+SCIENCE

Explore the hidden beauty of LBIF’s property. A short walk on this trail will take you from a small maritime forest to our preserved saltmarsh and eventually Barnegat Bay. Along the meandering trail you will come across a mix of both native and non-native vegetation, which is home to a variety of wildlife. Native trees and shrubs, like red maple, winged sumac and northern bayberry found along the trail play an important role in providing suitable habitat for migratory songbirds to forage and find cover throughout the year. Many disturbed areas along wetland edges become overwhelmed by invasive plants, like phragmites or common reed as you will see along the Nature Trail. Once you descend onto the coastal saltmarsh, you will be immersed in Barnegat Bay, quite literally depending on the tide. If you look around you will see plenty of birds, including black-crowned night-herons, great blue herons, saltmarsh sparrows, and nesting ospreys. If you look closely you will see fiddler crabs in the marsh and schooling baitfish, like banded killifish and mummichog in tidal creeks. Locals say that the island is held together by poison ivy. Please stay on the trail and watch for it along the upland portions. Leave only footprints. Carry in; carry out. 

Our continued partnership with CWF

We are proud to continue our partnership with the Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey (CWF) that will help support and strengthen our science-based initiatives with emphasis on rare wildlife, including wildlife surveys, habitat management, and public outreach. Activities include migratory and nesting bird surveys, northern diamondback terrapin monitoring, and wildlife habitat enhancement. CWF will also provide three weeks of wildlife-focused summer camp led by the biologists who carry out the organization’s mission to preserve rare and at-risk wildlife in New Jersey. We will work together to ensure that LBI is a sustainable home for vulnerable wildlife species, and a place whose residents and visitors are engaged in the natural world around them.

Upcoming Programs

All 2024 Science Saturday sessions are free.
Both Virtual and in-person (on select dates) sessions cap at 95 people, so please register to claim your spot.

Mar
23

Science Saturday with Dave Hinchey via Zoom

  • The Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts + Sciences (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Hydrogen Production, Industrial Uses and Energy Conservation

On March 23 via Zoom, join the LBIF and Dave Hinchey, PSEG Renewables Environmental Regulatory Lead specializing in power development. Hinchey will discuss hydrogen production, its industrial uses and energy conservation.

Where is Hydrogen used today?  What is a Hydrogen Hub?  How can this energy source be considered renewable? Saturday’s discussion will focus on the Industrial usages of green or “pink” hydrogen and how the federal government is looking to jump start a renewable hydrogen economy with the DOE Hydrogen Hubs. 

David Hinchey is PSEG Renewables Environmental Regulatory Lead specializing in power development, having over 24 years of experience. Public Service Enterprise Group is a publicly traded diversified energy company headquartered in New Jersey since 1903, New Jersey’s largest provider of electric and natural gas serving 2.3 million electric and 1.9 million gas customers.  Prior to joining PSEG in 2007 Mr. Hinchey consulted for the power, utility, oil / gas industry and the Federal Government.  Since joining PSEG Mr. Hinchey has served in several different roles ranging from habitat restoration, project design, operations and compliance, department lead, project development, project implementation and regulatory advisement. Mr. Hinchey is responsible for leading PSEG development efforts to be both environmentally and socially responsible.

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Science Saturday with Michael Folmer via Zoom
Mar
30

Science Saturday with Michael Folmer via Zoom

  • The Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts + Sciences (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Forecasting the Weather From the Open Ocean to the Jersey Shore

On March 30 via Zoom, join the LBIF and Michael Folmer, the Warning Coordination Meteorologist for the Ocean Prediction Center in College Park, MD.

Saturday’s discussion will cover Folmer's work at the National Weather Service Ocean Prediction Center providing life saving forecast products and IDSS for the US Coast Guard, cruise lines, the cargo industry, and the everyday mariner--particularly those that venture beyond 60 nautical miles offshore. The second part of Folmer's talk will describe the Jersey Shore Mesonet, which includes the LBIF weather station and where Folmer and colleagues intend to grow the network over the coming years.

Folmer has been forecasting for OPC for nearly 5 years, and prior to that he was the Satellite Liaison for the GOES-R/JPSS satellite programs at OPC, the Weather Prediction Center, National Hurricane Center Tropical Analysis and Forecast Branch, and the NESDIS Satellite Analysis Branch. Although he has a tropical meteorology background, satellite and mid-latitude weather have become his main focus.

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Science Saturday with Ray Bukowski via Zoom
Mar
16

Science Saturday with Ray Bukowski via Zoom

  • The Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts + Sciences (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Energy production, Distribution, and Conservation

On March 16 via Zoom, join the LBIF and Ray Bukowski, Managing Director of Government Relations, Communications and Sustainability at New Jersey Resources as he discusses energy production, distribution, and conservation.

Mr. Bukowski is the Managing Director of Government Relations, Communications and Sustainability at New Jersey Resources (NYSE: NJR), a leading energy infrastructure company that provides safe, reliable natural gas and renewable energy services, including transportation, distribution, storage, asset management, development, and retail services. He is responsible for leading strategy and teams dedicated to advancing NJR’s sustainability and decarbonization goals. Mr. Bukowski joined NJR in 2021, and previously served as Director of Environmental Strategy and Project Compliance at New Jersey Natural Gas, the principal subsidiary of the Fortune 1000 company. Prior to joining NJR, he spent nearly 30 years at the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, where he served in numerous leadership roles, including, Assistant Commissioner of Natural and Historic Resources and Assistant Commissioner of Compliance and Enforcement, and worked in multiple media areas and on key environmental programs. A graduate of Stockton University, he holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Studies and is a member of the Ocean County Soil Conservation District board of supervisors and member of Converse Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey board of directors.  

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Science Saturday with Angela Andersen via Zoom
Mar
9

Science Saturday with Angela Andersen via Zoom

  • The Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts + Sciences (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

LBT Field Station and the Bay Island Initiative

On March 9th via Zoom, join the LBIF and Angela Andersen, Sustainability Director for Long Beach Township and manager of the Township's Marine Education Field Station in Holgate as she discusses the Long Beach Township Field Station formation and public programs planned for the summer.

Angela will present on the Long Beach Township Field Station formation and public programs planned for the summer and the focal science projects running through the facility year round. She will focus on the NJ Bay Island Initiative group and the multiple grants funded projects the township and their partners have secured to inventory, research and plan for restoration of the complex of marsh islands in our bay for coastal and community resilience. 

