504633_AnnualReportTXT_FINAL
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Measuring and calculating the ratio of water surface to land in the<br />
new wetlands restoration.<br />
Finding the water table.<br />
Protecting Core Sound – Restoring Wetlands<br />
Thanks to the Duke Energy Foundation, Core Sound and<br />
Waterfowl Museum is now working on a wetland restoration and<br />
enhancement project for approximately one area area between the<br />
museum parking lots and Island Road. This location will be incorporated<br />
into the trail system surrounding the museum.<br />
The funding is being used to develop an educational and practical environmental project. The<br />
goals of the project include enhancing wetland communities, improving water quality, and providing<br />
an educational experience that will expose students to real-world environmental projects.<br />
In partnership with Kris Bass Engineering, Cape Lookout National Seashore and Down East<br />
Middle School, the project will focus on natural systems with low-impact approaches to enhance the<br />
wetland vegetation and its functionality. Many natural plants are already in place and will be highlighted<br />
on several “islands” connected by open water pools.<br />
Local school students from across Carteret County will participate during workdays, STEM<br />
career days (exploring all the different jobs involved in such a project) and learning activities throughout<br />
the project. Down East Middle School students will serve as project planners and be involved in<br />
all phased of the project’s development, culminating in a day long Earth Day program in April 2017.<br />
From the Classroom…<br />
I feel that the Waterfowl Museum has become<br />
a “learning center,” an ideal destination<br />
for school groups to come for field trips. The<br />
field trip to learn about the history of this<br />
part of North Carolina is obvious. But now<br />
a great many schools are coming to have their<br />
students engage with the science that is built<br />
into and around the Museum itself. It truly is<br />
a place to learn.<br />
The museum staff has secured numerous<br />
grants that have encouraged teachers,<br />
through training and materials, to bring<br />
their classes to the Museum and Cape. The<br />
students get outside, learn to gather and<br />
share data, and ultimately learn to take a<br />
role as stewards of our planet. Students like<br />
mine who are lucky enough to go to school<br />
nearby, have the opportunity to become<br />
“hands-on” partners in the evolving curriculum<br />
and wetlands projects that the museum<br />
provides.<br />
John “Woz” Waszak,<br />
8th Grade Science Teacher<br />
Down East Middle School<br />
35
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