species Program has been working to restore and protect wildlife such as bald eagles, bobcats, bog turtles, red knots, piping plovers, osprey, Pine Barrens tree frogs and much more.

NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Originally established as the New Jersey State Highway Department, the New Jersey Legislature passed the Transportation Act that created New Jersey Division of Transportation (NJDOT) in 1966. In doing so, NJDOT was the first State Transportation agency to be established in concert with the creation of the United Stated Department of Transportation.

NEW JERSEY PINELANDS COMMISSION

The New Jersey Pinelands Commission is an independent state agency whose mission is to “preserve, protect, and enhance the natural and cultural resources of the Pinelands National Reserve, and to encourage compatible economic and other human activities consistent with that purpose.” To accomplish its mission, the Commission implements a comprehensive plan that guides land use, development and natural resource protection programs in the 938,000-acre Pinelands Area of southern New Jersey.

NEW JERSEY SEA GRANT CONSORTIUM

The New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium is an affiliation of colleges, universities, and other groups dedicated to advancing knowledge and stewardship of New Jersey’s marine and coastal environment and meets its mission through innovative research, education, and extension programs. Founded in 1969, the Consortium has contributed leading research in the field of marine and environmental science, serving the state and region by developing programs designed to resolve coastal issues, develop marine technology, formulate science-based policy, and improve science literacy among its citizens.

OCEAN COUNTY BOARD OF CHOSEN FREEHOLDERS – OCEAN COUNTY CULTURAL AND HERITAGE COMMISSION

Ocean County Cultural and Heritage Commission is the primary leader and catalyst for the promotion of public interest in the arts and the preservation of cultural and heritage in Ocean County. Established by the Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders in 1969, the Commission is made up of nine members and two alternates along with staff members. It is the central county agency charged with advocating for the arts and humanities in Ocean County.

OCEAN COUNTY COLLEGE

Ocean County College (OCC), an innovative academic leader, provides affordable, student-centered, high quality educational experiences that prepare and empower diverse learners to contribute to and succeed in global societies. OCC invests in and fosters academic, economic, and cultural excellence and ensures financial strength by generating new revenue streams, engaging in national and international university and corporate partnerships, and cultivating a technologically progressive and entrepreneurial spirit.

OCEAN COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION

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Ocean County Parks and Recreation offers a wide variety of outdoor activities in 27 parks and conservation areas. With over 4000 acres of preserved and well maintained land you can enjoy hiking, biking, swimming, canoeing, fishing, ball field, tennis courts, playgrounds and so much more. Their parks range from Point Pleasant to Tuckerton.

OCEAN COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT

In partnership with the community, the Ocean County Health Department is committed to promoting healthy lifestyles and a clean and safe environment. They are dedicated to advocate for and to provide leadership in assuring consistent, quality healthcare in our community.

OCEAN COUNTY MAYORS’ ASSOCIATION

The Ocean County Mayors’ Association (OCMA) serves as a means for mayors within Ocean County to promote collaboration between municipalities and exchange pertinent legislative information to better serve their respective communities. Each year, the OCMA encourages young adults to further their interests in governmental studies by awarding scholarships to one high school senior from each Ocean County high school.

OCEAN COUNTY PLANNING DEPARTMENT

The Ocean County Department of Planning serves as staff to the Ocean County Planning Board. In addition to regular Planning Board responsibilities, the department is involved in a broad range of planning programs including Community and Economic Development, Long Range and Strategic Planning, Open Space Preservation, Environmental Programs, Transportation, Demographics, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

OCEAN COUNTY SOIL CONSERVATION DISTRICT

The Ocean County Soil Conservation District (OCSCD), which originated in 1952, is one of fifteen Soil Conservation Districts in NJ that all work together to implement the New Jersey Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Act, which governs various aspects of new development. The OCSCD has also developed an education program designed to heighten awareness about the importance of natural resources and their conservation and to promote environmental stewardship throughout the Barnegat Bay watershed.

OCEAN COUNTY UTILITIES AUTHORITY

The Ocean County Utilities Authority (OCUA) was founded for the purpose of protecting and preserving our area’s vital environment for current and future generations and by so doing ensure a healthy ecology, a robust economy and a high quality of life for the community. The skilled and dedicated men and women at OCUA accomplish this by effectively collecting and treating wastewater from their service areas’ thirty-three municipalities and then recycling a safe, clean water back into the natural ecosystem.

