The MATES NHS installed a Watchable Wildlife Observation platform and bird blind at the Lighthouse Center for Natural Resource Education in Waretown, NJ. Members of the NHS designed the walking path, observation platform and produced a wildlife guide. Work started on the project on November 26, 2007 and was completed with the dedication on March 15, 2008. This project was under the guidance and mentorship of Terry O'Leary, president of the Center, Pola Galie, site manager at the Center and McDuffy Barrow, NREF member and wildlife consultant.

A history of the project through photos...

Completed Trail and Observation Blind December 20, 2007

Dedication of the Trail with Trail Guide March 15, 2008

Phase One - Clearing the pathway to the freshwater impoundment area 11/26/07

Phase Two - Setting the platform and framework for the walkway with "re-usable" planks and poles for the base 12/1/07 and 12/3/07. The observation deck and bench was installed and the planks were tightened down to secure a good working path. On December 6, 2007 after a dusting of snow the remaining planks were secure to the trail footings to complete the walkway. The next step is the observation deck and walls of the blind. On December 15, the deck and blind were completed with viewing holes drilled. The physical part of the project is complete with only some weatherproofing left to do, which was completed on December 20, 2007.

Phase Three - The dedication and wildlide guide for the new Observation Blind was on March 15, 2008. he MATES NHS will be the keynote presentation at the Barnegat Bay Educator's Roundtable on April 30, 2008 discussing their project and involvement at MATES.

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