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Science Saturday with Ben Wurst via Zoom
Mar
2

Science Saturday with Ben Wurst via Zoom

  • The Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts + Sciences (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Seeing Red: Engaging Future Generations in Osprey Conservation

On March 2nd via Zoom, join the LBIF and Ben Wurst, Senior Wildlife Biologist with Conserve Wildlife Foundation of NJ, as he discusses efforts to monitor and manage ospreys over the past decade, after all known nests were mapped publicly online.

Ospreys have made a resounding recovery throughout New Jersey, where over 800 pairs now nest along the majority of the coast and inland. Today, citizen scientists play a leading role in monitoring ospreys and the health of their population throughout the state. Ben Wurst 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 by reporting nest activity and auxiliary bands observed on adults. 

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Science Saturday with Amanda Archer via Zoom
Feb
24

Science Saturday with Amanda Archer via Zoom

  • The Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts + Sciences (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

MyCoast New Jersey: How you can capture science to inform coastal resilience planning

Join the LBIF and Amanda Archer on February 24 via Zoom to discuss MyCoast:New Jersey as a platform for communities to learn about climate-related flood risks and document coastal changes over time. Various tools on the website or mobile app allow community users to share photos and stories that document impacts of flooding and changes to shorelines due to higher tides, storms, and erosion. MyCoast fetches background data on location, weather, and water levels to add scientific context to each report. The submitted MyCoast reports inform state agencies, local governments, and community organizations and gives your community a voice in future climate and coastal resilience planning efforts.


Amanda Archer is the Coastal Training Program Coordinator at the Jacques Cousteau National Estuarine Research Reserve, based in Tuckerton, NJ. Her work includes stakeholder outreach, education,  and training for coastal decision-makers to better facilitate the relationship between humans and coastal ecosystems. She graduated with an Environmental Science degree from Stockton University and has worked in the Barnegat Bay and Great Bay-Mullica River Estuary for over five years. 


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Science Saturday with James Webster via Zoom
Feb
10

Science Saturday with James Webster via Zoom

  • The Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts + Sciences (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

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 10th 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.

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Science Saturday w/ Lighthouse Film Society “Deep Rising” Screening
Feb
3

Science Saturday w/ Lighthouse Film Society “Deep Rising” Screening

  • The Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts + Sciences (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Thanks to the generous sponsorship of ReClam the Bay, please join LBIF and Lighthouse Film Society for a FREE and IN-PERSON screening of “Deep Rising.”

Narrated by Jason Momoa, "Deep Rising" illustrates the fate of the planet's last untouched wilderness; the deep ocean. The film leads the viewer into an investigative journey to a secretive organization that is threatening this delicate ecosystem by allowing massive extraction of seabed metals in an attempt to address the world's energy crisis. A panel discussion with Dr. Amy Williams from Alliance for A Living Ocean (ALO) and Chris Huch, a hazard mitigation planner formerly with Jacques Cousteau National Estuarine Research Reserve and Alliance for a Living Ocean (ALO), will follow the film.

Doors: 10:30AM

Film: 11:00AM

*Please note: Space is limited inside of LBIF Gallery, register below to reserve your seat.

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Science Saturday with Dr. Josh Kohut via Zoom
Jan
27

Science Saturday with Dr. Josh Kohut via Zoom

  • The Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts + Sciences (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

The Challenges of Making a Living in the Crowded and Ever Changing Ocean

Imagine that every time you went to the grocery store they changed where they put the pretzels, cookies, and paper towels. What would happen if you got there and the deli counter was closed or didn’t even exist? Now picture a store where some of the aisles were mixed with traps with ropes and hooks and when they restocked the shelves a forklift came down the aisle making a deafening sound?

Join Dr. Josh Kohut on January 27th, via Zoom, as he discusses the experiences our sea creatures have while in the ocean. This presentation will provide insight into the challenges and realities of living in the dynamic and ever changing ocean.

Dr. Josh Kohut earned a B.S. in physics from the College of Charleston and a Ph.D. in physical oceanography from Rutgers University. Josh is currently a professor in the department of marine and coastal sciences at Rutgers University and a member of the Rutgers University Center for Ocean Observing Leadership. Using networks of ocean observing technologies, his research and extension programs focus on the ocean processes that structure marine ecosystems. He is involved in many research programs that range in scope from storm intensity, offshore wind, and local water quality monitoring off the NJ coast; regional fisheries along the US east coast; and environmental studies of polar ecosystems in the coastal waters surrounding Antarctica.

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Science Saturday with Dr. Douglas Zemeckis via Zoom
Jan
20

Science Saturday with Dr. Douglas Zemeckis via Zoom

  • The Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts + Sciences (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Responsible Stewardship of New Jersey's Valuable Marine Resources

On January 20th, join the LBIF and Dr. Doug Zemeckis via Zoom as he discusses Valuable Marine Resources.

New Jersey is very well known for the Jersey Shore and all that our marine ecosystems have to offer, such as providing recreational opportunities, supporting local tourism, and sustaining numerous marine related industries. The sustainability of our marine resources depends on responsible stewardship practices among stakeholders.

This presentation will provide an overview of New Jersey's marine ecosystems and the associated fishing and aquaculture industries with an emphasis on the practices and activities with which citizens in Ocean County and throughout New Jersey can get involved to be responsible stewards of our marine resources.

Dr. Douglas Zemeckis serves as a County Agent II (Associate Professor) with Rutgers Cooperative Extension. In this role, he conducts educational programming and applied research on issues related to fisheries, aquaculture, and marine resource management. His efforts focus on Ocean, Atlantic, and Monmouth Counties, but also includes working on issues throughout New Jersey.

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Science Saturday w/ Rick Bushnell and Darlene Cavalier via Zoom
Jan
13

Science Saturday w/ Rick Bushnell and Darlene Cavalier via Zoom

  • The Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts + Sciences (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Kickoff to 2024 Science Saturday Season: Learn And Contribute!

Join the LBIF and hosts Rick Bushnell and Darlene Cavalier via Zoom for another great Science Saturday Season. For over 15 years, 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. In 2024, we are going to show people how recording their observations can be used by the scientific community. You will find out about simple fun projects that will enable you, friends, and family to learn and contribute.

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.

