On March 22 at The LBIF, join the hosts of Science Saturday for a FREE screening of the documentary CANARY.

Witness the extraordinary life of Dr. Lonnie Thompson, an explorer who went where no scientist had gone before and transformed our idea of what is possible. Daring to seek Earth’s history contained in glaciers atop the tallest mountains in the world, Lonnie found himself on the frontlines of climate change—his life’s work evolving into a salvage mission to recover these priceless historical records before they disappear forever.

CANARY Film Screening sponsored by Lighthouse Film Society and ReClam the Bay

*FREE, Registration Required

In this workshop, come learn how to Mosaic with glass with instructor, Cheryl Syminink! Made on a 6x8” piece of wood, you will learn the art of mosaic, how to use glass tools, cut glass and grout your piece that same class. 

 Cheryl Syminink has been working with glass for 20 years and finds most of her inspiration from nature.

Please Note: You must come with a design idea to class, because no two mosaics are ever alike!

Help Document our Changing Coast with MyCoast: New Jersey

On March 15 at The LBIF, join Amanda Archer and the hosts of Science Saturday for another great discussion centered on MyCoast and the various tools for users to submit community reports.

The Jacques Cousteau National Estuarine Research Reserve (JC NERR) helps communities better understand and communicate flood risks and impacts through MyCoast: New Jersey. By collecting tide, weather, and location data, MyCoast informs state and local decision-makers to track flooding frequency, identify vulnerable areas, and develop resilience strategies to protect communities and the places they love. The platform also shares information on tides and flood preparedness for residents and visitors. See how community members are collecting data using MyCoast: New Jersey, and how that data is being used today by practitioners.

Amanda Archer has served as the Training & Engagement Coordinator at the Jacques Cousteau National Estuarine Research Reserve since 2022. Her work aims to foster resilience in New Jersey by developing innovative tools and resources, providing learning opportunities for community leaders and organizations, facilitating collaboration among sectors, and advancing nature-based solutions in the estuary. She is a Certified Ecological Restoration Practitioner in Training (CERPIT) and Managing Director for the New Jersey Coastal Resilience Collaborative.

Seeing Red: Engaging Future Generations in Osprey Conservation

Join Ben Wurst at the LBIF for the first IN PERSON Science Saturday of the season!

Ospreys have made a resounding recovery throughout New Jersey, where over 800 pairs nest along the majority of our waterways. NJDEP upgraded their status from threatened to stable in early 2025. Today, citizen scientists play a crucial role in monitoring ospreys and the health of their population throughout the state. 

During this talk, Ben Wurst, Senior Wildlife Biologist with Conserve Wildlife Foundation of NJ, will talk about efforts to monitor and manage ospreys over the past two decades with emphasis on engaging the public in reporting nest activity online, through Osprey-watch.org. He will also discuss Project RedBand, an osprey banding and re-sighting project that was founded on Long Beach Island and how the public can help contribute to their long term stability.

Meet and greet the preferred wedding vendors of the Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts and Sciences. Get to know who will be working with you to help make the most epic memories on your special day!

How YOU Can Contribute to Scientific Research and Make a Difference...Anytime, Anywhere. 

On March 1 via Zoom, join the LBIF and Science Saturday co-host Darlene Cavalier as she discusses SciStarter.org (a popular citizen science portal and research platform connecting millions of people to real science they can do) and how we can all get involved in citizen science in easy and accessible ways.

Darlene is a professor of practice at Arizona State University's School for the Future of Innovation in Society, a Senior Global Futures Scientist, Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory at ASU, and an Honorary Fellow at Southern Denmark University. Darlene is the founder of SciStarter, founder of ScienceCheerleaders.org (a non profit organization comprised of current and former NFL, NBA and college cheerleaders pursuing STEM careers), cofounder of ECAST: Expert and Citizen Assessment of Science and Technology and cofounder of ScienceNearMe.org. She is a Fellow at National Geographic, a member of NOAA's Science Advisory Board, a past member of the EPA's National Advisory Council for Environmental Policy and Technology, appointed to the National Academy of Sciences "Designing Citizen Science to Support Science Learning" committee and named co-chair of America 250's Innovation, Science, and Entrepreneurism Advisory Council.  She is the co-editor of "The Rightful Place of Science: Citizen Science," author of "The Science of Cheerleading,"  and co-author of the Field Guide to Citizen Science (Timber Press) and co-author of "The Educator's Guide To Citizen Science" (Harvard Education Press 2026).

