Reconstruction

The History of the MNSA

In 1970 a new concept was introduced to the public.  Not a park, a bit more than a wildlife refuge or preserve, but a Marine Nature Study Area.  A location that would not only act as a wildlife refuge but also provide for public education, be a proving ground for tidal wetland management practices and also add to the community overall appeal as a public access area all contained in this 52 acre plot of tidal wetland.

The Building

The main building to accommodate at the time biological/ education staff and grounds maintain staff was a scaled down model of bathhouses seen at the time at the Jones Beach State Park.  With an open breeze way through the center.  I served its purpose for a time until the educational portion became more popular. A extension was added to create a large aquarium/ education room and closing of the breezeway for more of a year round use.  As classes and group sizes increase a second steel building was added to provide more exhibit space and education space for the multiple schools and groups utilizing the site.

The Killing Blow

Multiple storms and time took its toll on the facilities structures but in the end the killing blow that damaged the super structure and all the hardware inside was Super Storm Sandy on October 29th 2012.  This had lasting effects on the physical structure of the buildings and the utlities inside.  This made the way to Phase 2 of this site to adapt like the wetlands around it, to fit the needs of the new students and visitors while keeping its original mission "to provide education, research, preservation, management practices and  to enrich community life."

The Call for Restoration

In 2013 the start of what would turn into a much longer journey then anyone could expect. Student and teacher advocates came forth providing community approval and attended community meetings regarding the future of this restoration project. College and University professors also added to the growing numbers of groups adding their input and approval of a long overdue update.  Local community groups, birding and hiking clubs, and societies also spoke out towards the restoration and reconstruction of the well establish site.

Change is here 2023...

Since 2013 many of our veteran advocates have passed not even giving the opportunity to feel confident that there time and effects would have a positive outcome.  In turn many of our student advocates have continued their intertest spurred on by parents and teachers, some even finding careers in the sciences and in particular marine and tidal sciences. Some of even done local work here in the town and abroad adding to the understanding of the environment and monitoring changes among our habitats. To see the satisfaction they have of knowing that the place that planted that seed, and fostered that interest will finally be given the long awaited struggle and much need reincarnation is what make the MNSA a legacy, a generational project for not just the regulars, and the current students and visitors, but for the future visitors who haven't even experienced exploring one of the most important ecosystems in the world right here in there own backyard in the intimate and familiar setting.