Manomet Observatory
Region
Americas
Country
USA
Flyway
Americas flyway
Initiative
WLI Americas
Name of organisation
Manomet, Inc.
Funding support
Funding support Grants, individual donors, and organization endowment
Number of staff
Number of staff 8 (four permanent, four seasonal)
Number of visitors per year
500
Overall aims of the centre
Long-term migratory bird banding station, as well as active habitat management for biodiversity of local flora and fauna and community engagement.
Description of the centre
Manomet Observatory is 40 acres of coastal forest, meadow, and wetland in Plymouth, Massachusetts, perched on a bluff overlooking Cape Cod Bay. Five of these acres are retired cranberry bogs that are being restored to native wetlands.
In addition to being the main office of our staff, the site is also the location of our migratory bird banding station, one of the four longest-tenured stations in the country. We regularly host visiting groups of all ages, ranging from K-12 classes to graduate students and professionals. School groups engage in hands-on activities that introduce them to our science as well as get them to participate in collecting data related to our habitat management practices.
Work Areas
Main CEPA work area
Nature trails, signage, educational outreach, environmental monitoring projects.
Top three successes
Our bird banding program has produced peer-reviewed publications relevant to the topics of: bird migration timing in response to climate change, diet-choice with relation to native and non-native berries on-site, and tracking the population status of birds in the Atlantic Flyway for over 50 years. In addition, we have recently begun the process of transitioning a set of retired cranberry bogs on site into managed wetlands for biodiversity. Through partnerships with two state programs, MassTrails and the Massachusetts Cultural Council, we have secured funding to accomplish these goals and also establish an interpretive trail with learning stations that will open to the public.
Top three challenges
Our greatest challenge to date has been balancing the integrity of our on-site science with our desire to share our property with the public. Through careful, intentional planning, we have struck a balance between these two organizational priorities. In addition, we have recently challenged ourselves to expand our educational offerings to be more hands-on and engaging, as well as to prioritize Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. This includes initiatives to take our science on the road to visit schools, as well as identify opportunities to support travel and logistical costs for groups to visit.
Expertise
Interpretation techniques
Creating signage; site information; Producing written materials; Developing nature trails
Visitor centres
Managing / creating habitat; Building / maintaining structures
Participation
Engaging young people; Engaging the local community; Working with volunteers
Education and communication
Delivering adult education; Working with primary schools; Working with secondary schools; Developing resources / materials
Join WLI free and create your own member profile showcasing the work you are doing.