CAPE MAY POINT — The Cape May Point Science Center announce last week the launch of its Climate Institute, a hub dedicated to advancing research, education and solutions for coastal climate impacts.
The Science Center has appointed Lara Croushore as director of the Climate Institute. Croushore previously served as chief strategy officer for climate and sustainability in the New York City Mayor’s Office; as managing director of Urban Ocean Lab, an ocean-climate policy think tank; and vice president of energy and sustainability at the New York City Economic Development Corp.
Croushore is from Philadelphia and lives in Wildwood Crest and Brooklyn, N.Y., with her family.
According to a news release, the Climate Institute at Cape May Point Science Center “will foster actionable and equitable solutions to address the urgent impacts of climate change on our community and coastal areas.”
The Climate Institute will focus on supporting coastal ecosystems and communities affected by climate change, emphasizing the critical role the ocean and ecosystems play in the climate system — absorbing heat, storing carbon, sustaining biodiversity and protecting coastal communities against rising seas and storms.
With a “living lab” approach, the Climate Institute will promote public education and awareness, scientific research and the collaborative development of solutions for the region, the releases states.
Climate Summit: A call to action
The Climate Institute is planning its inaugural Climate Summit, an inclusive event for scientists, researchers, policymakers, practitioners and the public, for some time in the summer.
The event is expected to offer presentations on the latest climate science and research, a Solutions Showcase that highlights climate adaptation and mitigation strategies and networking and community building through an exchange of ideas and collaboration on actionable solutions.
Partnerships and sponsorships are welcome to support the event. Room and board will be available, ensuring an immersive and engaging experience.
Capstone Project by Columbia University
The Climate Summit is expected to feature findings from a Columbia University capstone project that provided the Science Center with a comprehensive roadmap for sustainability improvements.
Recommendations include investing in energy efficiency, renewable energy and strategies for reducing the environmental impact of the center.
The Climate Institute invites community members, researchers and organizations to share ideas and help shape programming, collaborate on projects and sponsor events.
Located in one of the world’s most biodiverse and vital regions, the Cape May Point Science Center’s mission is to provide unique opportunities and funding to advance ecological research, education and advocacy, and encourage the protection. The center further aims to uncover and preserve history, and the building it calls home, and the community of Cape May Point.
Email [email protected] for more information.
Center appoints operations manager
The Science Center also announced the hiring of Alicia Calkins as operations manager.
Born and raised in Cape May, Calkins has a deep connection to the local environment, a passion for conservation and extensive experience in environmental education and sustainability, according to a news release.
“Alicia’s upbringing in Cape May fostered her love for the natural world, inspired by family camping trips, fishing, gardening and exploring national parks,” the release states.
Calkins earned a bachelor’s degree in conservation and ecology from Lipscomb University in Tennessee and a master’s degree in sustainability with a focus on watershed management.
Calkins has worked with organizations such as AmeriCorps, Save Barnegat Bay and The Nature Conservancy, contributing to water quality research, habitat preservation and environmental education.
“Joining the team at the Cape May Point Science Center is such an exciting opportunity,” she states. “I’m looking forward to learning more about our local history, supporting environmental research and connecting the community with Cape May’s unique biodiversity and habitats.”
Calkins will oversee daily museum operations, manage staff and volunteers, coordinate events and exhibits, and support educational and fundraising efforts.
She also will play a vital role in advancing the center’s mission to inspire environmental stewardship and promote scientific research.