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Nature and Forest Therapy Walk with Rich Collins
Oct
1

Nature and Forest Therapy Walk with Rich Collins

  • The Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts + Sciences (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

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

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An Evening Walk with Jack + Wendy: LBI's Most Famous Ospreys
Jul
19

An Evening Walk with Jack + Wendy: LBI's Most Famous Ospreys

  • The Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts + Sciences (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Did you know that LBIF is home to several pairs of ospreys? These nesting birds of prey have become a common sight along the New Jersey coast, thanks to early recovery efforts that began 50 years ago. For this special evening event, join CWF Senior Biologist Ben Wurst on a walk on the LBIF Nature Trail to the Osprey Blind. There, Ben will talk about the life history, recovery and current management of ospreys in New Jersey, while viewing our local ospreys. Ben grew up on the mainland and has monitored and managed ospreys for close to 20 years.

Limit to 12 people.

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From Awe to Action: How to Help Animals
Jul
11

From Awe to Action: How to Help Animals

  • The Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts + Sciences (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Renowned conservation photographer Melissa Groo will touch on her journey into photography, sharing favorite photos from her magazine assignments and personal work over her decade-long career as a professional photographer. She’ll discuss how photos can aid in conservation, how to best gain an audience with birds and other sensitive animals, and how noticing the natural world around us can greatly enrich and enlarge our lives. Hosted by Long Beach Island Foundation, Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey, Little Egg Foundation, and Osprey Foundation.

Melissa Groo is a wildlife photographer, writer, and conservationist. She’s passionate about conveying the marvels of the natural world to diverse audiences. She believes that photography can be both fine art and a powerful vehicle for storytelling, and considers herself a “wildlife biographer” as much as a wildlife photographer. By capturing and sharing stories about individual wild animals, she hopes to raise awareness and change minds about not only the extrinsic beauty of animals, but also their intrinsic worth. Melissa’s photographs and articles have been published in numerous magazines including Smithsonian,  Audubon, Outdoor Photographer, National Wildlife, National Geographic (online), Living Bird, and Natural History.

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BARNEGAT BAY DAY
Jul
5

BARNEGAT BAY DAY

  • The Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts + Sciences (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Join field biologists from Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey to learn about rare wildlife that call Barnegat Bay home. Throughout the event , CWF will offer eco-friendly art activities, walks to the Osprey Blind, and tours of the Turtle Garden. This is a family learning experience with lots of hands-on activities. Explore the importance of the critters and plants, living underwater and on land, in the Barnegat Bay ecosystem. While you’re here check out the LBIF Camp’s mini-aquarium and participate in a science themed craft! Learn about our local environmental non-profits and how you can help conserve, preserve and protect LBIF’s natural resources. And get your photograph with an Alpaca from the Out of Sight Alpaca Farm! Food courtesy of the Lunchwagon Food Truck, and the Empanada Truck 

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An Evening Walk with Jack + Wendy: LBI's Most Famous Ospreys
Jun
21

An Evening Walk with Jack + Wendy: LBI's Most Famous Ospreys

  • The Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts + Sciences (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Did you know that LBIF is home to several pairs of ospreys? These nesting birds of prey have become a common sight along the New Jersey coast, thanks to early recovery efforts that began 50 years ago. For this special evening event, join CWF Senior Biologist Ben Wurst on a walk on the LBIF Nature Trail to the Osprey Blind. There, Ben will talk about the life history, recovery and current management of ospreys in New Jersey, while viewing our local ospreys. Ben grew up on the mainland and has monitored and managed ospreys for close to 20 years.

Limit to 12 people.

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Barnegat Light Beach Nesting Bird/Habitat Restoration Walk
Jun
15

Barnegat Light Beach Nesting Bird/Habitat Restoration Walk

  • The Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts + Sciences (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Join Todd Pover, CWF Senior Wildlife Biologist, for a walk along the inlet at Barnegat Light, the site of a habitat restoration for endangered beach nesting birds that he helped create. Todd will discuss the features of the restoration as we search for breeding piping plovers and American oystercatchers using the site. Meeting place: Barnegat Lighthouse State Park parking lot. Must be able to walk at least 1.5 miles (roundtrip) in sand. Limit 25 people

Note: A detailed presentation about the restoration will be presented at LBIF on June 13. Attendance at the talk is not required but is recommended for walk attendees.


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Barnegat Light Habitat Restoration: The Story Behind “Plover Park” Lecture
Jun
13

Barnegat Light Habitat Restoration: The Story Behind “Plover Park” Lecture

  • The Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts + Sciences (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Join Todd Pover, CWF Senior Wildlife Biologist, for a presentation about the habitat restoration at Barnegat Light, a project he helped create, to benefit endangered beach nesting birds. Learn what was done to improve the site for piping plovers and other nesting shorebirds and how they’ve done at the site since the project was completed several years ago. There will be time at the end for a brief Q + A. Later in the week, join Todd for a walk in Barnegat Light that will coincide with the lecture.

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Nature and Forest Therapy Walk with Rich Collins
Jun
3

Nature and Forest Therapy Walk with Rich Collins

  • The Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts + Sciences (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

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

View Event →
Nature and Forest Therapy Walk with Rich Collins
May
13

Nature and Forest Therapy Walk with Rich Collins

  • The Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts + Sciences (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

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

View Event →
Science Saturday with Dr. Douglas Zemeckis
Mar
4

Science Saturday with Dr. Douglas Zemeckis

  • The Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts + Sciences (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

What's Happening With Offshore Wind Off New Jersey?
virtual platform: ZOOM

This presentation will provide an overview of offshore wind energy development off the coast of New Jersey, including information about windfarms in different locations off our coast. An emphasis will be placed on the potential impacts on fisheries and fisheries resources, including ongoing research to better understand and prepare for these impacts. Websites and other educational resources where attendees can learn more will also be provided throughout the presentation.

Dr. Douglas Zemeckis serves as a County Agent III (Assistant Professor) with Rutgers Cooperative Extension. In this role, he conducts educational programming and applied research on issues related to fisheries, aquaculture, and marine resource management focusing on Ocean, Atlantic, and Monmouth Counties. 

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Feb
25

Science Saturday with David Hinchey

  • The Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts + Sciences (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Have you ever wondered how electricity works? How power is generated, the different types, and how it all gets into your home? David will focus on the progression of power generation from the start and how it all works together to create the power grid which comes into your home while touching on the environmental and social requirements.