Friday, February 21- Live Action @7:30 p.m.
Saturday, February 22 - Documentary @7:30 p.m.
Saturday, February 22- Animation @ 1:00 p.m.

ReClam The Bay Introduces The Ripple Effect Series

On February 22nd via Zoom, join the LBIF and Rick Bushnell as he discusses The Ripple Effect Series Podcast with Current RCTB president, Bill Walsh.

This session is an introduction to a series of podcasts called the Ripple Effect which is produced by ReClam The Bay (RCTB). Rick Bushnell, founder of RCTB, will talk with Bill Walsh to introduce the concept and to use RCTB activities as examples of how an improvement here and a problem there affects the ecosystem, commerce and recreation. Future Ripple Effect podcasts will explore local environmental issues with hopes to raise awareness, and influence outreach initiatives and sustainable solutions.

Rick Bushnell Bio:

Rick served as President of the LBI Foundation of the Arts and Sciences and currently serves as Chair of the Environmental Stewardship Committee. Rick is the founder of ReClam The Bay (RCTB), an environmental organization with over 1,000 members and 120 active Shellfish Gardeners, Certified by Rutgers University. Rutgers honored Rick with its Volunteer Of The Year award after 10 years of high level service. RCTB has received several prestigious awards from the EPA, NJ DEP and NJ Department of Tourism.

Bill Walsh Bio:

Bill Walsh joined ReClam the Bay (RCTB) in 2018 after completing the Coastal Stewardship course of the Barnegat Bay Shellfish Restoration Program, hosted by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Ocean County. Bill was elected President of ReClam the Bay (RCTB) in January 2022. He serves as captain of the Surf City Yacht Club upweller and has participated in the living shoreline projects at Mordecai Island and Little Egg Harbor Township and many RCTB educational and other activities at various venues since joining RCTB. He is a retired utility executive with over 35 years of experience in the gas, electric and water sectors of the industry. He has significant experience in governmental and regulatory affairs, corporate responsibility, strategy, policy and business development. Bill is a past Chair of the Board of Trustees for Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital at Hamilton, part of the RWJ Barnabas Health System. He also serves as President of the North Beach Taxpayers Association.

Friday, February 21- Live Action @7:30 p.m.
Saturday, February 22 - Documentary @7:30 p.m.
Saturday, February 22- Animation @ 1:00 p.m.

In this workshop, come learn how to Mosaic with glass with instructor, Cheryl Syminink! Made on a 6x8” piece of wood, you will learn the art of mosaic, how to use glass tools, cut glass and grout your piece that same class. 

 Cheryl Syminink has been working with glass for 20 years and finds most of her inspiration from nature.

Please Note: You must come with a design idea to class, because no two mosaics are ever alike!

Salt Marshes of the New Jersey Coast

On February 15th via Zoom, join the LBIF and Wildlife Biologist Joseph Smith as he discusses how historic ditching and farming of salt marshes relate to our current conservation challenges and restoration strategies.

Joseph Smith is lead wildlife biologist for Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge and have been working on coastal research and conservation in South Jersey for 15 years.

Beginner Astronomy – What to See in the Night Sky

Getting started in Astronomy? Have a new telescope or binoculars and are not sure what to look for?

On February 8th via Zoom, join the LBIF and Astro Photographer and Astronomer James Webster as he discusses how to decipher what we see in the night sky.

