STONE HARBOR - What's new at the Wetlands Institute? A couple of things....

Turtle Fest at the Wetlands Institute -

It's “Turtle Fest II: Return of the Terrapin” at the Wetlands Institute Sat., April 7, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., a family-fun event that raises awareness of and support for diamondback terrapins. Turtle Fest includes a pancake breakfast with seatings at 9, 10 and 11 a.m., an egg hunt, a silent auction, face painting, live turtles, crafts, games and more. Donna Zappala, author of “What Turtle Am I?”, will be on hand for a book signing.

Proceeds benefit research, education and conservation at the Wetlands Institute. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Wetlands Institute, 1075 Stone Harbor Blvd., Stone Harbor at (609) 368-1211.

For over a century, diamondback terrapins have been adversely affected by a variety of human activities. Coastal development has led to considerable habitat destruction, especially of traditional nesting sites on barrier beach islands and the search for alternative nesting sites on highway embankments has resulted in large numbers of roadkills every nesting season. The loss of terrapins to the commercial crabbing industry through drowning in crab traps continues to be a significant source of terrapin mortality.

Spring Break Day Camp at the Wetlands Institute -

It's Marsh Madness April 11 and Totally Turtles April 12 at the Wetlands Institute's spring break day camps for youngsters in grades 1 to 4 at the Institute, 1075 Stone Harbor Blvd, Stone Harbor. Classes are 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and cost is $25 per day per child for members; $30 for nonmembers. Class sizes limited. Call 368-1211 for information.

And, don’t miss the discounted registration deadline of May 1 for Summer Nature Classes that begin June 18 for K to 9th grade with Marine Mammal Madness, Spectacular Sharks, Super Slimy Nature, Nature Art Safari and more. www.wetlandsinstitute.org for details.

Geronimo, the General, and the Hummingbird at the Wetlands Institute -

Bird writer Rick Wright will talk about soldiers on the frontier in the late 19th century at a covered dish dinner at the Wetlands Institute, 1075 Stone Harbor Blvd., Fri., March 30. Whiskey, women and cards were favored pastimes of the men who sought distraction from the heat and tedium of war, but General George Crook was a birder and his 1883 capture of Geronimo’s band is tied to the general’s pursuit of a particularly beautiful hummingbird. The evening begins at 6 p.m. and cost is $5 members, $10 nonmembers, plus a covered dish to share with eight people. Call 368-1211 for reservations by March 29.

Wetlands Institute Expands Solar Power Initiative -

The Wetlands Institute will add an additional 49 solar panels to its roof this spring to further its sustainability initiatives and green its footprint. The new panels are projected to generate almost 12 kilowatts of power.

The Institute currently has 24 panels installed through a partnership with the Cape May Technical School District. The additional panels combined with the existing ones are expected to supply almost 15% of the electricity the Institute utilizes annually.

The project is in memory of Samuel Roberts, a deceased board member, and is funded by his family and supporters to the Sam Roberts Memorial Fund. The Institute also plans to add renewable energy educational programs and construct interactive solar energy displays.