Shawn Reintjes

Reintjes' "Wilson Bay Project" is a cooperative effort linking the City of Jacksonville, the North Carolina State College of Veterinary Medicine, and New Bridge Middle School to restore a living wetland ecosystem at a drying bed for a former wastewater treatment facility. After growing and replanting three types of Spartina at the site, students use scientific probes and sampling protocols to document water quality, the return of animal populations, and Spartina species differentiation within the restored habitat. The project allows students to work closely with scientists, provides a meaningful high-interest scientific activity, and creates an educational site that can be used by local schools.