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Citizens United To Protect The Maurice River - CU Social: Conservation In Down Jersey-The Stories of Dallas Lore Sharp and Mary Treat / 11-5-26
This month, CU Maurice River highlights a few of the remarkable naturalists who once called the Wild and Scenic Maurice River Watershed home. These leaders in environmental study first found inspiration among the forests, meadows, and swamps of Down Jersey. Later they dedicated their lives to recording their findings and cultivating an appreciation for the natural world in others. Though their passion for the great outdoors was homegrown, their impact on conservation across generations reached a national scale.
Dr. Michael Chiarappa will discuss Haleyville's own Dallas Lore Sharp, who spent his youth exploring the region's Pinelands, wetlands, and fields. Sharp continued his education at Brown University and later led a distinguished career at Boston University, becoming one of the most widely read authors of his era. A naturalist deeply passionate about Southern New Jersey, he wrote extensively about native birds, small mammals, the passing of the seasons, and even the American West.
Following Dr. Chiarappa's presentation, Deborah Ein will discuss Mary Treat, a pioneering naturalist who moved to Vineland and dedicated her life to studying botany, ornithology, and entomology. Treat discovered five species of plants and animals, and her groundbreaking observations led to a regular correspondence with Charles Darwin.
About the Speakers:
Dr. Michael Chiarappa is a public historian and scholar specializing in historic architecture, landscapes, material culture, and maritime history. Dr. Chiarappa has extensive experience working with universities, museums, government agencies, and environmental organizations, including the Smithsonian Institution and the National Park Service.
Deborah Ein holds a Bachelor of Science degree in forestry and natural resource management. She worked “in the field” for a time, including a summer in California’s Plumas National Forest. Returning to the eastern deciduous forest and the New Jersey Pine Barrens, Deborah turned her focus to writing and editing. She has held editorial positions at New Jersey Outdoors, American Forests, Lapidary Journal, Atlantic City Magazine, The Grapevine, and SNJ Today.
If you'd like to have dinner at Merighi's, it is recommended to make a reservation for either before the presentation at 5 pm. or afterwards at 8 pm. For reservations, please call the restaurant at 856-691-8051.
Date and Time
Thursday Nov 5, 2026
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM ESTThursday, November 5, 2026
6:30 pmLocation
Merighi's Savoy Inn
Rose Room
4940 Landis Avenue
Vineland, NJ 08360Fees/Admission
Free to attend the presentation. Register at CU Social
Website
Contact Information
1-856-300-5331
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