From exploring the wetlands in a neon kayak to releasing a terrapin back into the wild, The Wetlands Institute celebrated its 50th anniversary June 22-23 with a weekend full of activities and celebration.

After 50 years of research, conservation and education, the institute commemorated its longstanding excellence with live music, nature walks, arts and crafts, lectures and live animal presentations to the general public.

With a mission to study, preserve and protect wetlands and coastal ecosystems, Herbert Mills founded the nonprofit Wetlands Institute in 1969. Mills, executive director of the World Wildlife Fund at the time, took inspiration for the institute from diminishing recreational fisheries, the spike in water pollution and the large-scale loss of wetlands due to human development.

The institute maintains the same duty today, educating and inspiring attendees to conserve and sustain the environment.

“Today, the threats to wetlands have never been greater with rising sea levels already impacting wetlands,” Executive Director Lenore Tedesco said in a press release. “The struggle to address these seminal issues and engage the public in understanding and mitigating these impacts is significant and the Wetlands Institute is responding to these needs.”

During the celebratory weekend, U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew of New Jersey’s 2nd Congressional District spoke along with other advocates of the institute, noting the importance of educating the next generation in proper environment conservation.

For the rest of the 50th anniversary season, The Wetlands Institute is offering free admission on the first Wednesdays of August and September.

Visit wetlandsinstitute.org for more information.

Photo: U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew presents proclamation to Dr. Lenore Tedesco.