James Webster, member of the Astronomical Society of the Toms River and member of the Dark Sky International since 2021, considers himself an amateur of the night sky due to the vast subject matter above. An expert to others, Webster is an advocate for anyone interested in diving deeper and can provide local resources for learning more about astronomy. He plays an active role in the Citizen Science Program that was founded by Science Saturday host, Darlene Cavalier where he recently became an Ambassador.

Kickoff to 2025 Science Saturday Season: Learn And Contribute!

Join the LBIF and hosts Rick Bushnell and Darlene Cavalier via Zoom for another great Science Saturday Season. This kick-off will provide an orientation to the series and highlight new engagement opportunities to correspond with each session. For over 15 years, we’ve showcased local experts sharing relevant information about environmental topics impacting Long Beach Island and all who inhabit it (from biodiversity to humans). The purpose of Science Saturday’s have been to try and stimulate people to find facts and information about environmental topics to instill a desire for people to be involved. Starting this year, through our collaboration with SciStarter, we will invite you to learn about and participate in citizen science projects directly related to each weekly talk. These projects not only help you learn by doing but they all advance real world scientific research in need of our help: from tracking migrating species to monitoring air and light pollution, and much more!

About the hosts:

Rick Bushnell is a past president of the LBIF, Chair of the Environmental Stewardship Committee, Chairman of the Board of ReClam The Bay And has been deeply involved in LBI environmental issues for over 20 years. Darlene Cavalier has a home in Barnegat Light and is a new member of the LBIF Environmental Stewardship Committee. In addition to being a “hands on” scientist, she is a professor of practice at Arizona State University and the founder of SciStarter, a popular citizen science portal and research platform connecting millions of people to real science that they can do right here, on LBI.

Presented by the Lighthouse International Film Society

Porcelain War

Reception + Screening
sponsored by Wally’s Restaurant of Surf City
Friday, January 24th, 2025
6:30pm reception WITH PIEROGIES made by WallysLBI
7:30pm screening

In this workshop, come learn how to Mosaic with glass with Cheryl Syminink! Made on a 6x8” piece of wood, you will learn the art of mosaic, how to use glass tools, cut glass and grout your piece that same class. 

NOTE: You must come with a design idea to class, because no two mosaics are ever alike. 

Cheryl Syminink has been working with glass for 20 years and finds most of her inspiration from nature.

In this 5-week class every Thursday, join a member of the LBIF staff as they walk you through the basics of thrown pottery. You will be guided in throwing, trimming and glazing clay in a relaxed, creative environment. Enjoy a laid-back approach to learning how to throw on the wheel. Bring a towel and wear clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty. Close-toed shoes are also recommended.

Dates of Thursday Classes (6:00PM - 8:30PM): November 21, 27 (WED.), December 5, 12 + 19

Hone in your ceramic skills in this 5-week class every Tuesday. A directed studio environment where ideas and challenges are brought to the table and problem solved. Demos and lectures are provided as needed. The goal of this class is to make your ceramic visions a reality. The class is taught by our ceramic studio manager, Jeff.

Dates of Tuesday Classes (9:30AM - 12:00PM): November 19, 26, December 3, 10, 17

In this 5-week class every Monday, join a member of the LBIF staff as they walk you through the basics of thrown pottery. You will be guided in throwing, trimming and glazing clay in a relaxed, creative environment. Enjoy a laid-back approach to learning how to throw on the wheel. Bring a towel and wear clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty. Close-toed shoes are also recommended.

Dates of Monday Classes (9:30AM - 12:00PM): November 18, 25, December 2, 9 + 16

Join Deedie Weaver for a real gourd time! In this needle felting workshop, you will learn the basics of needle felting and how to manipulate the needles, the wool and how the two interact. The pumpkins are needle felted with 100% sheep’s wool.  Each pumpkin is about 3” high, not including the stems, and about 2 1/2” in diameter.  It is up to you how to adorn your pumpkin.  Your tool box will include everything needed plus some!

$25 materials fee payable to instructor day-of

Hone in your ceramic skills in this 5-week class every Tuesday. A directed studio environment where ideas and challenges are brought to the table and problem solved. Demos and lectures are provided as needed. The goal of this class is to make your ceramic visions a reality. The class is taught by our ceramic studio manager, Jeff.

