Ocean Road Students Learn Importance of Barnegat Bay Watershed
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Jenkinsons' Aquarium residents, Speedy and Terry, made a special visit to Ocean Road Elementary School this week to teach the students a lesson about the importance of the Barnegat Bay ecosystem. The box turtle and diamondback terrapin, along with two human representatives, made the visit as part of an educational outreach program run by the aquarium and funded by a grant from the Barnegat Bay National Estuary Program.

Aquarium Assistant Supervisor of Mammals, Jennifer Savianeso and Interpreter Kim Stepowany were on hand to teach the third grade class about the Barnegat Bay Watershed.  The students learned about the history of the watershed, including information about its usage and its animal inhabitants.

"The presentation entitled "Learning Today for a Cleaner Barnegat Bay" helps to illustrate the ways humans affect the environment," said Ms. Stepowany.

Utilizing a plastic diorama called the Enviroscape® to represent the watershed area, Ms. Stepowany demonstrated the impact of Nonpoint Source Pollution, or pollution caused by people. With home, automotive and livestock figurines, the display depicts the way pollution affects the watershed by runoff and ground seepage.

"Everyone has control over the amount of 'people pollution' they contribute to the environment," continued Ms. Stepowany noting that humans are responsible for more than 50% of pollution. " "By everyone individually taking some simple steps, collectively, we can make a big difference."

Ms. Stepowany then proceeded to give the students specific steps they could take to help reduce Nonpoint Source Pollution, including, responsible application of fertilizers, picking up pet waste, recycling, and utilizing commercial car washes.

"This is a great assembly for the third grade students," said Superintendent of Schools Vincent S. Smith, "it not only teaches the students an invaluable lesson on the importance of conservation and preservation of the Barnegat Bay Watershed while satisfying key elements of the science curriculum but does so in a fun and engaging way."

The Jenkinson's Aquarium student outreach program is made possible, in part, by a grant secured by Nellie Bennett Elementary School Teacher Mrs. Bethany Gentile who is also a part-time employee of the aquarium. The program provides hands on lessons and presentations about Barnegat Bay.