Traveling exhibit at Wetlands Institute

Some of New Jersey’s most rare wildlife residents have taken up residence through July 25 as part of a traveling exhibit now on display at the Wetlands Institute, 1075 Stone Harbor Blvd., Stone Harbor.
The exhibit showcases the winning art and essays from students around the state, including Chelsea Fossett of Dennis Township, in the sixth annual Species on the Edge Art and Essay Contest presented by the Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey.
Contestants drew a picture of one of New Jersey’s 73 endangered and threatened species and composed an essay about how the animal became endangered and what people can do to help protect it.
Chelsea was the winner from Cape May County for her entry about the red-headed woodpecker. Other species profiled include the long-tailed salamander, wood turtle, osprey, and the Indiana bat.
“By creating these works of art and the essays about the wildlife species, the children worked as wildlife biologists,” said Margaret O’Gorman, executive director of the foundation.
“They may not have seen the animal but they researched it—what it looks like, where it lives, and what are the threats to its future. Because of this contest, these children now have a better understanding of the wildlife of New Jersey and what we need to do to keep them in our future.”
Contest sponsors included the New Jersey Education Association, Atlantic City Electric, PSE&G, ShopRite Supermarkets, and Endangered Species Chocolate Company. The contest drew over 2,000 entries from nearly 100 schools throughout the state.
Created in 1998, the Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey is dedicated to protecting the state’s rare wildlife through research, management, conservation, education, and outreach.
Visit conservewildlifenj.org for more information.