By Jonathan Phelps
Since 1996, Gloucester resident Liz Duff has worked with many students from all across the region through Mass. Audubon's Salt Marsh Science Project.
Now, she's been honored as a "visionary."
Duff, an education coordinator for Mass. Audubon, has received the Visionary Award from the Gulf of Maine Council for her work on the project, which helps students learn about salt marsh restoration.
Each year, the Gulf of Maine Council gives the Visionary Award to two individuals, businesses or organizations from each of the five states and provinces that borders the Gulf from Nova Scotia to Massachusetts. The award, presented at a recent reception in Portsmouth, N.H., recognizes innovation, creativity and commitment to protecting the marine environment, according to the council's Web site.
Recipients may work in scientific, educational, conservation or policy realms and may be engaged in projects that involve public awareness, grassroots action, or business and manufacturing practices.
"I'm very proud to be recognized as a Gulf of Maine Visionary," said Duff. "It is rewarding to work professionally to improve this important bioregion and to instill the value of stewardship in younger generations."
Through the Salt Marsh Science Project, Duff has involved students in fifth grade through college in "real-world" research that contributes to salt marsh restoration and management plans. She has worked with students at Essex Elementary School, Gloucester's O'Maley Middle School and Rockport Middle School.
While some of the learning takes place in the classroom, the students are able to apply what they learn with visits to real salt marshes or ponds. During their field study, students measure salinity, identify plants, record information on vegetation transects, assess tidal restrictions, and collect other data, which they then analyze.
"It is great to help connect students to the natural world," said Duff. "Kids live in such a high-tech world now and it is great to bridge the gap."
The project also teaches the students why it is important to preserve the local environment; they learn why the ecosystem is important for wildlife such as birds, fish, and other marine life, as well as for flood control, Duff said.
The Essex Elementary students visit Conomo Point while the O'Maley students do similar work at Riverdale Mills Pond. Some of the work includes investigating invasive plant species like phragmites — a common reed that can overwhelm wetlands — and can effect the overall ecosystem.
"The sites we work at are priority to reduce the invasive species and restore native plants," said Duff.
"Liz's commitment to inspiring young people to care for and protect the coastal environment is unwavering," said Kathy Leahy, director of Mass. Audubon's North Shore Advocacy Office in a prepared statement. "Students are empowered by the Salt Marsh Science Project, knowing they are contributing to the ecological health of their community."
In addition to Duff's work with children, she also reaches out to teachers to educate the community about the nature of the North Shore and how to conserve it for the future.
Jonathan Phelps can be reached at 978-283-7000, x3447, or via e-mail at gt_reporter@gloucestertimes.com