David Hinchey is PSEG Renewables Environmental Permitting lead, specializing in power development. Mr. Hinchey joined PSEG in 2007 with prior experience dating back to 2000 as a consultant for the power, utility, oil / gas industry and the Federal Government. He has served in several different roles ranging from habitat restoration, project design, operations and compliance, project development and implementation. Mr. Hinchey focusses on regulatory relationships and agency approvals needed to build, maintain and operate power assets in an environmental and socially responsible way.

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Science Saturday with Ray Bukowski
Feb
18

Science Saturday with Ray Bukowski

  • The Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts + Sciences (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

On Saturday, February 18, join Ray Bukowski as he presents a conversation around the idea of future energy solutions on Long Beach Island and its surrounding coastlines.

Mr. Bukowski is the Managing Director of Government Relations, Communications and Sustainability at New Jersey Resources (NYSE: NJR), a leading energy infrastructure company that provides safe, reliable natural gas and clean energy services, including transportation, distribution, storage, asset management and retail services. He is responsible for leading the strategy and teams dedicated to advancing NJR’s sustainability and decarbonization goals.

Mr. Bukowski joined NJR in 2021, and previously served as Director of Environmental Strategy and Project Compliance at New Jersey Natural Gas, the principal subsidiary of the Fortune 1000 company. Prior to joining NJR, he spent nearly 30 years at the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, where he served in numerous leadership roles, including, Assistant Commissioner of Natural and Historic Resources and Assistant Commissioner of Compliance and Enforcement, and worked in multiple media areas and on key environmental programs.

A graduate of Stockton University, he holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Studies and is a member of the Ocean County Soil Conservation District board of supervisors and member of Converse Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey board of directors.

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Science Saturday with Amy Williams
Feb
11

Science Saturday with Amy Williams

  • The Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts + Sciences (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

On Saturday, February 11, join Amy Williams and her colleague, Maryann Minnier, as they discuss how to vet your sources and find legitimate data. In the age of knowledge at our fingertips, it is easy to be bombarded by information from many sources everywhere we turn, from newspapers to billboards to our cell phones. Easy access to news and opinions are often the first source of information that gets repeated, retweeted and shared, usually on social media. However, it is critical to understand how to find legitimate and vetted sources of data in order to make sure your information is sound and accurate. This presentation will show you how vet your information and provide examples of legitimate sources of scientific data that is also available at your fingertips. This is critical for discussing many current issues pertinent to our area such as coastal flooding, alternative energy, and disaster impacts.

Williams currently teaches Freshman Biology with a marine science focus and a Research Methods class at the Marine Academy of Technology and Environmental Science high-school in Ocean County Vocational and Technical School District in Southern New Jersey.

Amy Williams specializes in coastal ecology, environmental science, environmental pollution, coastal erosion, hurricane impacts, environmental issues, ecosystem management, coastal management, stakeholder participation, environmental education, teaching through hands on activities and discussion.

Williams currently teaches Freshman Biology with a marine science focus and a Research Methods class at the Marine Academy of Technology and Environmental Science high-school in Ocean County Vocational and Technical School District in Southern New Jersey.

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Angela Andersen speaks about The Bay Island Project
Feb
4

Angela Andersen speaks about The Bay Island Project

  • The Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts + Sciences (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

On Saturday, February 4, join Angela Andersen as she presents The Bay Island Project. The NJ Bay Islands Initiative is a collaborative effort including 40 agency, governmental, academic, citizens and NGO’s to protect the bay islands of NJ. There are over 160 islands comprising 3000 acres in NJ. Long Beach Township is a founding member of the initiative and received a Community Resilience grant from the National Fish of Wildlife Foundation. Angela will present on the grant project which focuses on The Barnegat Bay /Little Egg Harbor Estuarine system and the 5 identified islands off of township that the team will develop preliminary restoration plans for in partnership with Stockton University, Monmouth University, The Nature Conservancy and the USFW. The team developed a Bay Island Restoration Planner (BIRP) tool which is a data inventory of the islands in the study area. This tool tells the story of how the islands have behaved over the last few decades and will inform how to restore them.  

Angela Andersen is the Sustainability Director for Long Beach Township and the manager for LBT Marine Education Field Station in Holgate. 

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Islands in the Barnegat Bay... or Maybe Not with Speaker, Timothy Hart
Jan
28

Islands in the Barnegat Bay... or Maybe Not with Speaker, Timothy Hart

  • The Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts + Sciences (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

On Saturday, January 28 join Timothy Hart as he presents his topic: Islands in Barnegat Bay... Or Maybe Not. Hart will explore some of the culture and history of the back bay islands off Long Beach Island. These islands have been on maps since the Dutch explorers, English government, and have remained in the imagination of every child whom even visited the region. As a young man with a rowboat, Hart spent many happy days exploring these oddities.

Timothy Hart is the official historian of Stafford and Ocean Townships and the director of Ocean County Cultural and Heritage Commission and the Recreation department of the Ocean County Parks and Recreation. He is a lifelong resident of Ocean Township.

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Flooding issues in correlation with LBI Resilient Project and Bay Island Project
Jan
21

Flooding issues in correlation with LBI Resilient Project and Bay Island Project

  • The Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts + Sciences (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

This Saturday, Angela Andersen will discuss flooding issues in correlation with LBI Resilient Project and Bay Island Project.

Time: 11:00am - 12:00pm (via Zoom only)

Angela Andersen is the Sustainability Director for Long Beach Township and the manager for LBT Marine Education Field Station in Holgate. This week's talk focuses on what coastal resilience is and how we can make our community better equipped for increased frequency of flooding and other hazardous weather conditions. Angela will discuss the interactive roadmap being developed for our collective community through Resilient LBI, a community-based environmentalism project managed by the New Jersey Department of Environmental ProtectionThis is an action plan rooted in providing nature-based solutions concepts for our community to adopt, such as living shorelines and improvements to infrastructure. Discussions will highlight community lead strategies for regional, town and property owner specific ideas and actions.

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Our Coast: Helping people understand broad scale coastal issues including sharing the natural resource that is our ocean
Jan
14

Our Coast: Helping people understand broad scale coastal issues including sharing the natural resource that is our ocean

  • The Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts + Sciences (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

THE FIRST SCIENCE SATURDAY OF 2023
Date:
Saturday January 14, 2023
Time: 11:00am
Topic: Our Coast: Understanding the broad scale of coastal issues including the natural resource that is our ocean.

