The American Littoral Society promotes the study and conservation of marine life and habitat, protects the coast from harm, and empowers others to do the same.
Since 1961 we have empowered people to care for the coast through advocacy, conservation, and education. We not only provide a voice for the coast, but also give concerned citizens the knowledge and tools they need to raise their voices with us. When we restore habitat, our objective is not only to restore a dune or rebuild an oyster reef, but also to motivate people to invest “sweat equity” into a piece of the coast, take ownership and become committed stewards. When we educate, we don’t merely provide books, CDs, or handouts. We lead students young and old into the water to get their feet wet and their hands muddy. Sitting at a computer or reading a book, people may develop an interest in the coast; standing knee deep in sea foam with sand between their toes, they will develop a passion for the coast. |
Littoral Spotlight
Drop-Off Site for Recycled Christmas Trees

Christmas trees can keep on giving, even after the holiday season has come to an end. The American Littoral Society will be using recycled trees for an ongoing living shoreline project in Point Pleasant Borough, NJ. Residents of the borough can simply leave their trees - with all decorations removed - at the curb for collection by the Department of Public Works.
If you aren't a resident of the borough, you can still donate trees. The drop off site is at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 708 NJ-88 in Point Pleasant.
Donated trees will be used in what are known as branchbox breakwaters - wooden structures set in Beaverdam Creek that are designed to control erosion by using trees and brush to slow currents and waves, as well as capture the sediment being carried in the water.
The shoreline at Slade Dale Sanctuary has eroded approximately 600 feet since 1930. The Sanctuary’s pine-oak forest, hardwood swamp, and salt marsh provide a space of protected wilderness in an otherwise heavily developed coastal area of NJ. Besides providing nursery habitat for fish, and foraging habitat for birds such as osprey, egrets, and bald eagles, the salt marsh at Slade Dale also helps protect uplands from flooding during storms.
If you aren't a resident of the borough, you can still donate trees. The drop off site is at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 708 NJ-88 in Point Pleasant.
Donated trees will be used in what are known as branchbox breakwaters - wooden structures set in Beaverdam Creek that are designed to control erosion by using trees and brush to slow currents and waves, as well as capture the sediment being carried in the water.
The shoreline at Slade Dale Sanctuary has eroded approximately 600 feet since 1930. The Sanctuary’s pine-oak forest, hardwood swamp, and salt marsh provide a space of protected wilderness in an otherwise heavily developed coastal area of NJ. Besides providing nursery habitat for fish, and foraging habitat for birds such as osprey, egrets, and bald eagles, the salt marsh at Slade Dale also helps protect uplands from flooding during storms.
Event Spotlight:
Get Tickets for Seastreak Eco-Cruises

Join the American Littoral Society aboard Seastreak ferries for a Seal and Bird Eco-Cruise around Sandy Hook and the NY/NJ Bight. In addition to seeing migratory visitors, participants will learn more about the incredible ecology of this unique environment. Trips will depart from Highlands, NJ in January and February.
A wildlife expert from the American Littoral Society will be on each cruise to provide species identification support and additional information about the animals spotted. After taking a good look for seals around Sandy Hook, the cruise will continue north towards Hoffman and Swinburne Islands where seals like to ‘haul out’ and sun themselves on the rocks. Finally, the boat will head towards the Verrazano Bridge – another reliable seal watching location! Last season, we saw seals on 100% of our Seal and Bird Eco-Cruises.
Get more information about the eco-cruises or grab your tickets.
A wildlife expert from the American Littoral Society will be on each cruise to provide species identification support and additional information about the animals spotted. After taking a good look for seals around Sandy Hook, the cruise will continue north towards Hoffman and Swinburne Islands where seals like to ‘haul out’ and sun themselves on the rocks. Finally, the boat will head towards the Verrazano Bridge – another reliable seal watching location! Last season, we saw seals on 100% of our Seal and Bird Eco-Cruises.
Get more information about the eco-cruises or grab your tickets.