June Littoral News June 1, 2021 Join us on Sandy Hook for Members Day on Saturday, June 26 
Please join us for the annual Members Day celebration, Annual Meeting, and Board of Trustees election on Sandy Hook on Saturday, June 26!
We’re pleased to announce this year’s event will feature lunch provided by our new neighbor McFly’s on the Hook. McFly’s is located in the former Post Exchange (Building #53) of Fort Hancock and has coffee, snacks, and ice cream.
Members Day is a members-only event, please make sure your membership is up to date in order to attend! If you’re not sure of your membership status, please email info@littoralsociety.org and we will let you know.
If you are a current member, you will receive an email with a link to register online. You will also receive a notice in the mail that will include a ballot for you to vote in the annual Board of Trustees election.
All current National Park Service, local, state and national COVID-19 restrictions and precautions must be observed at all times by Society staff, volunteers, and event attendees.
COMING UP 
Rally for the Rivers Eco-Fest Saturday, June 5 Rain date: Sunday, June 6 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Victory Park and River Road Rumson, NJ Free
Join eco-friendly organizations for a day of fun and environmentally- friendly activities. Hosted by Clean Ocean Action and the Rumson Environmental Commission, this free, family event is an environmental celebration of the Navesink and Shrewsbury Rivers.
Fun and engaging activities at the Eco-Fest, provided by Rally for the Two Rivers partners, include seining, eco-friendly crafts, hands-on educational demonstrations, face painting, and more!
Participate in as many activities as possible to complete the Passport Challenge and unlock special rewards from local businesses, including free treats and big discounts!
Marsh Grass Planting in Jamaica Bay
Two Sessions Each Day Sunset Cove Park Meet at West 22nd Road & Shad Creek Road Broad Channel, NY Free Registration required
Join the American Littoral Society's Northeast Chapter, NYC Parks and NYC Audubon to help restore a saltwater marsh in Sunset Cove Park. Volunteers will be planting marsh grass, so please dress in clothes that can get dirty and close-toed shoes. We also encourage volunteers to bring their own water bottles.
Space is limited and registration is required. Volunteers under 18 must be accompanied by a chaperone.
Urban wetlands provide a variety of benefits including improved water quality and storm water retention. They also serve as critical habitat for native wildlife.
Beach Cleanup at Spring Creek Park Saturday, June 5 8 a.m. – Noon Spring Creek Park 92nd Street 165th ave Queens, NY Free - Registration Required
Join the American Littoral Society and Abuela Neighborhood Maintenance for a beach cleanup at Spring Creek Park in Queens, NY. Meet inside the park, near the shoreline.
Participants should bring sunblock and a reusable water bottle, while wearing clothes they don't mind getting dirty.
The following will be provided for participants:
Click the registration link for more information. 
Blackwall Marsh Island Planting Saturday, June 12 Noon - 3 p.m. Meet at the American Littoral Society Northeast Chapter office 28 West 9th Road Broad Channel, NY Free Registration required (email: alexandra@littoralsociety.org for link) Limited to 30 volunteers
Since 2012, the American Littoral Society has been restoring marsh islands within Jamaica Bay. Through volunteer efforts, over 30 acres of critical habitat for resident and migratory fishes, shorebirds, and other wildlife that call Jamaica Bay their home have been restored.
Join NYC Audubon and the Society to help with the effort on one of these restored islands. Volunteers will meet at Society headquarters in Broad Channel and we will shuttle you on the "Jamaica Bay Guardian" boat to help with the planting of Spartina alterniflora grasses!
Volunteers should bring their own mask, water, lunch, and sun protection, wear sturdy comfortable closed-toed shoes (old sneakers are best), and a hat. Be prepared to get into the water as we drop you off on the island that will be planted. Provided boat transportation will get as close to the shore as possible, but time and tides will affect how close we can get; typically, you can expect to be walking through 1-3 feet of water.
Bring a change of clothes, or clothes that can get wet! The Society office will have a bathroom available for changing in and out of clothes. A limited number of waders are available for borrowing if you cannot get wet for any reason, medical or otherwise. The Society will provide masks and sanitizer to anyone that needs them.