Speaker: Britta Forsberg, Executive Director, Save Barnegat Bay
About the Speaker:
Britta Forsberg has been actively involved with the protection and restoration of Barnegat Bay since her childhood. She grew up playing on the Bay everyday at Forsberg’s Boat Yard, her family’s business in Point Pleasant. At 18, she was named Ocean County’s “Environmentalist of the Year,” for her passion and commitment. She later served in local government on the Lavallette Borough Council from 2003 to 2009, affecting many environmental programs and policies. She currently drives Save Barnegat Bay’s advocacy efforts by working alongside locally elected officials, county government, state legislators and federal representatives. Britta’s current position as well as her personal experience of being an advocate from her youth will help to inspire and directly inform the public on important Barnegat Bay issues.

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Nature and Forest Therapy Walk
Sep
24

Nature and Forest Therapy Walk

  • The Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts + Sciences (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Nature & Forest Therapy takes a holistic view to the physiological, mental, emotional, and psycho-spiritual benefits to be derived from an embodied contact with nature, and aims to engage humans through their senses, not their intellects. This practice can be viewed as an effective strategy to maintain and boost immune strength in human beings. The walk takes approximately 2.5 hours and requires no exceptional skill or physical exertion. Rich Collins is a Certified Guide for the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs (ANFT), based in Morristown & Barnegat Light, New Jersey.

Click here to read NJ INDY’s article on Rich Collins and the experience of Forest Bathing.

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Howling Woods Farm Presentation
Sep
17

Howling Woods Farm Presentation

  • The Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts + Sciences (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Join Mike of Howling Woods, a non-profit rescue in Jackson, NJ for a family-oriented presentation and a “Meet & Greet” with wolf dogs who reside on the farm!

LBIF Members FREE, $10 fee for nonmembers payable at the door.

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Barnegat Bay Day
Jul
6

Barnegat Bay Day

Join the LBIF, Alliance for a Living Ocean (ALO) and other local environmental organizations and agencies at the 15th Annual Barnegat Bay Day. Learn about the local plants and animals, both underwater and on land, that complete the Barnegat Bay ecosystem. Have a blast with hands-on activities and demonstrations.

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New Perspectives: Nature and Forest Therapy Walk with Rich Collins
Jun
5

New Perspectives: Nature and Forest Therapy Walk with Rich Collins

NEW PERSPECTIVES: NATURE & FOREST THERAPY WALK WITH RICHARD COLLINS
Dates
May 15 + June 5
Time
9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Fee
$25

Perhaps you have heard the term, “Forest Bathing”?  Nature & Forest Therapy is inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin Yoku, or its English translation: Forest Bathing. 

Nature & Forest Therapy, or Forest Bathing, is a practice that combines a slow in a natural area with a clearly defined sequence of guided events that provide structure to the experience.  Although structured, the practice still allows many opportunities for creativity and serendipity offered by nature and the individual inspiration of each guide. 

Nature & Forest Therapy takes a holistic view to the physiological, mental, emotional, and psycho-spiritual benefits to be derived from an embodied contact with nature, and aims to engage humans through their senses, not their intellects.  This practice can be viewed as an effective strategy to maintain and boost immune strength in human beings.  The walk takes approximately 2.5 hours and requires no exceptional skill or physical exertion.

Studies have demonstrated a wide array of health benefits, especially in the cardiovascular and immune systems, and for stabilizing and improving mood and cognition from a slow walk in the forest or other natural environments.  We look to build on those benefits by reminding people that we are a part of nature, not separate from it, and are related to all other beings in fundamental ways.  Our Forest Therapy Walks draw on the latest developments in the field of nature connection, and ancient traditions of mindfulness and wellness promotion. 

About the Guide:  Rich Collins is a Certified Guide for the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs (ANFT), based in Morristown & Barnegat Light, New Jersey.  His company, Friendly Territory, specializes in Nature & Forest Therapy walks and retreats. He is a husband, proud father and grandfather, entrepreneur, and daily meditator. 

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+ SCIENCE SATURDAYS

During winter months, Science Saturday lectures focus on a variety of local topics concerning sustainability issues that directly affect our shore community. For over 15 years we have tried to stimulate people to find the real facts and information about environmental topics. But along with that we would like to instill a desire for people to be involved. We have always promoted “citizen science” but this year we want to make participation a central focus.

Science Saturdays are LIVE and broadcasted virtually or in-person (when noted). They offer interactive and informative hands-on presentations in an informal atmosphere.
We have 15 weeks lined up with topics including:

  • Energy, - Not just wind but the blend

  • Sharing the ocean - So many uses!, 

  • What’s it like to live in the ocean? The challenges for sea creatures.

  • The spectacular night sky and how to enjoy it

  • What’s up with the local NJ weather?

Look below to view dates for 2024.

January 13, 20, 27

February 3, 10, 17, 24

March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

April 6, 13, 20 

Keep a lookout for LBIF e-blasts sent out every Friday with more details and registration link! Please scroll down if you would like to sign up to receive our emails.

Resources and Further Reading

Find more resources provided by ReClam The Bay about a variety of past 2022, 2021, and 2020 Science Saturday topics, including links about Resilient LBI, ocean wind construction and more!

>Government involvement on environmental topics

>The State of New Jersey’s participation in Climate Change

>Resilient LBI

>Living Shoreline

>Resources on Flooding

>Offshore Wind Resources

>Atlantic Shores Plans and Projects

(Science Saturday – October 17, 2020): Read more about climate change interpretations from Ashwani Vasishth, Associate Professor of Sustainability Convener, Sustainability Program (BA) President, New Jersey Higher Education Partnership for Sustainability (NJHEPS) Director, Center for Sustainability – Ramapo College of New Jersey.

En-Roads By Climate Interactive

En-ROADS is a transparent, freely-available policy simulation model that provides policymakers, educators, businesses, the media, and the public with the ability to explore, for themselves, the likely consequences of energy, economic growth, land use, and other policies and uncertainties, with the goal of improving their understanding.

(Science Saturday – March 20, 2021): Coastal Knowledge Resource Gateway

> https://reclamthebay.org/resources/

 

Revisit Virtual Science Saturdays

  • Learn from Ray Bukowski, Managing Director of Government Relations, Communications and Sustainability at New Jersey Resources as he discusses energy production, distribution, and conservation.

