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Every year, during the third week of September, we celebrate National Estuaries Week—a time dedicated to raising awareness about the critical role estuaries play in our environment and our lives. Typically, this week is marked by activities designed to raise awareness about the importance of estuaries, while also calling attention to the threats many face. The American Littoral Society will recognize National Estuaries Week this year with events in New York and New Jersey that include the kick-off for our New York State Beach Cleanup (NYSBC) season and Littorally Local Sunset Cruise. What are Estuaries? So, what are estuaries and why are they important? These unique, vibrant ecosystems are where fresh and salt water mingle or, in other words, where rivers meet the sea. These transitional zones —which include coastal bays, inlets, and tidal rivers — are not only home to beautiful landscapes but also serve as nurseries for marine life, protection for shorelines, and drivers of local economies. Because of their position between land and ocean, estuaries serve as key buffers, absorbing excess water from storms and reducing the impact of coastal erosion. At the same time, they act as natural filters, improving water quality by trapping pollutants and sediments before they reach open waters.  Commercial and recreational fisheries thrive because of estuaries, which often provide a haven for young fish and shellfish. They also attract coastal tourism and outdoor recreation—such as birdwatching, kayaking, swimming and recreational fishing. In fact, more than 75% of the U.S. commercial fish catch and 80-90% of the recreational fish catch depend on estuaries at some point in their life cycles. What are we Doing for National Estuaries Week? The American Littoral Society will recognize National Estuaries Week (Saturday, Sept. 21 through Friday, September 28) with the official start of our New York beach cleanup season, a city cleanup in a New Jersey town that sits astride a Delaware Bay estuary, and our annual Littorally Local cruise in Sandy Hook Bay.  NYSBC Kick-off The New York State Beach Cleanup is an annual event aimed at removing debris from the state's shorelines and waterways. The event also aims to educate the public about the sources and effects of marine debris. While some cleanups take place along upstate lakes and streams, many are focused on areas along the Atlantic Ocean, Long Island Sound, and New York City's waterways. Our local kick-off event will be held in the middle of Jamaica Bay at Sunset Cove Park, starting at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21. Learn how you can join that event, find other cleanups currently happening across near you, or start your own cleanup through the NYSBC website. Arverne Nature Preserve Hike and Planting Events The Littoral Society's Northeast Chapter will host two events at the Arverne Nature Preserve in Far Rockaway, NY. The first will be nature walk on Saturday, September 21 at 10 a.m., followed by a planting event on Sunday, September 22 at 10 a.m. For both, the meeting place is the preserve visitor center at 44th Street and Rockaway Beach Blvd. The Saturday walk will be led by Don Riepe, the Littoral Society's Jamaica Bay Guardian. Don will give a brief presentation about the new nature preserve followed by an easy walk along paved trails. Kids are welcome. The site is accessible by A train (Beach 44th street station) as well as car. Ample parking is available. This is a partnership program with NYC Bird Alliance. For more info contact [email protected] or call (917) 371-8577. If you are attending, please RSVP on our website. On Sunday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Don will lead a group of volunteers who will be planting trees and shrubs in the coastal preserve to help beautify the new park and add wildlife habitat. This planting is being done in memory of Cindy Goulder, an ecological landscaper who had a long-term interest in the park. Wear old shoes or sneakers. Please RSVP on our website if you plan to attend. For more information contact Don at [email protected] or call 917-371-8577. Bridgeton Citywide Cleanup Twice a year, Bridgeton, NJ calls on residents to help spruce up the town with a cleanup event. Since the Cohansey River – a Delaware Bay estuary – flows through Bridgeton, that cleanup also helps Delaware Bay. The cleanup will take place on Saturday, Sept. 21 from 9 am - 1 pm (Rain Date: September 28). Volunteers will meet at Gateway Cap Warming Center, 7 Washington Street, Bridgeton, NJ. Participants can sign in, get breakfast and collect supplies they'll need (such as gloves, trash bags, and trash pickers) at the warming center. Find more information on the Southeast Gateway Community Partnership website. Littorally Local Sunset Cruise For the past five years, the American Littoral Society has celebrated New Jersey's estuaries, while also highlighting our efforts to protect and restore them, through the Littorally Local Sunset Cruise. The event also helps to fund our ongoing efforts to preserve a safe and healthy coast for marine life and humans alike; provide education for people of all ages and backgrounds; and provide advocacy for public access to the coast, natural solutions to the effects of climate change, and responsible environmental policy at the local, state, and national levels. In addition to the cruise, which begins on Friday, Sept. 27 at 5:30 p.m. with dockside cocktails in Atlantic Highlands, NJ, the event includes an online auction that takes place from Thursday, September 19, to Saturday, September 28. Find more information and get tickets on our website. National Estuaries Week is more than a celebration—it's a reminder of how critical estuaries are to the health of our environment and the well-being of coastal communities. By protecting these vital ecosystems, we’re not only ensuring the survival of countless species but also safeguarding our own future in the face of environmental challenges. Let’s take this opportunity to connect with our local estuaries, educate ourselves, and commit to their preservation.Sunday, September 22 10am - 1pm Meet at the Visitor Center 44th Street and Rockaway Beach Blvd. Far Rockaway, NY Join Don Riepe, the American Littoral Society's Jamaica Bay Guardian, for a volunteer planting event at the Arverne Nature Preserve. We will be planting a number of trees and shrubs to help beautify the new park and add wildlife habitat. This planting is being done in memory of Cindy Goulder, an ecological landscaper that had a long-term interest in the park. Wear old shoes or sneakers. For more information contact don at [email protected] or call 917-371-8577.  Comments are closed.
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