Horseshoe Crab Walk - In Person Thursday, June 10 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Meet at Parking Lot B Gateway Recreational Area Sandy Hook Unit Highlands, NJ Free
Get up close and personal with a living fossil. Take an evening walk along Plum Island, Sandy Hook to look for spawning horseshoe crabs. Learn about an animal that has survived virtually unchanged for 400 million years.
Wear foot gear that can get wet. Great for families.
For more information, contact Nicole Haines, American Littoral Society Education Director, at Nicole.haines@littoralsociety.org.
We ask that you please adhere to all local, state and CDC COVID protocols, social distancing recommendations and mask wearing, as appropriate. 
World Ocean Day on Sandy Hook Saturday, June 12 Noon - 1:30 p.m. Littoral Society HQ 18 Hartshorne Drive Highlands, NJ Free
Join the American Littoral Society and Ocean Protection Advocacy Kids (OPAK) for a celebration of our Blue Planet in honor of World Ocean Day.
The two organizations will be handing out scavenger hunt kits that will surely get your whole family involved. Scavenger hunt kits can be picked up from Noon to 12:45 p.m. at the Littoral Society building on Officer's Row in the Fort Hancock Section of Gateway National Recreation Area's Sandy Hook Unit.
There will also be a database for you to post what you find during your scavenger hunt. This event is not to be missed!
Also, at 1 p.m. you can join the Littoral Society at Lot C – on the Bay side for an educational seine. This is a great opportunity to learn about the critters that live in Sandy Hook Bay and the Atlantic Ocean!
We ask that you please adhere to all local, state and CDC COVID protocols, social distancing recommendations and mask wearing, as appropriate.
What the Shell?! Webinar Wednesday, June 16 Noon - 1 p.m. Via Zoom
Do you ever wonder what the shells are that you see lying in the sand at the beach? There were once creatures inhabiting those shells, known as mollusks.
Join the American Littoral Society for a webinar all about shells you can find along the NJ shore. We will talk about bivalves, univalves, their life cycles, why they are important to our environment and much more!
Contact Littoral Society Education Director Nicole Haines for more information. 
Horseshoe Crabs: A Deep Dive Saturday, June 19 1 - 2 p.m. 790 E Commerce St Bridgeton, NJ Via Facebook Live stream Free, Registration is Required
Did you know that horseshoe crabs predate the dinosaurs and that they’re medical saviors? Join the Littoral Society's Quinn Whitesall for a live, family-friendly horseshoe crab lesson.
Quinn will bring a horseshoe crab or two and do a deep dive into the anatomy and significance of this pre-historic creature and will talk about the Littoral Society’s restoration efforts to protect habitat in the Delaware Bay.
Registration is required for this event. Register online at: https://forms.gle/k9ihn3SduCFwbVRE6 or by calling 856-453-2210 ext. 26105.
Shark River Horseshoe Crab Tagging Times depend on Tides Meet at Pavilion Memorial Park Riverview and Myron avenues Neptune City, NJ Free
Join the American Littoral Society for horseshoe crab tagging in and around the Shark River inlet. Groups will meet at the pavilion in Neptune City's Memorial Park. Schedule meeting times are 30 minutes prior to high tide in Shark River Hills to allow for training and assignment of beach.
Volunteers should dress to get wet, have a change of clothes, bug spray, and flashlights or head lamps. A limited amount of chest waders, drills, and bits will be available. A tagging packet containing data sheets, pens, ruler, clipboard or measuring board, health and safety form, tags, informational packets, and a membership brochure will be provided. Volunteers will be trained and learn about the biology and importance of horseshoe crabs prior to tagging live crabs.
The same beaches from past years will be surveyed to include Memorial Park Beach in Neptune City, L Street Beach in Belmar, the Marina on Riverside (2 sites), and S. Riverside Drive (2 sites). Only staff or experienced volunteers will be allowed to tag at the Hillside Avenue site. In all, up to 7 sites may be surveyed in 2021.
In the event restrictions associated with the COVID 19 Pandemic are still in effect, tagging may be cancelled, limited to staff only with a virtual component, or may still be limited and performed by a single group or persons that have been on lockdown together for at least 14 days or more. Each group or person will be responsible for one designated beach within Shark River Inlet over the survey duration. It is recommended that proper PPE be worn.
To receive tagging packets and a drill with bits contact Capt. Al Modjeski at alek@littoralsociety.org.
