The Dr. Erwin J. Ernst Marine Conservation Center
Preserving the Past - Ensuring Our Future
WE NEED YOUR HELP!
SAVE “Ernie’s Shack” – located on the WMHO 88-acre Wetlands Preserve at West Meadow Creek in Setauket and fondly named after a pioneer in the marine science field, Dr. Erwin J. Ernst.
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In the 1960s, the Town of Brookhaven announced it wanted to create a marina by carving out the wetlands in West Meadow Creek. Knowing the importance of preserving these wetlands for future generations, Dr. Ernst and Dr. Robert Cushman Murphy urged Mr. Ward Melville to purchase parcels of the wetlands from private individuals. In the end, Mr. Melville acquired 88-acres of wetlands that were deeded to The Ward Melville Heritage Organization.
Dr. Ernst was an extraordinary teacher whose passion for marine sciences was contagious. Students discovered, hands-on, the wonders of the wetlands…the interactions between and among the distinctive plants and animals of this biologically rich coastal habitat and the crucial role that tidal marshes play in estuarine and coastal ecosystems. Many of Dr. Ernst’s students went on to continue their studies in marine and environmental science.
Some of Dr. Ernst’s accomplishments included:
- He developed the first accredited marine biology program in New York State which continued for over 50 years.
- His six-week intensive summer course has been taught at The Marine Conservation Center since 1965. Today, high school students receive three college credits from Stony Brook University for the Summer of Science course.
- Throughout the rest of the year students can experience a one-day on-site “Coastal Ecology Program” at the Dr. Erwin J. Ernst Marine Conservation Center.
- His marine-based educational programs are seen by thousands of students from all across the county each year via distance learning.
- All programs are aligned with National and New York State Learning Standards.
Help Us Save “Ernie’s Shack”
Over the past year, erosion has occurred by the Marine Conservation Center and is only a few feet away from the building. Soon it will effect the stability of the structure and the building will be in jeopardy of being washed away.
How you can help!
Please consider making a donation to save “Ernie’s Shack” so that WMHO can continue to honor Ernie’s love of the wetlands and teach children about the importance of preserving the wetlands for future generations.
Also, if you know of funding sources available, please let us know and we will pursue these possibilities as well.
Founded in 1939, The Ward Melville Heritage Organization is a 501 (c)(3) corporation dedicated to preserving historic structures, managing environmental properties and interpreting them through on-site and distance learning educational programs.
It is only through the generosity of our donors that it is possible each year for thousands of people to enjoy the programs we offer to the community, including our historic structures, the 88-acre Wetlands, educational programs, living history performances and community events.
By preserving the past, we can ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy the [Three Village area] that Ward Melville envisioned -"a place where history would blend with natural beauty as a part of everyday life."
CLICK HERE TO MAKE A DONATION |
