Coastal Resilience in NJ : Planning Through Implementation
Schedule
Fri Apr 24 2026 at 08:00 am to 05:00 pm
UTC-04:00Location
Rutgers EcoComplex | Bordentown, NJ
About this Event
Welcome to our sixth annual Coastal Resilience in NJ: Planning Through Implementation event!
While the impacts of storm surges along the New Jersey coast continue to be studied, various coastal restoration projects have proven to help mitigate coastal impacts and flooding.
This full-day program will highlight planning and implementation efforts for coastal restoration and storm risk management in the region.
Representatives from government agencies, academia, nonprofits, and industry working in New Jersey coastal settings will discuss their programs and experiences adapting to increased storm intensity and frequency.
Youβll walk away with a better understanding of current program initiatives and active stakeholders to help build a resilient future.
Continuing education credits are available!
Join us for a dynamic day of insight and connection, featuring a Panel Discussion on Planning for Barrier Island Restoration, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers & NJDEP Representatives, a Student Research Panel, and Expert-Led Presentations & Discussions.
Morning Session (Invited Speakers):
- Joseph Seebode, Deputy Commissioner, NJDEP (Keynote)
- Lamar Gore, Refuge Manager, John Heinz NWR, USFWS
- Student Research Panel - Rugters Unv., Rowan Unv, Stevens Institute, and Monmouth Unv.
Afternoon Session (Invited Speakers):
- Donald Cresitello, Senior Coastal Planner, North Atlantic Division, USACE
Afternoon Panel with Q&A - Planning for Barrier Island Restoration: From Seed to Sediment (Invited Speakers):
- Arsheen Ehtesham, Dredged Material Management SME, USACE - New York
- Fran Chismar/Tom Knezick, Owners, Pinelands Nursery
- TBD, The Nature Conservancy
- TBD, Dredging Contractor
Following the afternoon session, keep the conversation going at Happy Hour, where you can network with panelists and speakers while enjoying the return of our popular complimentary oyster bar from the Barnegat Oyster Collective, along with wine, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages.
A light breakfast and lunch buffet will be provided, featuring Vegan, Vegetarian, and Gluten-Free options. If you have specific dietary needs, please indicate them during registration so we can accommodate everyone comfortably.
For all event inquiries, please reach out to the event steering committee members Paulo Rodriguez Heyman at [email protected], Dana Patterson Grear at [email protected], or Mike Hanlon at [email protected].
Agenda
π: 08:00 AM - 09:00 AM
Breakfast & Networking
π: 09:00 AM - 09:30 AM
Opening Remarks
π: 09:20 AM - 10:05 AM
Keynote
π: 10:05 AM - 10:35 AM
Speaker 1
π: 10:35 AM - 10:45 AM
Coffee Break
π: 10:45 AM - 12:00 PM
Student Research Panel
π: 12:00 PM - 01:00 PM
Lunch & Networking
π: 01:00 PM - 01:30 PM
Speaker 2
π: 01:30 PM - 03:10 PM
PANEL: "Planning for Barrier Island Restoration: From Seed to Sediment"
π: 03:10 PM - 03:35 PM
Panel Discussion Q&A
π: 03:35 PM - 03:45 PM
Closing Remarks
π: 03:45 PM - 05:00 PM
Happy Hour Reception + Oyster Bar by Barnegat Oyster Collective + Networking
Info: Following the afternoon session, keep the conversation going at Happy Hour, where you can network with panelists and speakers while enjoying the return of our popular complimentary oyster bar from the Barnegat Oyster Collective, along with wine, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages.
Where is it happening?
Rutgers EcoComplex, 1200 Florence Columbus Road, Bordentown, United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 79.00 to USD 400.00





