10-07-24 Coastal Learning and Stewardship
Guest Maureen Dewire, Education Coordinator, Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
Numerous animal species rely on salt marshes for nesting and breeding. Most of the fish and shellfish eaten in the United States, including herring, crabs and oysters, complete at least part of their life cycles in salt marsh estuaries. Over time, coastal development, introduction of invasive species, over-fishing, dams and climate change have led to a decline in the health of estuaries.
The Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, is one of 30 National Estuarine Research Reserves located around the country, established to provide long-term protection of coastal lands so they can serve as platforms for research, education and recreation. The Reserve’s education sector strives to cultivate awareness, knowledge, and appreciation for Narragansett Bay’s natural resources through a variety of place-based experiences for all ages. Education Coordinator Maureen Dewire shares stories about the Reserve’s education programs and describes how she collaborates with others to teach about local research, impacts of climate change and land stewardship.
Dewire grew up in Stonington, CT and made her way to North Carolina where she attended UNC-Wilmington, receiving her Bachelor’s degree in Marine Biology and a Master’s degree in Environmental Studies. She worked for a non-profit, Bald Head Island Conservancy, as the Director of Education and Senior Naturalist for 8 years where she was lucky enough to spend her days surveying beaches, kayaking through tidal creeks, and hiking in the maritime forest while delivering programs on sea turtles, alligators, birds and coastal ecosystems. Her love of New England brought her back in 2011 when she obtained the position of Education Coordinator position at the Reserve…and she hasn’t looked back since!
INFORMATION RESOURCES
Read about NBNERR’s Programs – http://nbnerr.org/education-2/
Learn more about Estuary Education – https://coast.noaa.gov/estuaries/
Teach with Data – https://coast.noaa.gov/estuaries/science-data/
Find Lesson Plans – https://coast.noaa.gov/estuaries/curriculum/
WALKING JOURNAL ENTRIES: COASTAL ADVENTURES
EcoDetective on the Marsh
https://netwalkri.com/walking-journal/f/ecodetective-in-the-marsh
EcoDetectives Take a Dock Walk
https://netwalkri.com/walking-journal/f/dock-walk
EcoPirate on the Cove
https://netwalkri.com/walking-journal/f/ecopirate-on-the-cove
EcoDetective in Scalloptown Park
https://netwalkri.com/walking-journal/f/ecodetective-in-scalloptown-park
Raising Kids on the Narragansett Bay
https://netwalkri.com/walking-journal/f/raising-kids-on-the-narragansett-bay
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