    Mr. Bukowski is the Managing Director of Government Relations, Communications and Sustainability at New Jersey Resources (NYSE: NJR), a leading energy infrastructure company that provides safe, reliable natural gas and renewable energy services, including transportation, distribution, storage, asset management, development, and retail services. He is responsible for leading strategy and teams dedicated to advancing NJR’s sustainability and decarbonization goals. Mr. Bukowski joined NJR in 2021, and previously served as Director of Environmental Strategy and Project Compliance at New Jersey Natural Gas, the principal subsidiary of the Fortune 1000 company. Prior to joining NJR, he spent nearly 30 years at the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, where he served in numerous leadership roles, including, Assistant Commissioner of Natural and Historic Resources and Assistant Commissioner of Compliance and Enforcement, and worked in multiple media areas and on key environmental programs. A graduate of Stockton University, he holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Studies and is a member of the Ocean County Soil Conservation District board of supervisors and member of Converse Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey board of directors.

    WATCH

  • Rewatch the LBIF and Angela Andersen, Sustainability Director for Long Beach Township and manager of the Township's Marine Education Field Station in Holgate as she discusses the Long Beach Township Field Station formation and public programs planned for the summer.

    Angela presents on the Long Beach Township Field Station formation and public programs planned for the summer and the focal science projects running through the facility year round. She focuses on the NJ Bay Island Initiative group and the multiple grants funded projects the township and their partners have secured to inventory, research and plan for restoration of the complex of marsh islands in our bay for coastal and community resilience.

    WATCH

  • Rewatch the LBIF and Ben Wurst, Senior Wildlife Biologist with Conserve Wildlife Foundation of NJ, as he discusses efforts to monitor and manage ospreys over the past decade, after all known nests were mapped publicly online.

    Ospreys have made a resounding recovery throughout New Jersey, where over 800 pairs now nest along the majority of the coast and inland. Today, citizen scientists play a leading role in monitoring ospreys and the health of their population throughout the state. Ben Wurst 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 by reporting nest activity and auxiliary bands observed on adults.

    WATCH

  • Revisit Amanda Archer’s Science Saturday presentation as she discusses MyCoast:New Jersey as a platform for communities to learn about climate-related flood risks and document coastal changes over time. Various tools on the website or mobile app allow community users to share photos and stories that document impacts of flooding and changes to shorelines due to higher tides, storms, and erosion. MyCoast fetches background data on location, weather, and water levels to add scientific context to each report. The submitted MyCoast reports inform state agencies, local governments, and community organizations and gives your community a voice in future climate and coastal resilience planning efforts.

    Amanda Archer is the Coastal Training Program Coordinator at the Jacques Cousteau National Estuarine Research Reserve, based in Tuckerton, NJ. Her work includes stakeholder outreach, education, and training for coastal decision-makers to better facilitate the relationship between humans and coastal ecosystems. She graduated with an Environmental Science degree from Stockton University and has worked in the Barnegat Bay and Great Bay-Mullica River Estuary for over five years.

    WATCH

    POWERPOINT

    Surf City Flood Website

    Stevens Flood Advisory System

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

    Watch James Webster, Astro Photographer and Astronomer, 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.

    WATCH

  • Imagine that every time you went to the grocery store they changed where they put the pretzels, cookies, and paper towels. What would happen if you got there and the deli counter was closed or didn’t even exist? Now picture a store where some of the aisles were mixed with traps with ropes and hooks and when they restocked the shelves a forklift came down the aisle making a deafening sound?

    Rewatch Dr. Josh Kohut on January 27th, via Zoom, as he discusses the experiences our sea creatures have while in the ocean. This presentation will provide insight into the challenges and realities of living in the dynamic and ever changing ocean.

    Dr. Josh Kohut earned a B.S. in physics from the College of Charleston and a Ph.D. in physical oceanography from Rutgers University. Josh is currently a professor in the department of marine and coastal sciences at Rutgers University and a member of the Rutgers University Center for Ocean Observing Leadership. Using networks of ocean observing technologies, his research and extension programs focus on the ocean processes that structure marine ecosystems. He is involved in many research programs that range in scope from storm intensity, offshore wind, and local water quality monitoring off the NJ coast; regional fisheries along the US east coast; and environmental studies of polar ecosystems in the coastal waters surrounding Antarctica.

    WATCH

    PRESENTATION

  • New Jersey is very well known for the Jersey Shore and all that our marine ecosystems have to offer, such as providing recreational opportunities, supporting local tourism, and sustaining numerous marine related industries. The sustainability of our marine resources depends on responsible stewardship practices among stakeholders.

    Rewatch Dr. Doug Zemeckis’s Science Saturday discussion as he provides an overview of New Jersey's marine ecosystems and the associated fishing and aquaculture industries with an emphasis on the practices and activities with which citizens in Ocean County and throughout New Jersey can get involved to be responsible stewards of our marine resources.

    Dr. Douglas Zemeckis serves as a County Agent II (Associate Professor) with Rutgers Cooperative Extension. In this role, he conducts educational programming and applied research on issues related to fisheries, aquaculture, and marine resource management. His efforts focus on Ocean, Atlantic, and Monmouth Counties, but also includes working on issues throughout New Jersey.

    WATCH

    PRESENTATION

  • Join the LBIF and hosts Rick Bushnell and Darlene Cavalier via Zoom for another great Science Saturday Season. For over 15 years, 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. In 2024, we are going to show people how recording their observations can be used by the scientific community. You will find out about simple fun projects that will enable you, friends, and family to learn and contribute.

    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.

    WATCH

    PRESENTATION

  • Want to DO Something? Have you been observing the beauty and wonder of nature on LBI? If you share your observations, you can help scientists and policy makers fill important data gaps! Learn about things you can do and be introduced to two workshops that will be held by the Environmental Stewardship Committee at the LBIF later this spring to help you find a useful project.

    Darlene Cavalier is uniquely qualified to help those with a goal to have a better understanding of our world through involvement to accomplish that goal. Darlene 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.

    WATCH

  • This presentation will connect specific flooding events and how we can adapt our shorelines to help protect us from future flooding. Superstorm Sandy altered much of New Jersey’s coast on Oct 29.2012, destroying over 346,000 and causing $30 billion in economic damages. Coastal flooding does not just happen on barrier islands, it also is prevalent in the back bay communities. What steps can we take to adapt to the rising seas and protect our communities? Restoring marshlands, construction of dunes, living shorelines and construction of jetties. We look to science to help move into the future and give us answers on what is best for our coast and marine life.