Check the Littoral Society calendar for other scheduled tagging dates.
NORTHEAST CHAPTER NEWS Virtual Jamaica Bay Horseshoe Crab Festival In case you missed it: The 5th Annual Jamaica Bay Horseshoe Crab Festival was held on Saturday, May 14. The festival offered both in-person and virtual attendance to those who wanting to lean more about the annual spawning ritual of horseshoe crabs. Tune into the virtual presentation for a taste of what you missed.
Live Horseshoe Crab Session at 5th Annual Horseshoe Crab Festival On Saturday, May 14, as part of the 5th Annual Horseshoe Crab Festival in Jamaica Bay, the American Littoral Society's Northeast Chapter and Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy hosted a Facebook Live look on Horseshoe Crabs in their natural environment. Tune in to learn about how horseshoe crabs live and why they're important to the bay's ecosystem.
Northeast Chapter R-Corps Install Marsh Grass and Pollinator Plants In May, the Littoral Society's Northeast Chapter R-Corps students were busy planting marsh grasses in Jamaica Bay. They also installed several thousand goldenrods at the B108th street boardwalk in Rockaway to support pollinator habitat. 
RESTORATION NEWS 
Bradley Beach Maritime Forest Dedicated to Former Mayor In 2009, Bradley Beach had a parking lot at the northern end of Ocean Avenue. Almost 12 years later, that sandy lot has become a natural habitat for migrating birds and wildlife, serving also to protect Bradley’s residents from ocean surges and hurricane force winds.
Volunteers Wade Into Shoring Up Slade Dale Shoreline On Saturday, April 24, a group of hardy volunteers waded into the cold waters of Beaverdam Creek to place recycled Christmas trees between cribbing, where they will help reverse erosion that has been eating away at the shoreline of Slade Dale Nature Preserve for a century. The structures will help slow water flowing through the eroded area and capture sediment carried by the current. 
The shoreline has eroded approximately 300 feet since 1930, and almost all low marsh habitat has been lost.
SIGHTS & SOUNDS 
Delaware River Pollution Should Be a National Concern Call for clean water, justice and jobs in communities like Camden, Chester, Philadelphia and Wilmington BY TIM DILLINGHAM, ANDREW KRICUN, DON BAUGH | MAY 11, 2021
Our country faces a series of challenges that have exposed long-standing vulnerabilities to the health of our environment, our communities and our democracy. In addition, the American Society of Civil Engineers recently graded our nation’s drinking water infrastructure a C- and its wastewater infrastructure a D+, which represents entirely inadequate protection of the public health and the environment.
And, unfortunately, a significantly disproportionate burden of this infrastructure inadequacy directly impacts environmental justice communities such as Camden, Chester, Philadelphia and Wilmington. We believe very strongly that everyone, regardless of where they live and what they look like, is entitled to safe drinking water and clean waterways. Yet, the 27-mile stretch of the Delaware River that flows past these cities is the only section of this 300-mile river not designated for direct water contact by government agencies.
Vineland Park Benefits from Volunteer Maintenance On Saturday, April 14, nearly a dozen volunteers turned out to help fix tree tubes and remove invasive Japanese honey suckle at Giampietro Memorial Park in Vineland, NJ.
SAVE THE DATE 
6th Annual Lobster Run Saturday, November 6 Start and finish: The Langosta Lounge 1000 Ocean Avenue and Second Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ
Get ready to hit the boards for the 6th Annual Lobster Run 5k to Care for the Coast. Register now to get a head start on fundraising for your team! Register now at www.raceforum.com/lobster. 
Littorally Local Saturday, September 18
The Littorally Local Host Committee is looking for new members! Join a team of committed community members who help spread the word about the event, invite their networks to participate, and solicit auction items. If you’re interested in joining the committee or donating to the virtual auction, please contact Hillary Critelli at Hillary.critelli@littoralsociety.org.
Cape Ann Whale Watch Weekend Thursday thru Sunday August 5 - 8 Gloucester, MA $595 (per person) * All participants must be vaccinated
Join the Littoral Society for a nature-packed extended weekend in Gloucester, MA. Cost includes three nights lodging (double occupancy), ½-day whale watch boat, Lobster dinner at Gloucester House, evening cruise on the Essex River, ½-day canoeing on the Ipswich River, plus scenic hike along shore at Halibut Point.
