December Littoral News December 1, 2020  From the Director In December, Let's Celebrate the Coast Man, do we need something to celebrate.   No one wants to read a recitation of the challenges we have faced during the past year as Americans and people who care about the coast, much less those burdens unique to our own lives and paths.   So, as we head into the shortest days of the year, which will bring to many the cold winds of winter, lets focus on celebration.   Let’s celebrate the coast. Let’s celebrate the salt life.   Click here to read the rest of the Director's Note COMING UP  2020 End of Year Giving Campaign This has been a tough year, but you’ve kept coastal conservation alive.  In the coming days, you may receive a letter from us reporting on our year and asking for your continued support.  You make an impact on the coast, you make an impact on the American Littoral Society. As we continue to navigate these uncharted waters, please consider making a donation to the American Littoral Society’s end of year giving campaign by visiting www.littoralsociety.org/annualappeal. Giving Tuesday     According to a Giving USA 2019 report, only 3% of philanthropic giving across income levels in the United States, goes to the environment and that is up from previous years. As coronavirus persists, sea levels continue to rise, while water and air pollution levels increase. Your support is integral to the health of our local waterways and communities! The American Littoral Society is participating in #GivingTuesday today because we need your support. Today we celebrate the mission of promoting the study and conservation of marine life and habitat, protecting the coast from harm, and empowering others to do the same; and honor all the work that would not be possible without supporters like YOU. Now more than ever the coast, your coast, needs your help. DONATE     Zero Waste Workshop for the Holidays Wednesday, December 9  6 – 7:15 p.m. Click here to register   Join Littoral Society Education Director, Nicole Haines, as she discusses ways to reduce waste during the holiday season.   This workshop will include: giving & receiving zero waste gifts plastic pollution  easy switches the problems with microfibers fast fashion giveaways and more!     Northeast Chapter Annual Holiday Party Saturday, December 12 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Free, Virtual Attendance via Zoom Click Here to Register   Join us for the virtual Northeast Chapter Holiday Party via Zoom this holiday season.   Join Don, Alexandra, and Lisa for a presentation about the goings on at the American Littoral Society's Northeast Chapter throughout 2020. View stunning photos of Jamaica Bay, local wildlife and birds, and the hardworking staff and volunteers who made coastal conservation in the "Jewel of New York City." We'll be presenting the Second Annual Volunteer of the Year Award.   As usual, the party will contain an “Ugly Auction”, a Silent Auction, door prizes, fun events, slide presentation, plus a never before seen vintage (1986) video of our director Don Riepe (aka Don Diego) in a Flamenco Dance performance at Lincoln Center.   If you would like to donate a Silent Auction or Ugly Auction item please contact Don@littoralsociety.org or call (917) 371-8577.   If you're unable to make a donation, but would still like to attend the celebration, please contact Alexandra Kanonik at alexandra@littoralsociety.org. Climate and Resilience Education Task Force Meeting with NJ's First Lady Monday, December 7 3:30 p.m. Free, Virtual Meeting Click Here to Register   The Climate and Resilience Education Task Force is hosting New Jersey’s First Lady Tammy Murphy for a timely discussion on comprehensive climate education.   New Jersey is the first state in the nation to integrate interdisciplinary climate education standards across the curriculum, in a bold effort to address the looming climate change crisis. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/38WmtJr   Ms. Murphy will discuss how New Jersey's initiative came about and then participate in a Q and A, facilitated by a Youth Steering Committee member, to help us imagine how New Jersey's model could be replicated in New York State.   The regular Task Force meeting will follow Ms. Murphy's segment.   The Climate and Resilience Education Task Force was launched in May 2018 by the National Wildlife Federation and is supported NOAA, FEMA and Con Edison.   The Task Force is dedicated to increasing access to interdisciplinary climate and resilience education, and associated professional learning opportunities, in New York City's K-16 schools. Jamaica Bay Task Force Meeting   Wednesday, December 9  6:30 - 9 p.m. Virtual Meeting via Zoom Click Here to Register   The fall meeting of the Jamaica Bay Task Force will be a virtual event open to all and include updates and information regarding initial or ongoing projects and programs in the Jamaica Bay areas of Brooklyn and Queens Counties, NYC.    