    Amy Williams specializes in coastal ecology, environmental science, environmental pollution, coastal erosion, hurricane impacts, environmental issues, ecosystem management, coastal management, stakeholder participation, environmental education, teaching through hands on activities and discussion. Williams currently teaches Freshman Biology with a marine science focus and a Research Methods class at the Marine Academy of Technology and Environmental Science high-school in Ocean County Vocational and Technical School District in Southern New Jersey.

    Jody Stewart is the Senator Organizer with New Jersey Resource Project and New Jersey Organizing Project. She is from the Mysic Island section of Little Egg Harbor Township. Her home was damaged during the storm which led her into community organizing. She continues to work to make sure our communities are prepared for future flooding with the Shorekeeper campaign and continues to work to make sure disaster recovery works for New Jersey families

    WATCH

  • This presentation will provide an overview of offshore wind energy development off the coast of New Jersey, including information about windfarms in different locations off our coast. An emphasis will be placed on the potential impacts on fisheries and fisheries resources, including ongoing research to better understand and prepare for these impacts. Websites and other educational resources where attendees can learn more will also be provided throughout the presentation.

    Dr. Douglas Zemeckis serves as a County Agent III (Assistant Professor) with Rutgers Cooperative Extension. In this role, he conducts educational programming and applied research on issues related to fisheries, aquaculture, and marine resource management focusing on Ocean, Atlantic, and Monmouth Counties.

    PRESENTATION

    POWERPOINT

    Please consider filling out a short teaching Evaluation Form based on Dr. Zemeckis’ performance:

    EVALUATION

  • Have you ever wondered how electricity works? How power is generated, the different types, and how it all gets into your home? David Hinchey will focus on the progression of power generation from the start and how it all works together to create the power grid which comes into your home while touching on the environmental and social requirements.

    David Hinchey is PSEG Renewables Environmental Permitting lead, specializing in power development. Mr. Hinchey joined PSEG in 2007 with prior experience dating back to 2000 as a consultant for the power, utility, oil / gas industry and the Federal Government. He has served in several different roles ranging from habitat restoration, project design, operations and compliance, project development and implementation. Mr. Hinchey focusses on regulatory relationships and agency approvals needed to build, maintain and operate power assets in an environmental and socially responsible way.

    WATCH
    POWERPOINT

  • Join Ray Bukowski as he presents a conversation around the idea of future energy solutions on Long Beach Island and its surrounding coastlines.

    Mr. Bukowski is the Managing Director of Government Relations, Communications and Sustainability at New Jersey Resources (NYSE: NJR), a leading energy infrastructure company that provides safe, reliable natural gas and clean energy services, including transportation, distribution, storage, asset management and retail services. He is responsible for leading the strategy and teams dedicated to advancing NJR’s sustainability and decarbonization goals.

    Mr. Bukowski joined NJR in 2021, and previously served as Director of Environmental Strategy and Project Compliance at New Jersey Natural Gas, the principal subsidiary of the Fortune 1000 company. Prior to joining NJR, he spent nearly 30 years at the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, where he served in numerous leadership roles, including, Assistant Commissioner of Natural and Historic Resources and Assistant Commissioner of Compliance and Enforcement, and worked in multiple media areas and on key environmental programs.

    A graduate of Stockton University, he holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Studies and is a member of the Ocean County Soil Conservation District board of supervisors and member of Converse Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey board of directors.

    WATCH

  • Join Amy Williams and her colleague, Maryann Minnier, as they discuss how to vet your sources and find legitimate data. In the age of knowledge at our fingertips, it is easy to be bombarded by information from many sources everywhere we turn, from newspapers to billboards to our cell phones. Easy access to news and opinions are often the first source of information that gets repeated, retweeted and shared, usually on social media. However, it is critical to understand how to find legitimate and vetted sources of data in order to make sure your information is sound and accurate. This presentation will show you how vet your information and provide examples of legitimate sources of scientific data that is also available at your fingertips. This is critical for discussing many current issues pertinent to our area such as coastal flooding, alternative energy, and disaster impacts.

    Williams currently teaches Freshman Biology with a marine science focus and a Research Methods class at the Marine Academy of Technology and Environmental Science high-school in Ocean County Vocational and Technical School District in Southern New Jersey.

    WATCH

    PRESENTATION

  • Join Angela Andersen as she presents her The Bay Island Project. The NJ Bay Islands Initiative is a collaborative effort including 40 agency, governmental, academic, citizens and NGO’s to protect the bay islands of NJ. There are over 160 islands comprising 3000 acres in NJ. Long Beach Township is a founding member of the initiative and received a Community Resilience grant from the National Fish of Wildlife Foundation. Angela will present on the grant project which focuses on The Barnegat Bay /Little Egg Harbor Estuarine system and the 5 identified islands off of township that the team will develop preliminary restoration plans for in partnership with Stockton University, Monmouth University, The Nature Conservancy and the USFW. The team developed a Bay Island Restoration Planner (BIRP) tool which is a data inventory of the islands in the study area. This tool tells the story of how the islands have behaved over the last few decades and will inform how to restore them.

    Angela Andersen is the Sustainability Director for Long Beach Township and the manager for LBT Marine Education Field Station in Holgate.

    WATCH

  • Join Timothy Hart as he presents his topic: Islands in Barnegat Bay... Or Maybe Not. Hart will explore some of the culture and history of the back bay islands off Long Beach Island. These islands have been on maps since the Dutch explorers, English government, and have remained in the imagination of every child whom even visited the region. As a young man with a rowboat, Hart spent many happy days exploring these oddities.

    Timothy Hart is the official historian of Stafford and Ocean Townships and the director of Ocean County Cultural and Heritage Commission and the Recreation department of the Ocean County Parks and Recreation. He is a lifelong resident of Ocean Township.

    WATCH

  • Angela Andersen is the Sustainability Director for Long Beach Township and the manager for LBT Marine Education Field Station in Holgate. This week's talk focuses on what coastal resilience is and how we can make our community better equipped for increased frequency of flooding and other hazardous weather conditions. Angela will discuss the interactive roadmap being developed for our collective community through Resilient LBI, a community-based environmentalism project managed by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. This is an action plan rooted in providing nature-based solutions concepts for our community to adopt, such as living shorelines and improvements to infrastructure. Discussions will highlight community lead strategies for regional, town and property owner specific ideas and actions.

