The Coastal Ecology Program, presented at WMHO's Marine Conservation Center (MCC) on nearby West Meadow Creek teaches Long Island's geologic history, use of the Three Village area by Native Americans, ecological concepts like the food web, and the nature and functioning of temperate salt marshes. The Coastal Ecology Program is targeted at organized groups of school children. The curriculum was developed and is presented by SoMAS staff and graduate students.

The Discovery Wetlands Cruise program features a 90-minute excursion on a comfortable pontoon boat through the local marine environs of West Meadow Creek and Stony Brook Harbor. Along the way, a naturalist describes aspects of the area's rich geologic and human history as well as the ecological functioning of the temperate salt marsh ecosystem that characterizes much of the Three Village area's coastal environment. Discovery programs are available for group bookings or individuals/families can book seats on excursion sailings. SoMAS graduate students serve as naturalists aboard each sailing.

Electronic Explorations: The Salt Marsh Ecosystem is a distance learning program using two-way video conferencing and wireless technology to enable students in remote locations to , "visit" the West Meadow Salt Marsh. With the help of a qualified naturalist from SoMAS, students explore the plants and animals native to the marsh and their respective roles in the marsh food web.

Set out below is the current 2002 schedule for Coastal Ecology Program and Discovery Wetland Cruises. For further information, and to register for either program, please contact the Ward Melville Heritage Organization (www.stonybrookvillage.com) at (631) 751-2244

Discovery Wetlands Cruise Schedule (coming soon)
Marine Conservation Center Schedule (coming soon)

Page last modified on Monday, July 2, 2007 by George E. Carroll