Among those speaking at the session will be Don Riepe, Director of the American Littoral Society's Northeast Chapter; Alexandra Kanonik, Jamaica Bay Program Manager for the American Littoral Society, Dan Mundy Jr, Vice President of Jamaica Bay Ecowatchers, and Alex Zablocky, Executive Director of the Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy.   The task force dates back to 1984 and has been an influential catalyst and outlet for public review and input to projects affecting Jamaica Bay.   Northeast Chapter News Winter Waterfowl Workshop Success A total of 51 people came out in person for the Winter Waterfowl virtual workshop on Saturday, November 21, while more than 300 others participated via the Facebook Live broadcast.    The program featured the 30-plus species of ducks, geese, loons, swans, cormorants, and grebes that spend winter in Jamaica Bay.    At the moment, more than 10,000 Brant Geese and 1,000 Snow Geese are currently in the bay along with many Bufflehead and Ruddy Ducks. SIGHTS & SOUNDS American Littoral Society Launches New Restoration Project in Barnegat Bay The “spud barge” is packed up and on-site!   It signals that the Littoral Society is beginning a new oyster reef project in Barnegat Bay. The work will help improve water quality, enhance the environment and add add natural protection for shoreline communities.   Many thanks to the US Fish and Wildlife Service and NJ Department of Environmental Protection for their support, guidance and partnership!   Stay tuned for updates on this project, which will be posted on the Littoral Society website.   Veterans Day Recognition The American Littoral Society would like to thank all veterans for their service and extend special recognition to the many service members who have helped with our work along the Delaware Bay. American Littoral Society Receives Resilient Communities Grant The American Littoral Society has received a $500,000 grant to improve horseshoe crab and shorebird habitat at South Jersey’s Fortescue Beach, while also making the shore more resistant to coastal storms and sea level rise.   The grant comes from the Resilient Communities Program, a collaboration between Wells Fargo and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) that aims to help communities better prepare for and respond to climate-related natural disasters by investing in green infrastructure.   Click here to read the full story   Littoral Society Awarded $4.9 million Grant to Restore Mouth of Maurice River The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) and National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) today announced more than $37 million in new grants from the National Coastal Resilience Fund (NCRF) that will support coastal resilience projects in 25 states and U.S. territories. The 46 grants announced today will generate $55 million in matching contributions for a total conservation impact of $92 million. The American Littoral Society, a membership-based coastal conservation organization headquartered in Highlands, New Jersey, was awarded $4.9 million for its proposed work Restoring Ecologically Beneficial and Resilient Infrastructure at the Mouth of Maurice River (NJ).     Click here to read the full story. JOIN US   Membership, Renew or Join Today! Your loyalty and support enable us to continue to protect and care for the coast. Your membership supports marine science education programs for thousands of students, protecting and restoring marine life and habitat, and our efforts to defend the coast from harm. You are vitally important to this work; coastal conservation is a group effort. Your membership in the Society adds your voice to many others in support of marine life and the coast. Seniors can join or renew for $30, and Individuals for $40, or Families for $50. Click here to join, renew or give the gift of membership   Show Your Support with Littoral Society Gear There are more ways than ever to show your support for the American Littoral Society. Now available at the Society online store are short-sleeve t-shirts in multiple designs/colors, as well as long-sleeve t's and baseball caps with the Society's name and/or logo. The long-sleeve shirts have the definition of littoral on the back. The baseball caps are focused on the Society's Fish Tagging Program and feature a tagged black seabass. Purchase proceeds cover the cost of the item and contribute to the Society's operating budget. Click here to find Littoral Society wearable gear in the online store. POSTPONEMENTS & CANCELATIONS The American Littoral Society will be postponing or canceling upcoming public events based on public health advisories from states and the US Centers for Disease Control. We are looking forward to resuming our walks, workshops and other activities when that is safe. Please stay safe and healthy. We look forward to seeing you again when circumstances allow. The following is a list of events that have been canceled:   New Year's Day Walk, Sandy Hook, NJ - Friday, January 1 Our Contact Information *{{Organization Name}}* *{{Organization Address}}* *{{Organization Phone}}* *{{Organization Website}}* *{{Unsubscribe}}*

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