For more info and reservations call (718) 474-0896 or e-mail: don@littoralsociety.org. 
Chincoteague/Assateague Weekend Thursday thru Sunday November 4 - 7 Chincoteague, VA $595 (per person) * All participants must be vaccinated
Enjoy an extended Fall weekend along the Delmarva coast.
Join the American Littoral Society for a fall weekend along the Delmarva coast. Birdwatchers are likely to see snow geese, widgeons, teals, ruddy ducks, loons, shovelers, eagles, late shorebirds, and maybe a surprise or two.
Mammals you might encounter include Sika deer, the endangered Delmarva fox squirrel, wild ponies, red fox and otters.
Cost includes 3 nights lodging (double occupancy), 3-hour boat tour of island, 2-hour Safari bus tour of back dune areas, welcome seafood dinner, evening program and star watch, plus guided hikes at Chincoteague Refuge and Assateague National Seashore.
For more info and reservations call 718-474-0896 or e-mail: don@littoralsociety.org.
JOIN US 
Buy a Sticker for Jeff In January, the Littoral Society unexpectedly lost a member of our family: long-time Fish Tagging Director Jeff Dement. To memorialize Jeff and his contributions to the Society and fish tagging, one of his former interns (Sam Glover) created a sticker that can be purchased online. $2 from each sale will be donated to the Society in support of the Fish Tagging Program.
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. 
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.
More Littoral Merch Available at Bonfire You can support the Littoral Society by purchasing our official merchandise through our store on Bonfire.com. All proceeds support coastal conservation!
Bonfire is a free online platform where anyone can design, sell, and buy custom products. We handle payment processing, order fulfillment, and customer service so you can focus on connecting with your community.
Remember the Coast Make sure that our coast remains a home for the coastal wildlife you love. A bequest to the American Littoral Society is a generous and straightforward way to care for the coast. This can be expressed in a will as simply as, “I bequeath [a sum of money, a percentage of my estate, or an IRA, life insurance policy, or investment/bank account] to the American Littoral Society, 18 Hartshorne Drive, Suite 1, Highlands, NJ 07732.”
Consult with your attorney to determine what is best for your situation.
To learn more about planning a gift for the Society, contact Director of Development Hillary Critelli at 732-291-0055 or Hillary.critelli@littoralsociety.org Other Ways to Support the Society Your membership donation helps the Society reach its fundraising goals to keep our coast safe and healthy. It also helps our staff create new and exciting ways to connect you with the coast even if we can't be there physically together. If you would like to go above and beyond membership, please explore these other ways you can help the Littoral Society continue to care for the coast. 
Our Contact Information
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May Littoral News May 1, 2021 Volunteers Highlight Littoral Society Earth Week Events 
Earth Day was big for the American Littoral Society this year. The Society hosted a week-long series of events that included some of the first involving volunteers since Covid quarantines began about a year ago.
COMING UP 
5th Annual Horseshoe Crab Festival Saturday, May 14 Sessions at 11:30 a.m., Noon and 12:30 p.m. On Facebook LIve and In-Person (limited group size) Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge 175-10 Cross Bay Blvd Queens, NY Free, Registration Required for In-Person Attendance Click Here to Register for Facebook Live Session
Join the American Littoral Society and partners for the Fifth Annual Horseshoe Crab Festival. This year the festival will offer both in-person and virtual attendance to those who want to see the annual mating ritual of the Horseshoe Crab.
Meet at the refuge visitor center 30 minutes before the in-person sessions in order to carpool to a nearby beach or drive directly to the beach site at the south end of Broad Channel. There will be three in-person sessions, which are each limited to 25 people at each. There is no limit on the number that can attend virtually.
For more information contact Northeast Chapter Director Don Riepe at 718-474-0896 or e-mail: don@littoralsociety.org.
Due to Covid precautions, registration is required. Littoral Society staff and volunteers will follow all state-mandated COVID-19 safety protocols and ask that all volunteers wear a mask, keep six feet distance from other volunteers, and to please stay home if you or someone you have been in contact with are sick. Society staff reserves the right to ask volunteers who are not following these guidelines to leave immediately. 