OCEAN COUNTY VOCATIONAL TECHNICAL SCHOOL

The mission of the Ocean County Vocational Technical School (OCVTS) system is to prepare students for job placement or further education leading to successful employment. OCVTS offers career majors and programs in several areas for students going on to college or directly to the world of work. These programs and services are designed to meet the needs of high school students and adult learners, as well as the requirements of employers, colleges, technical schools and the community.

PINELANDS PRESERVATION ALLIANCE

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The Pinelands Preservation Alliance (PPA) is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to saving the Pinelands of New Jersey. Through advocacy and education, the PPA actively involves the public in Pinelands related issues, and influences the government to continue their promise to protect the natural and cultural resources of this extraordinary region. The PPA supports the Pinelands Protection Act and Comprehensive Management Plan, and seeks to improve these and other environmental laws to better protect the Pinelands of New Jersey.

RECLAM THE BAY

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ReClam the Bay (RCTB) is a local non-profit environmental organization focused on educating the public on the importance of shellfish to the Barnegat Bay estuary. By using the hard clam and oyster as living representatives of the Bay ecosystem, RCTB has effectively promoted public environmental involvement and educated on the integral role shellfish have on the Barnegat Bay estuary’s water quality.

RUTGERS COOPERATIVE EXTENSION OF OCEAN COUNTY

Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station (NJAES) Cooperative Extension of Ocean County provides research-based information for Ocean County residents in the areas of 4-H Youth Development, Agriculture and Resource Management, Family and Community Health Sciences, Lawn & Garden, and Marine Resources. They provide information and programs to help educate the County’s diverse population and improve the community for the rapidly changing future.

STOCKTON UNIVERSITY

Stockton’s 1,600-acre campus, situated in the Pinelands National Reserve, is New Jersey’s largest university campus. Stockton University’s mission is to develop engaged and effective citizens with a commitment to life-long learning and the capacity to adapt to change in a multi-cultural, interdependent world. Stockton University offers more than 40 undergraduate degree programs as well as 14 advanced degree programs, seven educational endorsement programs, seven certificate and preparation programs, and a vast array of minors.

TRUST FOR PUBLIC LAND

One of the most effective ways to protect Barnegat Bay is to conserve sensitive lands within the watershed. Since 1985, The Trust for Public Land has partnered with agencies, communities, and donors to safeguard land, water, wildlife, and the region’s much-valued quality of life. To date, the Trust for Public Land has protected more than 13,000 acres as parks and natural lands.

US ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS

US Army Corps of Engineers delivers vital public and military engineering services, partnering in peace and war to strengthen our Nation’s security, and energize the economy and reduce risks from disasters.

US DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE

The US Department of Agriculture, National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) provides technical expertise and conservation planning for farmers, ranchers and forest landowners wanting to make conservation improvements for their land. The NRCS provides incentives to farmers, ranchers and forest landowners wanting to put wetlands, agriculture, grasslands and forests under long-term easements.

US ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

Born in the wake of elevated concern about environmental pollution, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was established in 1970. Since its inception, the EPA has been working for a cleaner, healthier environment for the American people. The EPA recognized the vital importance of our Nation’s estuaries and their resources. From this, the EPA created the National Estuary Program (NEP) – designed to protect and restore the water quality and ecological integrity of the Barnegat Bay and 27 other estuaries of national significance. This collaborative, inclusive of the Barnegat Bay Partnership, serves as an efficient and adaptable ecosystem-based network of organizations dedicated to their cause.

US FISH & WILDLIFE SERVICE

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is to work with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife and plants and their natural habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. Their objective is to assist in the development and application of an environmental stewardship ethic for the society based on scientific knowledge of fish and wildlife, and a sense of moral responsibility.

US GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

Created by an act of Congress in 1879, US Geological Survey (USGS) has evolved over the ensuing 125 years, matching its talent and knowledge to the progress of science and technology. The USGS serves the Nation by providing reliable scientific information to describe and understand the Earth; minimize loss of life and property from natural disasters; manage water, biological, energy, and mineral resources; and enhance and protect our quality of life.

BARNEGAT BAY AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS

ALLIANCE FOR A LIVING OCEAN

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Started by a group of concerned citizens in 1987, Alliance for a Living Ocean (ALO) is committed to continue its original initiative: stop pollution from its source. ALO encourages watershed wide plastic reduction measures through its action-based campaigns and by monitoring potential sources of floatable debris.

