Reflections on a decade of biodiversity monitoring at North Brigantine and the Delaware Bayshores

Ron Smith will present on Shorebirds,Horseshoe Crabs and Citizen Science projects that have engaged over 1000 students over more than a decade of work along the New Jersey coast. Believing that student scientists can contribute to conservation efforts and knowing that every citizen must participate in protecting biodiversity, Ron has designed a high school environmental program that prioritizes conservation action and building partnerships. With a new venture that will connect the Haddonfield program with a school in Brazil, this effort continues to diversify and strengthen entering into the 15th season.

Ron Smith established the environmental science program in the Haddonfield School district. He is the director of the Life Science Field Training Institute for Pinelands Preservation Alliance - a summer program that trains regional teachers in ecological field methods. In addition, he leads the Drexel University Environmental Science Leadership Academy - a residential environmental science program for high school students. During August Ron travels to Maine to direct the National Audubon Society Family Camp on Hog Island. Ron enjoys sharing his adventures with his wife, Lisa and two children - Lily and Gabe, along with the family dog Linus.