THE MARSH CONNECTION
News from the Meadowlands Environment Center and the NJ Sports and Exposition Authority
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Artificial Floating Islands - Dozens of middle-schoolers from Ridgefield Park, N.J., got hands-on experience in researching climate change this summer. The project, which saw the launch of “artificial floating islands” in the waters at the Meadowlands at the NJ Sports and Exposition Authority in DeKorte Park, was conducted in partnership with the Ridgefield Park Board of Education summer youth program which included students grades 6-8. Artificial Floating Islands (AFIs) are human-made floating structures and are a successful tool for improving water quality and habitat restoration. AFIs serve various functions, such as water purification through absorption; habitat for fishes, birds, and other organisms; and landscape improvement. They create mini ecosystems on the water - they are floating wetlands.
Research - MRRI is the NJSEA’s scientific arm and performs studies of the Meadowlands District’s vital natural resources, wildlife habitats, the Hackensack River and the surrounding environment. One of MMRI’s main objectives is assisting in the recovery of the region’s sensitive eco-system and preparing for future challenges such as sea level rise. Ramapo College students collected data on water quality and worked with the staff to conduct drone flights and GIS mapping in the field for land use management in relation to climate change. They helped with seasonal summer water quality testing by collecting samples of discharge water at the sports complex.
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Fall programs - a great time to explore! |
We offer programs for students in grades K-12 in many different STEM areas! Get immersed in our salt marsh habitat; learn how animals and plants survive here; understand how birds can be barometers of environmental quality. Take a real world look at sustainability and alternative energy and learn what we can do to combat climate change.
Our programs are interdisciplinary and we make every attempt to integrate an outdoor component with all lessons. All programs are available for students with special learning needs through our MarshAccess program. The incorporation of specialized program adaptations and assistive technologies ensures that all learners can participate.
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The Mobile Food Lab visiting schools through support from a grant from Orange & Rockland |
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The goal is to improve student understanding of experimental science, human physiology, plant science, and the chemistry and biology that are the basis of nutrition. The Mobile Food Lab (MFL) is a multi-sensory educational experience on wheels that is the centerpiece of this effort. It is a retrofitted bus that brings the “field trip” to schools, allowing students to take part in STEM activities without travelling. The project will provide MFL programming in communities served by Orange & Rockland - Allendale, Mahwah, Oakland, Ramsey, Ringwood, Demarest, Cresskill and Closter. |
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Gifted and Talented programs to begin in October |
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Through our longstanding partnerships with the Hudson County Gifted and Talented Consortium and the Bergen County Consortium of Teachers of the Gifted, programs are in full swing for students who have been identified as qualifying for educationally enriched programs designed in accordance with their capabilities. Students from different schools within Hudson and Bergen Counties gather every month for unique theme-based convocations in which they work with their peers to help solve real-life problems and enhance their understanding of global and local environmental issues. |
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Meadowlands Birding Festival a Great Success |
Despite the rough weather, the Meadowlands Birding Festival held at DeKorte Park and the Meadowlands Environment Center on Sunday, Oct. 2, was a rousing success. Hearty bird walkers led by expert NJSEA and Bergen County Audubon Society guides traversed the park. Meanwhile, visitors in the Environment Center were treated to a live raptor show, kid’s crafts and activities, information tables by several local, environmental organizations, guest speakers and more. |
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First-Ever Meadowlands Bald Eagle Festival is Sunday, Jan. 15, at River Barge Park! |
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The NJSEA and Bergen County Audubon Society are pleased to present the first annual Meadowlands Bald Eagle Festival on Sunday, Jan. 15, at River Barge Park in Carlstadt (rain date Sunday, Jan. 22).
Bald Eagles in the Meadowlands were unheard of only a decade ago due. Now, they have made a remarkable comeback in the region, emblematic of a healthier environment and Hackensack River. Bald Eagles are so prevalent now that NJSEA naturalists have counted dozens in a single day.
The Meadowlands Bald Eagle Festival will feature walks along the river with spotting scopes provided to the public. There will also be indoor activities including speakers, informational tables, games and crafts for kids, and prizes for youngsters who dress like Bald Eagles.
Join us for this free event celebrating the majestic Bald Eagle. Time and schedule to be announced. River Barge Park is located at 260 Outwater Lane in Carlstadt. For more information, contact Don Torino at greatauk4@gmail.com or 201-230-4983.
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Explore the Meadowlands on Guided Nature Walks |
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The Bergen County Audubon Society and NJSEA provide free, guided nature walks several times a month at locations throughout the Meadowlands. The leisurely walks offer the public a great way to explore the natural beauty of the region’s delicate ecosystem up-close and personal. They are also great for seeing a plethora of birds and waterfowl. |
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Meet Sue Lewicki
Senior Environmental Educator
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Sue Lewicki has been an outdoor, environmental educator for over 30 years. She has been a member of the MEC education staff since 1994. Sue earned her Bachelor of Science focusing on biology and environmental studies as well as her Master of Science in Educational Technology.
As the senior environmental educator, Sue develops and facilitates K-12 school field trip programs correlated to State and National standards, including programs for students with disabilities and gifted and talented convocations. She continues to develop and conduct teacher professional development programs (pre-service seminars, project workshops and curriculum standards samplers). In addition to school groups, Sue develops and delivers hands-on science and nature programs, public lectures, and natural art classes for children, families, and older adults.
She is a member of the Alliance for New Jersey Environmental Education (ANJEE) and is a PADI-certified Advanced Open Water and Rescue Diver. In her spare time, Susan is a volunteer member of Point Pleasant Beach First Aid Dive Team.
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Did You Know?
The Meadowlands are “FOR THE BIRDS”
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The Meadowlands are home to more than 285 species of birds – including many on the State endangered and threatened species lists.
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Meet Dr. Francisco Artigas MRRI Co-Director/Chief Scientist |
Dr. Francisco Artigas conducts environmental science research in the Meadowlands District. He is responsible for seeking, testing, and adopting state-of-the-art environmental monitoring technologies for air, water, and sediment quality, and for acquiring and processing spatial data and information to improve the Meadowlands ecosystem.
His research interest includes continuous environmental monitoring, climate change, spatial data management and visualization, the movement and fate of pollutants, and geomorphology of estuarine environments. Dr. Artigas has authored more than 90 conferences and peer-reviewed papers. He is also a peer reviewer for the Journals of Ecological Engineering, Frontiers in Plant Science and Environmental Remote Sensing.
Dr. Artigas received his Ph.D. in Environmental Science and MS in Environmental Biology from The Ohio State University. He was a Research Associate Professor at Rutgers University-Newark, NASA Regional Application Center, and the Department of Earth and Environmental Science. Dr. Artigas worked as an environmental scientist and advisor for USAID in El Salvador and Bolivia.
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