Dates of Tuesday Classes (9:30AM - 12:00PM): October 15, 22, 29, November 5 + 12

In this 5-week class every Monday, join a member of the LBIF staff as they walk you through the basics of thrown pottery. You will be guided in throwing, trimming and glazing clay in a relaxed, creative environment. Enjoy a laid-back approach to learning how to throw on the wheel. Bring a towel and wear clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty. Close-toed shoes are also recommended.

Dates of Monday Classes (9:30AM - 12:00PM): October 14, 21, 28, November 4 + 11

Join us for an exciting workshop where you’ll learn the art of macramé and create a beautiful plant hanger to enhance your home or garden for years to come. Using the softest macramé cord and a sturdy metal ring, this project is perfect for beginners and can be completed in just a couple of hours.

Things to Note:

• Choose from Beige/Khaki Green or Beige/Cocoa colors. Please specify your color preference when signing up.

• The plant hangers are designed to accommodate pots ranging from 4” to 8” in diameter.

• Wooden beads are optional and will be available for an extra $2 for 4 beads.

We look forward to a creative and enjoyable evening with you!

Nature + Forest Therapy is inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin Yoku, or its English translation: Forest Bathing. This practice combines a slow walk in a natural area with a clearly defined sequence of guided events that provide structure to the experience. Although structured, the practice allows many opportunities for creativity and serendipity offered by both nature and by the individual inspiration of the guide. Our walk will draw on the latest developments in the field of nature connection, and ancient traditions of mindfulness and wellness promotion. The walk takes approximately 2.5 hours and requires no exceptional skill or physical exertion. *NOTE: Participants are required to register by 3:00pm the day before the scheduled session.

In this class, you will sculpt figurative clay sculptures using a live model. Professor Grimes has been teaching sculpture for over 20 years and studied sculpture at the Academy of Fines Arts.
She designed a unique way to create sculptures for all to begin as well as advanced students. She will go over proportions of the figure and how to construct the figure with two poses from the model using air drying clay! Your work will harden and be a finished sculpture!

$5 materials cash fee paid directly to instructor

As we shift into a new season, it is important to honor one of the four corners of the year. As the seasons change, so should your lifestyle and movement practices. You will learn specific ways to balance the internal organs to boost immunity, health and healing. The 1st hour will be the active or Yang part of class consisting of various meditative techniques such as Medical QiGong, Dao Yin, Yin Yoga, deep breathing, acupressure, self-massage, chanting/toning and visualization. This is done to link and sync us together for the 2nd hour of class so we can receive (Yin) the deep healing vibrations from the Crystal singing bowls. The bowls will harmonize and tune your cells and brighten and expand your auric field.

Join art instructor Anna Yates Krain as she guides you throughout the season for her Paint Party Paint + Sip Events (with a twist)! Offered once a month, the Summer 2024 Surf and Turf series will focus on beachside escapes into the imagination.A brief warm up with stretches and guided meditation to bring on the Muse! Anna’s goal is to guide you on a journey into painting that will liberate your inner artist. Bring your own sip. Paint + Supplies included.

Join Arielle for a relaxing and rejuvenating evening under the rising Full Moon.

While looking over the beautiful marsh landscape this Gentle/Yin class will take you on a journey through breath, slow movement and some stagnant poses. Holding poses for longer periods of time helps reduce stress and release tension throughout the body. This solemn workshop will promote a deep sense of peace, wellness and relaxation. The final relaxation will include hands on adjustments and an optional application of essential oils. All levels are welcome. Feel free to bring any additional props such as blankets, pillows, and blocks. 

Learn to make this trendy and sophisticated bracelet using soft Greek leather, various beads, and chain. There will be many color combinations available and each kit will include a beautiful button, specifically chosen to match the leather and the beads. This project is so much fun to make, and once you learn the technique, you can also make leather wrap bracelets!

$35 Materials fee payable day-of to instructor