ALLIANCE FOR NEW JERSEY ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION

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The Alliance for New Jersey Environmental Education (ANJEE) envisions a time when people will embrace their place in the natural world, understand that human health is dependent on a healthy environment and have the skills they need to enjoy their environment and protect it for present and future generations. ANJEE supports and advances environmental education efforts in New Jersey for people of all ages in order to cultivate and environmentally literate population.

Association of National Estuary Programs

Association of National Estuary Programs (ANEP) works with National Estuary Programs (NEPs) to develop a unified voice for national audiences. ANEP coordinates technical, education, and policy information transfer exchange among NEPs and their partners. ANEP helps assess, and communicate the effectiveness of, NEPs at local, regional and national levels.

Emily deCamp Herbarium at Island Beach State Park

Located at the Forked River Interpretive Center in Island Beach State Park, the Emily de Camp Herbarium has on display a collection of preserved plant specimens that grow in the Barnegat Bay watershed. As explained by William de Camp, Sr., “The de Camps and friends who love nature and want to promote it, thought it needed a better explanation. This Herbarium is an attempt to do just that. Our ideas are to show people how diverse and fantastic it can be: to illustrate the chain of life by teaching it in an interesting way and to help the public get started on their own area. Lead and assist. We all need to see and feel the glory of nature.”

FORKED RIVER MOUNTAIN COALITION

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Rich in culture and history, the Forked River Mountains are the centerpiece of a vast wilderness area located in the Pinelands of Ocean County, NJ. The Forked River Mountain Coalition is dedicated to conserve, maintain, protect and restore the natural, cultural, historical, recreational and other resources of the Forked River Mountains.

FRIENDS OF ISLAND BEACH STATE PARK

The Friends of Island Beach State Park (Friends of IBSP) is a non-profit volunteer organization formed to enhance interpretive, educational, recreational and research programs, and events at Island Beach State Park. Their mission is to further public appreciation and stewardship of the park.

Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore

The Girl Scouts of Ocean County serve all of the scout troops from Toms River south (Brick is part of the Monmouth County Girl Scouts). The Girl Scouts offers quite extensive opportunities to girls ranging in age from 5 through adulthood. Troops are operating throughout the county in schools and other facilities. Although not exclusively an environmental organization, the Girl Scouts have participated in a number of environmental and watershed-related projects and programs.

Jenkinson’s Aquarium

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Jenkinson’s Aquarium is owned by a privately-held corporation and is dedicated to educating the general public on all aspects of marine life and conservation. In order to promote ecological understanding, they have developed innovative educational programs both within the Aquarium and through Outreach Programs. The aquatic exhibits within the aquarium weave the thread of aquatic food chains as a patron wanders through the facility. A wonderful field trip opportunity for teachers wishing to excite their students about the wonders of the marine world. A classroom is available for focus programs, which highlight a particular subject matter for school groups. Outreach programs are continually being developed and are available on a wide assortment of topics.

Jersey Shore Council Boy Scouts of America

The Jersey Shore Council – Boy Scouts of America instills the values and standards boys and girls should live by. Their dedicated leaders and volunteers provide a secure environment for the development of each of our Scouts into American citizens who are physically, mentally, and emotionally fit, and who have a high degree of self-reliance. From activities for cub scouts at summer camps in NJ to teen leadership building activities, their programs are designed to teach qualities such as initiative, courage, and resourcefulness—right up to Eagle Scout requirements—in preparing them for life as responsible adults.

Marine Mammal Stranding Center

The Marine Mammal Stranding Center is a private, non-profit organization that was founded in 1978. Funded by donations and grants, it is the only organization in the state of New Jersey authorized to rescue and rehabilitate stranded or otherwise distressed marine mammals and sea turtles. Based in Brigantine, New Jersey, the Center has responded to over 2,755 calls for stranded whales, dolphins, seals and sea turtles that washed ashore on New Jersey’s beaches. Whenever possible, the animals are brought back to the Center for rehabilitation and eventual release. Rehabilitation can last up to several months and cost thousands of dollars for a single animal. Outreach programs are available to schools and other interested groups. The Center’s Museum is open to the public year-round.

