Facilities

Coastal Education Center, in Tuckerton, N.J.
The Jacques Cousteau Coastal Education Center, in Tuckerton, New Jersey, serves as the hub for K-12 professional development training and Coastal Decision Maker Training in the state and surrounding region. The Learning Center features a state-of-the art classroom and is equipped with multiple computer stations and projection capability, as well as the ability to participate in distance learning opportunities. The Jacques Cousteau Coastal Education Center is also equipped with dorm rooms which can accommodate up to 16 guests for our overnight programs, a library and office space.

Construction was just completed on a new screened-in wet laboratory that will be used for dissection demonstrations and further investigations of marine organisms that are collected during field activities. In the fall of 2003, construction will begin on an expansion to the Education Center to add an additional “stadium-styles” computer-based classroom, additional office space, a new library, a small research laboratory and additional dorm space for staff members leading overnight programs.

“Life on the Edge” – Jacques Cousteau Reserve Public Exhibits, at Tuckerton Seaport
The Life on the Edge exhibit acts as the gateway to the reserve by promoting knowledge of the habitats within the Jacques Cousteau Reserve, communicating estuarine research and empowering visitors to be part of decision-making and stewardship of coastal communities. By sharing audiences a synergy is formed with the mission of the Tuckerton Seaport, which is to preserve, present and protect maritime history, heritage and the environment of the Jersey shore along with the contribution of its baymen.

As part of the public outreach at the exhibit there is a vigorous education component; 5,000 schoolchildren came to the seaport in the spring of 2003. We have an ongoing effort to provide educational activities of participatory learning that meet New Jersey science curriculum standards.

Diverse audiences comprise of not just schoolchildren and local residents, but include tour groups, retirement community groups, teachers participating in professional development courses, visitors connected with reserve staff activities etc. Intergenerational families and tourists come from around the Untied States and from various countries. Included also are repeat visitors.

By planting a seed which can grow into a more comprehensive inquiry into all facets of the Jacques Cousteau National Estuarine Research Reserve, a visitor to the Life on the Edge exhibit might not only be better informed, but be inspired to become a volunteer at the reserve. A docent training model has been created and implemented and will hopefully be expanded to be used to fulfill requirements of various volunteer needs.