    WATCH

  • Britta Forsberg has been actively involved with the protection and restoration of Barnegat Bay since her childhood. She grew up playing on the Bay everyday at Forsberg’s Boat Yard, her family’s business in Point Pleasant. At 18, she was named Ocean County’s “Environmentalist of the Year,” for her passion and commitment. She later served in local government on the Lavallette Borough Council from 2003 to 2009, affecting many environmental programs and policies. She currently drives Save Barnegat Bay’s advocacy efforts by working alongside locally elected officials, county government, state legislators and federal representatives. Britta’s current position as well as her personal experience of being an advocate from her youth will help to inspire and directly inform the public on important Barnegat Bay issues.

    WATCH

    PowerPoint Presentation

  • Join Dr. Douglas Zemeckis for a discussion on New Jersey's marine fisheries and many of the issues related to anticipated impacts from offshore wind energy development on fisheries resources and fishing activities.

    WATCH

  • Join Dr. Renee Reilly for a conversation centered around the NJDEP's research and monitoring initiative on offshore wind energy. This presentation will discuss the science that informs offshore wind development, how NJDEP fits into the federal process, as well as details about the research initiative and how it is being developed and implemented.

    WATCH

  • Join Dr. Josh Kohut and Dr. Joe Brodie of Rutgers Environmental and Biological Sciences Department as they provide insight into the possible and probable impacts related to the introduction of offshore wind energy on our ocean environment and the creatures living in it.

    WATCH

  • Join Dr. Douglas Zemeckis as he provides an overview of the development of offshore wind energy off our coast and the challenges associated with sharing the coastal ocean among the many different users.

    WATCH

  • Join educator Kathleen Kerwin for an encore discussion of coastal wildlife and predators. Learn about coyote ecology and behavior from the scientists who study them.

    WATCH

  • Join Dr. Stan Hales, Director of the Barnegat Bay Partnership, as he discusses the US Army Corps of Engineers Back Bay study plan and its impact on our environment, our coastal economy, and our way of life. Dr. Hales will give a brief overview of the currently proposed Barnegat Bay component of the project.

    WATCH

  • Join certified guide Richard Collins to learn about nature and forest therapy, also known as "forest bathing", and how the practice can benefit our daily lives and overall health.

    WATCH

  • Join photographer Albert Horner in a walk through the 2021 LBIF Pinelands Exhibition to discuss artistic vision inspired by this unique environment. This virtual discussion includes a pre-recorded gallery walk-through and live Q&A

    WATCH

  • Join photographer Carlton Montgomery in this discussion of Pine Barrens photography and the LBIF's 2021 Pinelands Exhibition!

    WATCH

SCIENCE IS EVERYWHERE

Did you know that there are over 650 pairs of nesting ospreys in New Jersey, but only four nests are located on LBI? Want to learn more about our coast? Check out the links below to discover more information developed by LBIF’s own EcoScience Committee.

+ DISCOVERY DAYS

Every summer, we host weekly Discovery Days on our campus. Discovery Days are free, family friendly, and open to all. They are held every Wednesday during summer and include a group tour of our preserved salt-marsh, our working beehives, our terrapin nesting gardens and our last but not least LBI’s most famous nesting pair of ospreys, Jack & WendyMarine Biology is offered at our summer camp and Barnegat Bay Day in early July provides knowledge and fun for the entire family.

We are looking for local environmental experts to give talks and demonstrations on different topics, pertaining to our ecology and the island. We also will have a representative from the Foundation to discuss our history and role on LBI. Each talk will accompany a walk through our campus and the marsh, running about one hour in length. 

Discovery Days are every Wednesday in the summer, starting from July 10 through August 28, 10am-11am.

Discovery Days SCHEDULE 2024

TBD

THE NATURE TRAIL

Parts of the Nature Trail may be inaccessible due to winter storms on the marshes. Please be cautious and do not disturb wildlife. In partnership with Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts and Sciences (LBIF), Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey (CWF) assisted with the design and enhancement of the Nature Trail at LBIF.

The Nature Trail leads to the Osprey Blind, which overlooks an active nest on Barnegat Bay.
Life is fragile, especially on a barrier island. As we all know, Long Beach Island is a dynamic system which is always changing. It is shaped by water from ocean waves, and the ebb and flow of the tidal estuary. As residents of the island, we are its guardians. In such a human-dominated landscape, it is important for us to teach our children—our future—about how we impact our environment. At the Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts + Sciences, our work is focused on providing the tools, resources and information for those who are interested in preserving this delicate ecosystem. To help highlight the fragility of our island and to build a deep appreciation of the efforts to protect it, we created the Nature Trail. The Nature Trail allows visitors to get up close and personal with our salt marsh, Barnegat Bay, and its inhabitants—ribbed mussels, mummichog, fish, and nesting ospreys. We hope that a journey down the Nature Trail will inspire you to make bay-friendly choices that positively affect our island. We are its guardians, and only we can help ensure its survival.

- Ben Wurst, LBIF Science Committee Member + Habitat Program Manager at Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey

THE RAIN GARDEN

The rain garden at LBIF is a functioning demonstration site to showcase landscaping possibilities that open up the soil and allow rain water to seep back into the ground and reduce runoff into the Barnegat Bay.
The diversity of textures and colors of the plants and flowers are aesthetically pleasing, and it’s a great place to cool off on a hot day and be inspired by nature. There are benches within the garden for people passing by to stop, relax, and cool off while enjoying the view.

 
 

HELP THE NATURE TRAIL

The surrounding habitat at LBIF consists mainly of undeveloped tidal saltmarsh and coastal maritime forest habitat (approximately 21 acres) which is the largest privately owned parcel of open space on Long Beach Island. The main objective for this unique grassroots effort is to engage and educate local residents and visitors about the importance of any remaining habitat on Long Beach Island, a largely developed barrier island. Largely this is done by simply connecting the public to this natural resource. It is also to provide the public with knowledge and resources to help provide suitable habitat (food, water, cover) to wildlife, especially migratory songbirds and pollinator species of insects. Lastly, we hope that the enhancement of the trail will help create a wealth of educational opportunities for visitors through the creation and installation of interpretive signs, a map, and brochure.