Pinelands Summer Short Course

Stockton Special Collections & South Jersey Culture & History Center

This presentation will feature an overview of several Pinelands-related collections, preserved and available for research in Stockton’s Special Collections, including the Buzby’s General Store collection, the Evans and Wills Cranberry and Blueberry agriculture collection, the Estell-Bourgeois collection relating to 19th-century southern Atlantic County, and highlights from Budd Wilson’s donated Pinelands archaeology materials. Publishing efforts of SJCHC will also be described. Presented by Dr. Thomas Kinsella, Director, SJCHC

Location: Kramer Hall 207

We all know about ocean acidification. But have you ever heard of coastal acidification? Did you know that there is a difference between the two? Learn about education modules that include new and existing resources about ocean and coastal acidification. This educational resource package was compiled by regional partners through the Mid-Atlantic Coastal Acidification Network (MACAN). We will review slides that explain the difference between ocean and coastal acidification. After that, we will do a quick review of the newly compiled modules from MACAN and then perform one of the lessons together from the modules. We will wrap up by sharing copies of the modules and other helpful resources.  Presented by Kaitlin Gannon, Education Coordinator, Jacques Cousteau National Estuarine Research Reserve

Location: Kramer Hall Room 301

Get ready to find yourself immersed in the world of New Jersey folklore! Weaving a story of some incredible men, women, and legendary cryptids, attendees will leave this presentation with a better appreciation for what makes this Garden State so, well … infamous! Presented by Lesley Schierenbeck, Folklife Director, Tuckerton Seaport

Location: Kramer Hall room 201

This presentation will take attendees on a visual and mental journey in learning about the proper terms and definitions associated with the science of silviculture (growth and cultivation of trees and forests) as well as common misconceptions.  Attendees will be introduced to silvicultural practices used within the Pinelands region, as well as the goals and objectives of each — regeneration, wildfire mitigation and/or fuel reduction, forest health, climate adaptation, plant and wildlife habitat. Attendees will learn to identify when and how such practices should be applied, and the best management practices for implementing such. Presented by William Zipse, Supervising Forester, NJ Forest Service and Courtney Willitts, Assistant Regional Forester, NJ Forest Service

Location: Kramer Hall Room 207

The Pinelands is home to more than two dozen species of wild orchids. Although some are flamboyant, many are small and inconspicuous. This presentation will employ the magic of macro-photography to provide close-up views of all of them. In addition, attendees will learn about the amazing life histories of some of these fascinating plants as well as why the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center has chosen the Pinelands as an important study site. Presented by Robert Sprague, President, Native Orchid Conference

Location: Kramer Hall Room 301

Get ready to find yourself immersed in the world of New Jersey folklore! Weaving a story of some incredible men, women, and legendary cryptids, attendees will leave this presentation with a better appreciation for what makes this Garden State so, well … infamous! Presented by Lesley Schierenbeck, Folklife Director, Tuckerton Seaport

Location: Kramer Hall Room 201

The year 2023 marks 100 years since Mary Treat’s death. Her work in the New Jersey Pinelands and throughout the Atlantic Coastal Plain has been nearly forgotten, though she corresponded and shared flora and fauna studies with renowned 19^th century scientists, including Charles Darwin. Attendees will learn how the presenter spent four years researching and writing Mary Treat: A Biography, to finally bring Treat’s life and scientific contributions to light. Presented by Deborah Boerner Ein, Writer and Editor

Location: Kramer Hall Room 207

The Pinelands is home to more than two dozen species of wild orchids. Although some are flamboyant, many are small and inconspicuous. This presentation will employ the magic of macro-photography to provide close-up views of all of them. In addition, attendees will learn about the amazing life histories of some of these fascinating plants as well as why the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center has chosen the Pinelands as an important study site. Presented by Robert Sprague, President, Native Orchid Conference

Location: Kramer Hall Room 301

This talk will cover the identification, natural history, and conservation of our local turtle species, with notes on turtle research conducted at The Wetlands Institute. Presented by Brian Williamson, Research Scientist with The Wetlands Institute New Jersey is home to 13 freshwater and terrestrial turtle species, and many of these can be found in the Pinelands.

Location: Kramer Hall Room 307

Batsto’s Historian will lead a walking tour of the Village. The tour will meet and conclude at the Wharton State Forest State Visitor Center at Batsto Village. Topics will include the notable people who lived in the village, and the ways in which humans interacted with the natural resources of the Pinelands through different eras of Batsto’s history. The tour will also include a stop at the blacksmith/wheelwright shop for a demonstration. (Participants will drive on their own to Batsto, where they will meet with the guide at the parking area in front of the Visitor Center.)

Location: Basto Village

The year 2023 marks 100 years since Mary Treat’s death. Her work in the New Jersey Pinelands and throughout the Atlantic Coastal Plain has been nearly forgotten, though she corresponded and shared flora and fauna studies with renowned 19^th century scientists, including Charles Darwin. Attendees will learn how the presenter spent four years researching and writing Mary Treat: A Biography, to finally bring Treat’s life and scientific contributions to light. Presented by Deborah Boerner Ein, Writer and Editor

Location: Kramer Hall Room 207

This presentation will provide a unique perspective on the cultivation of native Pine Barrens plants, while examining the development of cultural practices over the past 100 years. Attendees will also learn about the current challenges of farming, including how issues such as groundwater quality, soil health, climate change and invasive species affect the survival of these important agricultural industries. Presented by Peter Oudemans, Professor and Director, Rutgers University, Phillip E Marucci Center for Blueberry and Cranberry Research and Extension

Location: Kramer Hall Room 301

This talk will cover the identification, natural history, and conservation of our local turtle species, with notes on turtle research conducted at The Wetlands Institute. Presented by Brian Williamson, Research Scientist with The Wetlands Institute New Jersey is home to 13 freshwater and terrestrial turtle species, and many of these can be found in the Pinelands.

Location: Kramer Hall Room 307

A musical presentation by Pat Seiler. Pat Seiler will perform live songs from his album, "Tap Roots,” which features guitar-driven, instrumental music that includes nature sounds recorded in the Pinelands.

Location: Kramer Hall Lobby