Last night was the first class of the Master Naturalist’s Program created by the Barnegat Bay Partnership. This short course, hosted through Ocean County College Continuing Professional Education Department, began with a lecture on the campus in Toms River, NJ. I met the instructors, GraceAnne Taylor and Becky Laboy and the Public Outreach Coordinator from Barnegat Bay Partnership, Karen Walzer, gave a presentation as well. Karen described the challenges facing the ecology of the Barnegat Bay and some of the research being done to asses the effects of Eutrophication, caused by high nutrient loads and which leads to excessive growth of algea and plankton. It is THE most pressing root cause problem that upsets the balance of the flora and fauna of the bay. Since hurricane Sandy, there has been a lot of focus and attention, both locally and federally, on researching and improving the state of the bay.
After this, the course will move out of the classroom and out into nature. The next 5 Saturdays will be off-campus and the instructors will lead us on tours of local parks and reserves to learn about the ecology, local birds and wildlife and native plants that grow and support the ecosystem within the Barnegat Watershed (348,000 acres which almost matches up exactly with the borders of Ocean County, NJ). We will witness and participate in research taking place around the bay and find out about ongoing efforts to repair damage and improve habitat.
These trips are going to be incredible! We have been encouraged to wear appropriate exploration attire… closed shoes, long pants, layers, hats, bug spray, sun screen, etc. We should bring binoculars on our hikes and when I asked if taking plant cuttings would be discouraged – they said it depends on the destination and our tour guide… but they will let me know. I’m definitely bringing sharp clippers, a baggie and some damp paper towels with me! We will be going out in boats and kayaks and maybe seining at one of the destinations. I’ve never done that before but my daughter did on a class trip with her school last year, it looks like fun! This is seining, if you didn’t know –
At the end of this program, I’ll have the opportunity to become a certified master naturalist. To receive certification I will be required to do 40 hours of community volunteer service with the the Barnegat Bay Partnership, a partner or an applicable alternative that’s approved by the instructors. To maintain that certification, I’ll have to perform 40 hours of volunteer service annually and 8 hours of continuing education each year – which could include events and workshops presented by or about our estuary organizations. In the first year, 5 of the 40 hours should be with the Barnegat Bay Partnership, specifically.
It’s so inspiring to hear about all the educational and volunteer opportunities around and about the Bay – I can’t imagine I would ever have the time or ability to participate in all the ones that interest me – but I can try!!
We’ve been encouraged to keep a journal throughout the course, so I plan to write about it hear under a Master Naturalist category. I can’t wait to share this experience with all of you!
The Barnegat Bay is a huge contributor of the local economy along the Jersey Shore and it’s my . Businesses surrounding the bay contribute $4 billion to our economy each year. Healing the bay should be an important motivation for everyone who lives here and visits us to enjoy the Jersey Shore.