National Wildlife Federation's Eco-Schools USA Welcomes Neptune Middle School as 9th Eco-School in Monmouth County

Local scientists are studying new ways to protect coastal communities from sea level rise, reduce non-point source pollution in the local watershed and solve issues of erosion and sedimentation in the Shark River. These scientists, students of Neptune Middle School, may be young but that’s not stopping them from taking on some of today’s most pressing environmental problems and searching for solutions.

Neptune Middle School has recently joined a growing network of schools across the state and the country who are committed to sustainability and the importance of environmental and outdoor learning. The school recently became the 9th school in Monmouth County and 139th in New Jersey to join National Wildlife Federation’s (NWF) Eco-Schools USA. This internationally acclaimed program recognizes and supports schools integrating sustainability into the curriculum and on school grounds. Neptune Middle School joined the Eco-Schools program to help further their efforts in green initiatives.

Environmental teacher Cassandra Hunt says, “Eco-Schools will be a resource to my students and help them make their ideas come to life. In my experience, when students have a real problem to solve with an authentic audience in mind, they are much more engaged and invested in the project. It makes for a more meaningful learning experience.”

Neptune Middle School offers a series of environmental electives for 6th, 7th and 8th graders. Students tackle such topics as green technologies, local forest issues, water pollution, and climate change.

By collaborating with NWF’s Eco-Schools USA, the school will have access to free tools, curriculum, and support, providing a framework to engage students in tangible learning experiences. New Jersey is particularly fortunate to have an on the ground staff member through NWF state affiliate New Jersey Audubon to work directly with schools and provide free professional development and guidance for teachers.

Jennifer Dowd, Eco-Schools Coordinator with New Jersey Audubon says, “NWF’s Eco-Schools USA program brings sustainability education into the classroom and gives students the opportunity to develop skills in science, technology, engineering and math while addressing real world issues through hands on experience. Neptune Middle School is getting students excited about learning through innovative environmental study. We look forward to engaging them with the Eco-Schools program.”

The Eco-Schools program lays out 10 environmental pathways including energy conservation, biodiversity and sustainable foods. Participating schools select pathways to focus on, monitor their efforts and earn points towards awards that recognize their progress. Neptune Middle School is already poised to take on several pathways including climate change, water, and consumption and waste.

What’s next for Neptune? “Students have already expressed an interest in building a garden.” Says Ms. Hunt. “We want to not only help our school become more sustainable, but to also spread the word and hopefully work with the surrounding community to spread awareness about becoming more environmentally conscious.”

There are 9 Eco-Schools in Monmouth County, including Avon Elementary School, Barkalow Middle School, Gables School, Howell Middle School South, Middle School North in Farmingdale, Midtown Community Elementary School, Neptune Middle School, Summerfield Elementary School, and Wall High School.

Eco-Schools is an international program in 60 countries. The program is hosted by the National Wildlife Federation in the United States, and coordinated by New Jersey Audubon in New Jersey. Eco-Schools USA in New Jersey supports and directly aligns with Sustainable Jersey for Schools point-based system. The program is supported by PSE&G, the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, the Horizon Foundation, and Spencer Savings Bank.

About National Wildlife Federation:

National Wildlife Federation is America’s largest conservation organization inspiring people to protect wildlife for our children’s future. NWF focuses its education and policy work on connecting children to nature for a nation of happier, healthier kids. NWF’s state affiliate is New Jersey Audubon. For more information: www.nwf.org.

About New Jersey Audubon:

The New Jersey Audubon Society is a privately supported, not-for profit, statewide membership organization that fosters environmental awareness and a conservation ethic among New Jersey’s citizens; protects New Jersey’s birds, mammals, other animals, and plants, especially endangered and threatened species; and promotes preservation of New Jersey’s valuable natural habitats. For more information: www.njaudubon.org.