Estuaries.noaa.gov - Inspiring People to Practice and Promote Coastal and Estuarine Stewardship

	Meet an Expert

Mary "Betty" E. Graybush - Volunteer with the Jacques Cousteau NERR, New Jersey

Volunteer Spotlight

Mary "Betty" E. Graybush

	Title: Volunteer
	Reserve: Jacques Cousteau NERR, NJ
	With the NERRS since: 2002

About the Reserve

Jacques Cousteau Reserve, New Jersey

Location: The reserve is located eight miles southeast of exit 58 of the Garden State Parkway, in Tuckerton, N.J.

Total Acreage: 114,665

Name: Mary "Betty" E. Graybush

Briefly describe the types of volunteer activities you participate in for the NERRS. If you have a favorite volunteer topic or activity, please describe.
I have assisted with the annual open house at Rutgers University Marine Field Station; offsite assistance at festivals; Rutgers Institute of Marine and Coastal Sciences Recognition Reception; distribution of flyers to local merchants, marinas, libraries and senior community center; inventory of hats & T-shirts; mass mailings; scanning projects; copy work; fish painting, food handling; Shore Bowl prep work; maintaining dissecting kits; and proof reading Life on the Exhibit. I also serve as a greeter and provide literature handouts.

What life experiences led you to volunteer with the NERRS?
Concern for our environment.

What is the most unusual or most unexpected thing that has happened to you while volunteering for the NERRS?
During pre-MARE education week, ironing and pressing seaweed.

What is your proudest achievement as a volunteer?
Being honored as Volunteer of the Year in 2002 and receiving a plaque in 2007 for having reached 500+ hours of volunteering. Goal: Aiming for 1,000+ hours!
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Last Updated on: 07-01-2008