Education

As land use and development pressures place strain upon our coastal and estuarine ecosystems, educating about these fragile natural areas has become necessary. The Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 states that National Estuarine Research Reserves "will serve to enhance public awareness and understanding of estuarine areas, and provide suitable opportunities for public education and interpretation. "Since its designation in 1993, the Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve has carried out such educational programming, "linking research results to better coastal management through research and education" as is stated in the National Estuarine Research Reserve System Handbook for Educators (May 1996). Through site visits, outreach programs and Coastal Decision-Maker Workshops, among others, the Delaware Reserve has reached out to the residents of Delaware in an effort to increase understanding of and appreciation for our natural world. The Education Plan below is a continuation of these efforts, giving more focused structure to the education of our present and future coastal decision-makers.

The goal of the education program is to enhance public awareness, understanding and wise use of estuarine resources in the Middle Atlantic Region and encourage an environmental ethic among all users. To achieve this goal the following objectives have been set:

* Promote knowledge of the reserve, its resources and its programs as well as knowledge of broader coastal issues and concerns related to estuarine management and protection

* Promote awareness of the National Estuarine Research Reserve System and the values of estuarine/marine protected areas.

* Provide educational and interpretive services at appropriate reserve components directly to students, decision-makers and visiting public.

* Use information about past lifestyles to make members of the public more aware of the importance of estuarine ecology, to give the history behind the science and to promote a more balanced use of estuarine resources.

* Promote the conservation of coastal areas through public education efforts.

* Provide opportunities for teacher training, student projects and internships where enrollees work jointly with scientists, gain field experience and learn about the importance of research resources.

* Provide appropriate facilities and exhibits that contribute to educational, volunteer and research uses of reserve components.

* Assist in the translation of research to decision-makers and the general public.

Reserve components will be utilized, where appropriate, as indoor and outdoor instructional areas for educational studies in estuarine ecology. The reserve program will help foster a long-term commitment to the wise use of the Delaware Bay system and its resources. This will be accomplished through education about estuarine systems, problems facing them, and the policies and programs designed to protect and enhance them.