Barnegat Bay Teacher Research Institute

The Barnegat Bay Teacher Research Institute (BBTRI) will provide a cross-section of educators within the Barnegat Bay watershed an opportunity to participate in field research, and gain a better understanding of biotic and abiotic interactions within Barnegat Bay.  There will be an emphasis on changes in habitats and water quality with an emphasis on the impacts caused as a result of Global Climate Change, shore-line erosion, and human uses.

The BBTRI will be conducted from July 11 through July 15, 2011 at the Lighthouse Center for Natural Resource Education (Center) at Barnegat Bay, New Jersey.  The Lighthouse Center contains over 180 acres of diverse habitats from uplands coastal plain forest to salt marsh.  The Natural Resource Education Foundation of NJ, that manages the Lighthouse Center, features a curriculum called “Experience Barnegat Bay”.  The Center is also the host site for the Barnegat Bay Educator’s Roundtable workshop held annually.  Aspects of watershed education including resource management and conservation will be an ongoing theme, including air, soil and water.  Participants will assist with base-line data collection as part of a long-term study that will study shoreline erosion, and changes in ecosystem functions at the Lighthouse Center property.  They will also develop a better sense of how to incorporate Barnegat Bay into lessons.

In terms of field research, the expectations are that this will be part of a long-term project and we will involve other partners and interested agencies into the process. The success of this program should result in future support (financial and participation).  Also, the quality of the data collected will be an important aspect of the project and evaluated.

 Additional information about BBTRI, a downloadable brochure and application information to participate can be found on the Center’s website at http://www.ExperienceBarnegatBay.org