New beginnings at the coast

Charles "Chuck" Werbany

Working with the American Littoral Society has been an insightful opportunity to learn the importance of conservation and restoration while also providing a look into the challenges these efforts have today. Working in the field with the American Littoral Society was like walking into the lecture hall, seeing firsthand the significance of climate change and the work that is being done to do something about it. While working on projects aimed at conserving horseshoe crab populations, and monitoring restoration efforts and watersheds, I have seen the larger scope of the endeavors at play to tackle climate change.  Observing different metrics of the coastal environment such as looking at the population health of local wildlife, the progression of reestablished habitat, and water quality informs us what else is needed to control the damage that we have done to our planet. These problems are not only specific to the Delaware Bay region but also the entire globe.

On a personal level, this work experience has been incredibly validating for my journey into the environmental field. I worked with the American Littoral Society last summer, before I had begun my education at Rowan University. Before starting at Rowan, I was feeling apprehensive about going back to school again and being an older student. It had been some time since I did any involved math or had to manage my time for schoolwork. However, starting out working with the society first boosted my confidence with my decision to go back to college and reassured me that I could do it. Having had some experience working within the field before learning within a classroom solidified that this was something that I wanted to pursue. I feel passionate about environmental work and the goals that this career is trying to achieve with limiting the damaging effects of climate change and habitat loss. Now with this being my second season with the society, I have realized how much I have learned already from my short time at Rowan. I now have a better understanding of the ecological systems of coastal environments and their significance. I find myself increasingly motivated the more that I work within the field, learning more about the processes of restoration and conservation, and observing the challenges we face with improper human activities and climate change.

This work experience has provided invaluable information for what to expect in a career in environmental science, specifically working with restoration and conservation. As mentioned before, this is my second season with the American Littoral Society and not only has it better prepared me for my career, but it has also prepared me for my education at Rowan University.  Through my experience, the society has taught me the importance of coastal conservation and the immediate need to act now with these pressures caused by climate change and human activity. This opportunity has reinforced my decision to pursue a career in environmental science and what I have learned through this experience and throughout my education at Rowan has prepared me to do so.