Maritime Forest to be Dedicated Tuesday, May 25 11 a.m. - Noon Ocean Avenue and Lake Terrace Bradley Beach, NJ The Bradley Beach Maritime Forest will be dedicated to Julie Schreck, former mayor of Jersey Shore borough, during a special ceremony.
The American LIttoral Society and officials, along with Mayor Schreck's family and friends will gather to recognize completion of phase three of the project and dedicate the restored coastal green space.
In addition to renaming the forest for Mayor Schreck and unveiling new signs, the ceremony will include remarks from dignitaries, family, and friends, who will also have the opportunity to tour the forest after the dedication.
Click here for more information on this event.
Horseshoe Crab Webinar Monday, May 24 1 - 2 pm Via Zoom Registration Required Link Will Be Provided Through Littoral Society Social Media and Calendar
Did you know that horseshoe crabs predate the dinosaurs and that they’re medical saviors?
Join The American Littoral Society for a webinar about these fascinating, ancient creatures. We’ll learn about their lifecycle, when and where they lay their eggs, when best to spot them, and even the importance of their blood to humans.
The Littoral Society will wrap up their talk with a question-and-answer session during which they will provide information on volunteer opportunities.
Shark River Horseshoe Crab Tagging Times depend on Tides Meet at Pavilion Memorial Park Riverview and Myron avenues Neptune City, NJ Free
Join the American Littoral Society for horseshoe crab tagging in and around the Shark River inlet. Groups will meet at the pavilion in Neptune City's Memorial Park. Schedule meeting times are 30 minutes prior to high tide in Shark River Hills to allow for training and assignment of beach.
Volunteers should dress to get wet, have a change of clothes, bug spray, and flashlights or head lamps. A limited amount of chest waders, drills, and bits will be available. A tagging packet containing data sheets, pens, ruler, clipboard or measuring board, health and safety form, tags, informational packets, and a membership brochure will be provided. Volunteers will be trained and learn about the biology and importance of horseshoe crabs prior to tagging live crabs.
The same beaches from past years will be surveyed to include Memorial Park Beach in Neptune City, L Street Beach in Belmar, the Marina on Riverside (2 sites), and S. Riverside Drive (2 sites). Only staff or experienced volunteers will be allowed to tag at the Hillside Avenue site. In all, up to 7 sites may be surveyed in 2021.
In the event restrictions associated with the COVID 19 Pandemic are still in effect, tagging may be cancelled, limited to staff only with a virtual component, or may still be limited and performed by a single group or persons that have been on lockdown together for at least 14 days or more. Each group or person will be responsible for one designated beach within Shark River Inlet over the survey duration. It is recommended that proper PPE be worn.
To receive tagging packets and a drill with bits, you must show up May 25 at 7PM or contact Capt. Al Modjeski at alek@littoralsociety.org.
Check the Littoral Society calendar for other scheduled tagging dates.
NORTHEAST CHAPTER NEWS Edgar the Egret Returns Edgar the Friendly Egret is back in Broad Channel, NY for the season and vigorously solicits the NE Chapter staff for the freshest spearing we can get.
Spring Migration Bird Walk in Jamaica Bay In case you missed it: On Saturday, April 24, Littoral Society naturalist Don Riepe led a limited attendance bird walk from the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge building. The event was also streamed via Facebook LIVE program.
Late April is the beginning of peak time for passerines and waterbirds in Jamaica Bay. Tune into this re-broadcast to meet some of the species that pass through Jamaica Bay at this time of year and learn about the mystery of migration.
RESTORATION NEWS 
Opening of Old Mill Dam Fish Ladder Fish in the Wreck Pond watershed now have a little bit of extra room to roam thanks to the Earth Day opening of a fish ladder at the Old Mill Pond Dam.
The 60-foot-long fish ladder is part of ongoing efforts to restore Wreck Pond and its 12.8 square mile watershed in the southern Monmouth County municipalities of Wall Township; and the Boroughs of Spring Lake Heights, Spring Lake and Sea Girt.
The restoration project, which launched in 2014, has been coordinated by the American Littoral Society in conjunction with federal and local partners.
The opening of the ladder, on April 22, 2021, will provide access an additional mile of habitat for alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus) and blueback herring (Alosa aestivalis), both river herring species that live in saltwater but spawn in fresh water. This stretch of habitat has been inaccessible to the migratory fish for more than a century, due to the installation of the dam at Old Mill Pond.
