Visit The Wetlands Institute Before Fall Reimagining

MIDDLE TOWNSHIP, NJ — The Wetlands Institute is inviting the public to visit its longtime marsh campus before public programming ends there on Monday, Sept. 7. The 1075 Stone Harbor Blvd. location will remain open seven days a week from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through that date, which the institute said will be its final day of public programming at the site.

After closing its doors for the 2026 summer season, the institute said its team will begin a new chapter to reimagine the wetlands. According to the announcement, fall and winter programs will resume in November at a transitional location while work begins to elevate the Salt Marsh Trail and revitalize the surrounding ecosystem to create a reimagined marsh campus.

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"We welcome the community to visit the marsh and our legacy building that has delivered so many connections to families, students, and fellow researchers over the past five decades," said Dr. Lenore Tedesco, executive director, TWI.

Tedesco said protecting the marsh and creating a resilient building are central to the future of the wetlands. She said the campus has been experiencing more frequent and severe flooding because of higher sea levels.

"Our campus is experiencing more frequent and severe flooding as a result of higher sea levels," she explained. "In 2000, the Salt Marsh Trail flooded about twice per year; over the past five years, it has flooded 70 times per year. This impacts diamondback terrapin nesting and compromises habitat important for marsh-dependent birds that rely on the marsh for their well-being. Flooding limits programs and services we provide visitors, and it has broader detrimental environmental, community, and economic implications."

The institute framed the transition as both an environmental and public access issue, tying the project to habitat conditions and visitor programming at the site. It also directed the public to its website and phone line for current exhibits and programming information.

"We're profoundly appreciative of everyone who continues to support the Institute and the vital research, conservation, and education services our team provides," said Annie Ulichney, Wetlands Institute Board chair. "Whether you've visited for a day, your children have attended our Summer Nature Program, you've thrived in one of our internship programs, or you've served as a volunteer or employee, you contributed to what makes TWI invaluable to the community. We look forward to continuing to partner with you in being stewards of our beautiful wetlands to enhance marsh life and life on Earth."

For information about exhibits and programming, the institute said visitors can go to wetlandsinstitute.org/visit-us/ or call 609-368-1211. Fall and winter programming is scheduled to resume in November at the transitional location, according to the announcement.