Today marks the eighth anniversary of the Deepwater Horizon oil disaster. On April 20, 2010, the Deepwater Horizon rig exploded off the coast of Louisiana, killing 11 people and injuring 17 others. Two days later - on Earth Day - the rig, which was still engulfed in flames, collapsed into the ocean, sinking thousands of feet to the seafloor. For the next 87 days oil flowed into the Gulf of Mexico as BP and the U.S. federal government struggled to prevent this from becoming the worst environmental disaster since the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil catastrophe.

Ultimately, over 200 million gallons of oil spewed into the Gulf of Mexico and 1.8 million gallons of chemical dispersant were pumped onto and into the Gulf to dilute the oil, making it the worst environmental disaster in U.S. history.

Moving forward, it is important to remember these details, as time can blur the lessons learned from our past and leave us vulnerable repeating our mistakes. It is apparent that the new administration did not learn that offshore oil and gas exploration is inherently dangerous from this tragedy -- and that where we drill, we spill.

The American Littoral Society will celebrate Earth Day, with a dune grass planting on Saturday, April 21, and two beach clean ups on Sunday, April 22.

The dune grass planting will take place a day ahead of Earth Day and is the culmination of our Beach Grasses in Classes program. Everyone is invited to help plant American beach grass on Sandy Hook dunes from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, April 21. The planting will take place near Lot B. The location is subject to change due to the possible chance of nesting migratory shorebirds.

If possible, please bring a stick or shovel to help with planting. Event will be held rain or shine. Dress for the weather.

Click here for more information or the American Littoral Society at 732-291-0055 or email [email protected]. 

Then, on Sunday, April 22, from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., the Society will host clean-ups on beaches along Delaware and Jamaica bays.