Volunteers Shore Up Dunes to Protect Restored Beach Horseshoe crabs spawning on a Delaware Bay beach will have an extra measure of security thanks to an Earth Day volunteer dune grass planting effort.
SAVE THE DATE 
Save the Date: Members Day 2021 Saturday, June 26
We are currently planning to host our annual Members Day celebration, Annual Meeting, and Board of Trustees election on Sandy Hook on Saturday, June 26. However, there is still a possibility that we will have to pivot to a virtual event, so please keep an eye on your mailboxes and email inboxes for the most up to date information.
If we are able to gather in person, Society staff and all members will be asked to follow current local, state, and federal COVID-19 restrictions and guidelines including mask wearing and social distancing.
Members Day is a members-only event, please make sure your membership is up to date in order to attend! If you’re not sure of your membership status, please email info@littoralsociety.org and we will let you know.
6th Annual Lobster Run Saturday, November 6 Start and finish: The Langosta Lounge 1000 Ocean Avenue and Second Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ
Get ready to hit the boards for the 6th Annual Lobster Run 5k to Care for the Coast. Register now to get a head start on fundraising for your team! Register now at www.raceforum.com/lobster.
Littorally Local Saturday, September 18 Virtual
The Littorally Local Host Committee is looking for new members! Join a team of committed community members who help spread the word about the event, invite their networks to participate, and solicit auction items. If you’re interested in joining the committee or donating to the virtual auction, please contact Hillary Critelli at Hillary.critelli@littoralsociety.org.
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.
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.
More Littoral Merch Available at Bonfire You can support the Littoral Society by purchasing our official merchandise through our store on Bonfire.com. All proceeds support coastal conservation!
Bonfire is a free online platform where anyone can design, sell, and buy custom products. We handle payment processing, order fulfillment, and customer service so you can focus on connecting with your community.
Remember the Coast Make sure that our coast remains a home for the coastal wildlife you love. A bequest to the American Littoral Society is a generous and straightforward way to care for the coast. This can be expressed in a will as simply as, “I bequeath [a sum of money, a percentage of my estate, or an IRA, life insurance policy, or investment/bank account] to the American Littoral Society, 18 Hartshorne Drive, Suite 1, Highlands, NJ 07732.”
Consult with your attorney to determine what is best for your situation.
To learn more about planning a gift for the Society, contact Director of Development Hillary Critelli at 732-291-0055 or Hillary.critelli@littoralsociety.org Other Ways to Support the Society Your membership donation helps the Society reach its fundraising goals to keep our coast safe and healthy. It also helps our staff create new and exciting ways to connect you with the coast even if we can't be there physically together. If you would like to go above and beyond membership, please explore these other ways you can help the Littoral Society continue to care for the coast.
Our Contact Information
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April Littoral News April 1, 2021 Littoral Society Celebrates Earth Day with NJ & NY Events 
While Earth Day is Thursday, April 22, the American Littoral Society will mark the occasion with a series of events in New York and New Jersey on and around that date.
Events will range from a beach cleanup in Howard Beach, NY to a dune grass planting on Reeds Beach, near Cape May, NJ., as well as several sites in between.
Details on the events appear below. Please join us to recognize this special day.
Many of these events will involve volunteers and all will be outdoors. However, due to Covid restrictions in NJ and NY, group sizes are limited. So we are asking attendees to register for in-person events.
Littoral Society staff and volunteers will follow all state-mandated COVID-19 safety protocols and ask that all volunteers wear a mask, keep six feet distance from other volunteers, and to please stay home if you or someone you have been in contact with are sick. Society staff reserves the right to ask volunteers who are not following these guidelines to leave immediately.
Earth Day Events 
Vineland Earth Day Maintenance Saturday, April 17 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Giampietro Memorial Park Between Landis and Lincoln avenues Vineland, NJ
Join the Littoral Society and Vineland Environmental Commission at Giampietro Memorial Park in Vineland, NJ to help care for our riparian buffer planting. We’ll be removing invasive species so that our trees can thrive!
Wear shoes that can get muddy because the park can be damp at this time of year.
