The Mission Statement


    We believe in educating our future and bringing awareness to the public
    regarding environmental and boating safety issues through our interactive
    presentations, displays and recreation.

    Our Environmental Programs educate  our audiences, young and old.  We focus on what the  individual can do to make a difference where we live, work and play.  Our programs are educational, interactive as well as informative.  When scheduling an event, we do the research and tailor each program with information regarding the local area of that venue.  Not looking for a few people to make big changes, but everyone to make a little changes; which will make a big difference. 

    Our Boating Safety programs range from Jr. boaters safety awareness to our
    Suddenly in Command (what to do if you had to take control ). 
    Both with the "Green" environmental education.


     Obtaining grants and contributions from organizations and individual donations will help us to continue our mission.

    Federal Tax Identification  Number 27-3555777
    Public Charity Status: 170(b) (1) (A) (vi)
    Exempt from Federal Income Tax under Section 501 (c) 3

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                                                                                                 Testimonials:

    Dear Debbie and Mike,
    "This letter is to thank the both of you for all the outreach work you have done for the state of New Jersey, specifically in the Barnegat Bay watershed.  You both have reached so many school aged children, much more than we could ever imagine accomplishing within the constraints of a state agency.  
    The wonderful, interactive programs you provide stay with many of the students, long term.  That is always a primary goal of any education and outreach program.  You both are always willing to help out in any way, and I truly hope our relationship will continue for many years.
    Once again thank you for providing such an effective and fun way to educate the residents of New Jersey about such important topics as water safety, conservation and environmental stewardship."

    Keep up the good work!
    Sincerely,
    Lynette Lurig
    NJDEP, Water Monitoring and Standards
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    Dear Mike and Debbie

    I want to take this opportunity to thank your for the informative, educational and entertaining programs that you have presented to the families who enjoy Cattus Island County Park.  As a contributor to our Cooper Environmental Center, the premiere natural education center in Ocean County, your programs reach an impressive cross section of the public. 
    Your presentation about Inky the Whale, a program that addresses the negative consequence of pollution on marine life, and ultimately humans, is always a hit at our Junior Naturalist meetings.  Your enthusiasm and knowledge encourages this group of youth volunteers, who range in age from 9 to 13 years, as well as their siblings, parents and grandparents, to spread the word among their peers that we need to take better care of our environment.
    The Boating Safety table you provide at Cattus Island's yearly Nature Festival every October is also very popular with the public.  The brochures, props, games and information you provide during the festival reach a wide audience, and the way you engage the visitors to your table is admirable.
    Let this letter serve as a recommendation to any group that is considering hosting your organization.  Thanks again for helping us help the people of Ocean County.

    Yours in Nature,
    Christopher Claus
    Chief Park Naturalist
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    Our organization has worked with and partnered with the Bennett's for a number of years now on our boat shows and other events.  They are incredibly dedicated and committed to promoting boating safety and education, protecting the environment and encouraging clean boating practices - Marine Trades Association of New Jersey
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    They have provided tremendous support on projects such as the New Jersey Clean Vessel Act Program, New Jersey Clean Marina Program and help distribute current information on marine fishing regulations.  They are consistently pleasant, present themselves and their programs in a professional manner, and an overall pleasure to work with.  You will not find two people more dedicated to teaching boaters of all ages on boating safety practices and other boating topics.  - Michael J. Danko, Assistant Director of Extension, Marine Recreation Agent- Fisheries and Boating
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    The Bennett's have provided wonderful programs for the Jacque Cousteau Reserve over the past couple of years with the latest being "Everything Eventually Ends Up in the Water" on July 11, 2013 as part of our summer family fun.  They have a wonderful ability to reach out to and communicate with a variety of audiences and share not only boating safety but the importance of our marine resources and how we can all work together to protect them.  Their presentations are fun and interactive.  - Melanie Reding, Education Coordinator Jacques Cousteau, National Estuarine Research Reserve
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    The Bennett's have been presenting to the child of Lanoka Harbor Elementary School for the past 5 years.  They enthusiastically return each year and have earned the respect of our school community.  Each spring  our school participates in an ocean themed unit.  This includes the structure, plants, and animals of the beach and ocean.  The most significant aspect  we teach is human interaction.  The students are usually aware of the positive, but are rarely able to identify the negative.  Since the Bennett's have been coming to our school, this has changed.  They help the children learn the consequences of their actions and how they can protect the future of the ocean.  It is rare that an eight year old can say, "I can make a difference."  However, you will hear it over and over after a visit from the Bennett's.  They are able to present littering, point, and non-point source pollution in a way that is meaningful.  The children walk away with a respect for the environment and how they can help to protect it's future.  Lanoka Harbor school is blessed to be able to work with the Bennett's to shape the minds of boys and girls who are directly impacted by the marine environment.  We hope to work with Michael and Debbie Bennett for many years to come. 

    Jodi Ritacco, Grade 2 teacher, Lanoka Harbor Elementary School.

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