Get Involved in Local Science
Are you noticing changes around Barnegat Bay? Ever wonder what’s happening in your backyard or neighborhood? You can play a vital role in protecting our environment by joining Save Barnegat Bay’s community science efforts!
Science doesn’t have to be intimidating; anyone can participate. Documenting changes in the natural world begins with simple observation. There are many ways to get involved—find the role that best suits your interests and skills below!
Nature Journaling
Nature journaling is an easy yet impactful way to document your surroundings. Whether it’s a wooded trail, a local park, or a lagoon near your home, you can record what you see, hear, and even smell in a natural spot you visit regularly. Over time, your notes become a valuable record of local environmental changes.
Community members’ observations have driven crucial habitat protections and stopped major developments. If you want to connect with nature or explore the world of community science, nature journaling is a perfect starting point.
Lagoon Science
Do you see growth on your bulkhead, boat, or dock? Curious about the health of your lagoon? Become a lagoon scientist! Set up a settling plate to collect samples of tiny organisms—important indicators of water quality.
Visit the Save Barnegat Bay EcoCenter to pick up a settling plate kit, secure your plate to a submerged area on your dock, and let nature take its course. Then, bring your plate to one of our Lagoon Labs, where students and experts help examine the organisms under a microscope. It’s a fun, hands-on way to learn about the water’s health right in your backyard!
For more information email assistant@savebarnegatbay.org
Water Quality Monitoring
Looking for a more technical role? Become a trained Water Quality Monitor! You’ll learn how to collect and analyze water samples from local water bodies. No lab experience is needed—Save Barnegat Bay provides all the training, materials, and lab space you need.
Check our calendar for upcoming training sessions and join a team of passionate volunteers dedicated to safeguarding Barnegat Bay.
We do not have any training sessions scheduled at this time but if you are interested please sign up to join the wait list below!
