Becton Regional’s Environmental Club and Becton TV Internship students teamed up for a field trip to the Meadowlands Environmental Center. There, they conducted interviews and gathered research for Species on the Edge 2.0, one of their two climate-focused initiatives. Tasked with selecting an endangered species to spotlight, the students chose the Saltmarsh Sparrow and launched the production of an educational video to raise awareness and inspire action.
Becton senior Karolina Rupinski introduces, “The Saltmarsh Sparrow is an endangered bird species native to New Jersey, found in certain areas near the Meadowlands Wildlife Conservation Center, and in parts of North Jersey, though it is predominantly located in South Jersey.”
To begin the trip, Co-Director and Chief Restoration Scientist Terry Doss, along with Wildlife Biologist Mike Turso from the Meadowlands Research and Restoration Institute, led a presentation about the Saltmarsh Sparrow, discussing its habitat and the ongoing conservation efforts to protect the species.
Students explored the behaviors and migration patterns of the endangered Saltmarsh Sparrow and learned how scientists track these elusive birds using ARU technology. They also had the opportunity to conduct interviews with environmental experts, collect air quality data using Pocketlab Sensors, and observe the local ecosystem firsthand along the dock and the Marsh Discovery Trail. The day concluded with an interview with Dr. Silvio Laccetti, director of WorldCast 2025, who offered insight into the club’s ongoing work on that initiative.
“Through these interviews, we learned that the Saltmarsh Sparrow is significantly impacted by sea level rise due to its low-lying nesting habits. By understanding what threatens this species, students begin to uncover broader environmental issues such as climate change and deforestation. These direct interactions not only build empathy for wildlife but also help students recognize the effects of human activity and feel empowered to protect endangered species,” shares Environmental Club Advisor, Ms. Angela Calasso.
Ms. Calasso was excited to be able to bring students to a more engaging environment, as the trip allowed students to collect data and make observations firsthand. She elaborates, “While some were interviewing the experts, others were making real-time observations, spotting native birds and plants, and collecting scientific data. It was a dynamic day that connected research, media production, and environmental awareness in a powerful way. Instead of just reading from a textbook or Googling, students were able to see how these species interact with their environment and gain a deeper understanding of how ecosystems work.”
Baback Ghalamsiah, Environmental Research Committee Chair, also shares about the welcoming nature of the experience, “I had the opportunity to ask a lot of questions regarding their adaptations and other biological aspects.”
“My favorite moment of this trip was being able to go outside and look at the Meadowlands marshes and all the wildlife that they are home to,” Rupinski remarked, “Being able to get some fresh air while watching ducks was definitely a fun and memorable moment.”
The trip was filmed by the BTV to be submitted in the Conserve Wildlife Competition supported by PSEG. Information from the trip was then recorded for both local press coverage and BTV News, which focused on how to help Saltmarsh Sparrows and where to find them.
Mrs. Carly Blake, the BTV advisor, was approached about collaborating with the Environmental Club, “We thought this would be a great opportunity, and it truly was!” she comments.
BRHS senior interns, Kaitlyn Manzo and Wiktor Pietraszewski, worked on the interviewing process and camera work, respectively. Manzo is the Secretary of the Environmental Club as well, whom Rupinski partook in an on-air standup with.
Manzo reflected fondly, “I loved being able to film an interview with the two wildlife biologists who worked there. It was really nice to hear what they had to say, and it was fun because we filmed it out on the water.”
Ghalamsiah was ecstatic to be able to share his experiences through BTV, “I hope this continues in the future so we can show what the Wildcats are all about!” he encourages.
Rupinski reflects on this experience as a successful learning opportunity, saying, “I’m so happy to be given the chance to learn new things about the wildlife that surrounds us. I’m excited to educate other people that may be interested.”
Ms. Calasso concludes with emphasize on the importance of these experiences, stating, “These field experiences inspire curiosity, foster critical thinking, and encourage students to become environmentally conscious citizens. These opportunities allow us to engage in hands-on learning while exploring the rich diversity of the Meadowlands, right in our own neighborhood!”
To see snippets of this trip, visit Becton’s BTV News Channel or Becton’s Environmental Club X.