Monmouth University Urban Coast Institute

The Urban Coast Institute (UCI) was established in September 2005 as one of Monmouth University’s “Centers of Distinction.” The UCI builds on the University’s program in Marine and Environmental Biology and interdepartmental strengths in marine biology, environmental science, business, economics and real estate, public policy, and the arts and social sciences. The UCI seeks to foster collaboration among citizens, watershed and community organizations, governmental agencies, business, the scientific community, and other parties interested in coastal and watershed management, conservation, and restoration.

The Native Plant Society of New Jersey

The Native Plant Society of New Jersey is a statewide non-profit organization dedicated to the appreciation, protection, and study of the native flora of New Jersey. Founded in 1985, the Native Plant Society of NJ has hundreds of members across the state, organized into county and regional chapters. Members include gardeners, horticulturists, naturalists, landscape designers, students, and native plant enthusiasts from all walks of life.

Natural Resource Education Foundation of New Jersey

The Natural Resource Education Foundation of New Jersey will offer experiential education opportunities through their program “Experience Barnegat Bay” at the Lighthouse Center. This 95-acre site boasts diverse coastal habitats, including salt marsh, fresh water pond, maritime forest, and bay front access. The extensive facilities include dormitories, a lodge and dining hall that each sits 90+ people, conference center, outdoor education classrooms (which include sites on shore birds, bay life, maritime forest, salt marsh, and watershed exploration), numerous cabins, and a boat house. The Lighthouse Center will provide information, education and citizen training to foster a deeper appreciation for New Jersey’s, and in particular Barnegat Bay’s, natural resources. Programs will encourage active participation of visitors in protection and management of those resources. The mission of the Foundation is to foster environmental leadership and stewardship, to develop resources that fulfill environmental needs on the community level, and to build a healthy, just and sustainable society through educational leadership and community action programs.

The Nature Conservancy – New Jersey Chapter

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The Nature Conservancy, established in 1951, is an international, nonprofit conservation organization dedicated to preserving the plants, animals, and natural communities that represent the diversity of life on Earth by protecting the lands and waters they need to survive. Active in New Jersey since 1955, the Conservancy established the New Jersey Chapter office in 1988. The organization hosts a number of field trip experiences and has a variety of informational publications.

Restore America’s Estuaries

Founded in 1995, Restore America’s Estuaries (RAE) is a national alliance of 10 coastal conservation groups dedicated to restoring and preserving America’s estuaries and coasts. RAE member organizations restore coastal habitats in 11 estuaries and 16 states nationwide. As the leader of a national alliance, RAE is a powerful, unified voice for coastal conservation in Washington D.C. They advance the science and practice of habitat restoration through on-the-ground projects, groundbreaking science, high-level meetings, and their biennial National Summit.

New Jersey Audubon Society

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New Jersey Audubon Society (NJAS) provides programs about nature, habitat diversity, and environmental issues for members, educators, government officials and the general public. The Society maintains ten staffed sanctuaries throughout the state that offer a variety of programs. NJAS coordinates the New Jersey WATERS: A Watershed Approach to Teaching the Ecology of Regional Systems, A Guide for Middle School and High School Educators, which is a comprehensive book describing the features of each of the state’s watershed regions. They also have produced the award-winning “Bridges to the Natural World – A Natural History Guide” for teacher of grades pre-K through six
that includes a series of activities that investigate the habitats of New Jersey.

New Jersey Conservation Foundation

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The New Jersey Conservation Foundation (NJCF) preserves land and natural resources for the benefit of all. Through acquisition and stewardship, NJCF protects strategic lands; promotes strong land use policies; and forges partnerships to achieve conservation goals. Since 1960, NJCF has protected over 100,000 acres of open space – from the Highlands to the Pine Barrens to the Delaware Bayshore, from farms to forests to urban and suburban parks.

Ocean County Library

The Ocean County Library has 22 library facilities to meet the informational needs of the entire community. The Ocean County Library owns many books and documents on the ecology of Barnegat Bay, the history of New Jersey and Ocean County, as well as atlases and aerial maps of Ocean County. The Toms River Branch maintains an extensive newspaper clipping file on many topics of local interest, and receives documents which various community agencies make available for public review. The library also subscribes to several online databases where you can find full-text magazine and newspaper articles on virtually any topic. To find a library branch near you, please visit their interactive map.

