Newark Academy

Eighteen students in grades 9-12 spent the weekend at Sedge with four of their teachers. Although this was a large group, everyone worked together to share resources. They found places to sleep (on the porch, in the front room, and even on top of the picnic table). Because we didn’t have enough kayaks we used the Mother Ship (our 22’ aluminum canoe) to carry extra people, crab nets, clam rakes, and other gear as we paddled through the Marine Conservation Zone. The group had a special treat when John Wnek (MATES teacher and Ph.D. researcher) demonstrated how his research with the Diamond Backed Terrapins is progressing. It was a warm day and he was able to capture one day old hatchlings which he showed to the students. Special thanks to the students who helped Jim Merritt sort and count the seed clams which are growing on our shellfish lease. Despite the fact that a few sea stars seem to be able to find their way into the protective bags, a high percentage of the original 10,000, 12mm. clams are still alive.