SPRING 2011 SCIENCE SATURDAYS at the LBIF

For the fifth consecutive winter, the LBIF’s Science Committee hosts FREE, interactive lectures tackling today’s most pressing environmental and scientific issues in an easy–to–understand format. Check out the schedule of programs below. All programs are held at the LBIF.

February 19, 11:00am – 12:00pm
Aquifers from Barrens to Beaches
Presenter: Rich Bizub, Pinelands Preservation Alliance
What makes the Water in the our aquifer different form anything else on earth? Learn about the region’s water resources and how the distinctive nature of Pine Barrens waters sustains the plant and animal communities of this ecosystem. The presentation focuses on the interactions between the shallow water table aquifer, and the threats to our water resources.

February 26, 11:00am – 12:00pm
Energy Audit
Presenter: Jay Madden and MaGrann Associates
Conserving energy, for the LBIF, for yourself, for our nation. Participate in a real energy audit of the LBIF Children’s Learning Center Building. See how professionals from MaGrann Associates conduct the audit, analyze the results and plan how to make energy saving changes. Yes, you should try this at home! You will also learn how to get green energy right now without adding any equipment.

March 5, 11:00am – 12:00pm
Wind Power: Offshore, Inshore, and Onshore
You keep hearing about it, but what is the true story? Wind Energy may be blowing BIG change! What’s the latest progress on the offshore and inshore wind farm projects off the coast of Atlantic City and what are the state and local government’s policy for onshore wind generators.

March 12, 11:00am – 1:00pm
Sustainable Fisheries
Presenter: Viking Village
“We can have our fish and eat it too!” Did you know one of our largest operational commercial fishing seaports is right in Barnegat Light? Join us for this lecture and cooking demonstration as we learn how commercial fishermen are implementing practices to ensure that their business can survive and that we can have fish to eat far into the future! Get some seafood cooking tips and taste samples from the folks at Viking Village at 12:00pm following the lecture!

March 19, 11:00am – 12:00pm
Climate Change
Presenter: Melanie Reding, Education Coordinator, Jacques Cousteau Coastal Education Center
How will climate change affect the way of life in the Barnegat Bay watershed? What effect does sea level rise have on coastal plants and animals? Learn some of the key concepts of climate change and improve your “climate literacy” as we move forward in addressing this global challenge.


March 26, 11:00am – 12:00pm
Remotely Operated Vehicles and Side Scan Sonar – Applications for Coastal Research
Presenter: Steve Evert, Field Station Manager, Dr. Pete Straub, Professor of Biology, Dr. Mark Sullivan, Assistant Professor of Marine Science, Stockton Marine Science and Environmental Field Station
Advanced marine survey equipment is being used by Stockton researchers to assess the ecology of New Jersey’s artificial reefs, identify marine debris in estuaries, and map historical shipwrecks in the Mullica River. Come learn about these marine technology instruments and their capabilities and how Stockton faculty and students are putting them to use for coastal research projects in our region.

April 2, 11:00am – 12:00pm
Coastal Rain and Native Gardening for Families
Presenter: Pat Dagnall, Master Gardener, Rain Garden Specialist and Linda West, Master Gardner, Rain Garden Specialist
You want to help the environment? Here is what you can do! Come and learn how a rain garden collects rain, helps recharge our ground water and prevents pollution of our bay. Learn easy steps on how to prepare, install and maintain a rain garden.

April 9, 11:00am – 12:00pm
Turtle Mania
Presenter: John Wnek, MATES
LBIF welcomed the newest additions to the family last year with Project Terrapin, releasing hatchlings safely into the wild. Come learn about these fascinating creatures and how to help make the 2011 terrapin population count even better. Learn how you can be trained as a turtle rescuer.

May 14, 11:00am – 12:00pm
Business & Residential Stewardship
Presenter: Angela Anderson
Home owners and shoppers need to know which businesses really are GREEN and how to buy green. Everything form lawn care to energy conservation and products made form recycled materials will be discussed.

Save the Date!
Barnegat Bay Day
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Bring the whole family to the LBIF, where you can learn about conservation and the environment. Kids can participate in hands–on activities that include all of the LBIF's vast resources. Meanwhile, adults can discuss energy–saving tips, organic gardening techniques, and more with business owners and non–profit organizations.

Friends of Barnegat Light State Park Free Lectures