RUTGERS Center for Remote Sensing and Spatial Analysis

The mission of the Rutgers Center for Remote Sensing and Spatial Analysis is to advance the development and application of geospatial information science and technology (remote sensing, geographic information systems, global positioning systems, computer simulation modeling) to address issues in the built and natural environment both locally and globally. As a multi-disciplinary research center, their objective is to bring the best information to bear in place-based decision-making with the broader goal of promoting sound land, coastal and marine planning, natural resource and agricultural management.

RUTGERS Institute of Marine And Coastal Sciences

The Institute of Marine and Coastal Sciences (IMCS) at Rutgers University provides national and international leadership in marine science and is New Jersey’s focal point for education, research, and service in estuarine, coastal, and ocean environments. IMCS is dedicated to developing, communicating, and understanding change and sustainability in marine and coastal ecosystems, and to shaping future directions for the use and protection of vital marine and coastal resources.

RUTGERS Master Gardener Program

Rutgers Master Gardeners are trained volunteers who assist Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station (NJAES) Cooperative Extension in its mission to deliver horticulture programs and information to the general public. Anyone with an interest in gardening and a commitment to volunteer service can become a Rutgers Master Gardener. No previous education or training in horticulture is required.

SEAFOOD WATCH POCKET GUIDE

The Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch® program helps consumers and businesses choose seafood that’s fished or farmed in ways that support a healthy ocean, now and for future generations. Their printable state-based consumer guides provide recommendations of which seafood items are Best Choices or Good Alternatives, and which ones to Avoid.

Sustainable JerseY

Sustainable Jersey is a nonprofit organization that provides tools, training and financial incentives to support communities as they pursue sustainability programs. By supporting community efforts to reduce waste, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and improve environmental equity, Sustainable Jersey is empowering communities to build a better world for future generations.

Toms River Seaport Society and Maritime Museum

The Toms River Seaport Society and Maritime Museum is a nonprofit organization that focuses on preserving and educating the public about our maritime history. The Society’s headquarters and Maritime Museum occupies the 1868 Carriage House which served the estate of Joseph
Francis, developer of the “Lifecar” which was used in the Lifesaving Service. The Society operates a small museum located on Water Street in Toms River which provides displays of many artifacts associated with the marine history and development of the area, historic boats,
models, a maritime library, and a ship’s store. There is also a Boat Workshop for boat restorations, building, educational programs and seminars on topics such as navigation, marine carpentry, wood finishing, wood carving, and more.

Tuckerton Seaport

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Tuckerton Seaport’s 40-acre site includes 17 historic and recreated buildings connected by a boardwalk, a maritime forest and wetlands nature trail, two houseboats, a decoy gallery, a working boatworks building in which restoration of sneakbox designs of the Barnegat Bay occurs, a historic marine railway (currently under reconstruction), decoy carving workshops and the recreated Tucker’s Island Lighthouse. Daily demonstrators and traditional artists bring the Jersey Shore’s rich maritime heritage to life. Tuckerton Seaport’s vision is to build a nationally acclaimed educational and interpretive center showcasing New Jersey’s rich maritime history and contemporary folklife through interpretation of the cultural heritage and environment of the New Jersey shore and the surrounding environment.

Wetlands Institute

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The Wetlands Institute is a nonprofit organization dedicated to public education and research concerning tidal wetlands and coastal ecosystems. The Institute is situated on 34 acres of salt marsh and is surrounded by 6,000 acres of publicly-owned coastal wetlands which serve as a living laboratory for both students and visitors. Exhibits, live displays, and a self-guided salt marsh trail introduce visitors to salt marsh vegetation, backbay fish, invertebrates, and turtles. Educational programs for schools, colleges, or youth groups can be arranged. Programs for the public, including classes, lectures, and workshops, are held throughout the year.

Whitesbog Preservation Trust

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The Whitesbog Preservation Trust is a nonprofit organization directly involved in the restoration, preservation, and use of Whitesbog as a site for interpretive education. The Trust, in cooperation with Brendan T. Byrne State Forest, sponsors a variety of interpretive and recreational programs at Whitesbog for public education and enjoyment. Nestled in the New Jersey Pinelands, Whitesbog serves as a unique example of the relationship between history, culture, and the natural environment. The visitor to Whitesbog is treated to a dazzling array of all the unique features the Pinelands has to offer plus the opportunity to learn about the history and the culture of the region.