Click here to find the park's parking area. Park near the amphitheater, where volunteers will gather.
Contact the Littoral Society's Zach Nickerson for more information.
COVID-19 Precautions: Littoral Society staff and volunteers will follow all state-mandated COVID-19 safety protocols - including those regarding size of groups - and ask that all volunteers wear a mask, keep six feet distance from other volunteers, and to please stay home if you or someone you have been in contact with are sick. Society staff reserves the right to ask volunteers who are not following these guidelines to leave immediately. 
Reeds Beach Dune Grass Planting Thursday, April 22 1 - 3 p.m. Parking along Reeds Beach Road Middle Township, Cape May County, NJ
Join the American Littoral Society on the beach in Delaware Bay to plant dune grass!
In early April work will be completed on sand berms that will prevent horseshoe crabs from being washed into the marsh during extreme high tides. To create a more resilient beach berm and keep the sand in place, we will then plant dune grass.
The easiest way to plant dune grasses is to create a hole in the sand with a broom handle. If you have a broom or something with similar handle, please bring it to the event.
Parking will be along Reeds Beach Road. Please dress for the weather.
For more information email Quinn Whitesall.
COVID-19 Precautions: Littoral Society staff and volunteers will follow all state-mandated COVID-19 safety protocols and ask that all volunteers wear a mask, keep six feet distance from other volunteers, and to please stay home if you or someone you have been in contact with are sick. Society staff reserves the right to ask volunteers who are not following these guidelines to leave immediately.
Slade Dale Volunteer Day Saturday, April 24 1 - 3 p.m. Sea Point Drive Point Pleasant, NJ
Lend a hand completing the branchbox breakwaters begun in 2019 at Slade Dale Nature Preserve. Volunteers will help place recycled Christmas trees into the waters of Beaverdam Creek, where they will help reverse erosion that has been eating away at the shoreline.
Thanks to additional funding from the US Fish and Wildlife Service, new pilings have been installed to expand the existing breakwater. Workers will also replenish trees that have broken down over the past two years.
Dress to get wet and messy. Parking is along Sea Point Drive, which borders the nature preserve.
COVID-19 Precautions: Littoral Society staff and volunteers will follow all state-mandated COVID-19 safety protocols and ask that all volunteers wear a mask, keep six feet distance from other volunteers, and to please stay home if you or someone you have been in contact with are sick. Society staff reserves the right to ask volunteers who are not following these guidelines to leave immediately.
Earth Day Seining Friday, April 23 3 - 4 p.m. Via Facebook Live Check the Littoral Society Facebook Page for Event
Join the Littoral Society through Facebook Live for seining in Wreck Pond, a costal lake between Spring Lake and Sea Girt, NJ.
In 2015, the Littoral Society led an effort to restore Wreck Pond. That project included installation of a fish passage intended to allow migratory fish to once again have access to their natural spawning grounds.
The passage, which re-established a connection between the pond and Atlantic Ocean, has also helped reduce flooding in the communities around the pond and the levels of pollution in the pond.
The restoration project has subsequently expanded to include installation of an upstream fish ladder at Old Mill Dam (that ladder will be opened for fish on Thursday, April 22) and ongoing monitoring of the pond's watershed. The seining is part of the monitoring work and helps to determine the kind of fish inhabiting the Wreck Pond ecosystem.
Click here to learn more about the Littoral Society's work in and around Wreck Pond.
Asbury Park Dune Grass Planting Saturday, April 24 10 a.m. - Noon Meet on the Boardwalk at Asbury and Ocean avenues Asbury Park, NJ
Join the Littoral Society for an Earth Day volunteer beach grass planting at the South end of Asubry Park by the old casino.
Due to Covid restrictions, group size must be limited to 50 people. So please click link above to register.
We will supply the beachgrass, shovels and gloves. If you have your own, please feel free to bring!
Parking is available behind the Carousel building and along surrounding streets. If you are using google maps, type in Asbury Park Casino to arrive at the correct location.
COVID-19 Precautions: Littoral Society staff and volunteers will follow all state-mandated COVID-19 safety protocols and ask that all volunteers wear a mask, keep six feet distance from other volunteers, and to please stay home if you or someone you have been in contact with are sick. Society staff reserves the right to ask volunteers who are not following these guidelines to leave immediately. 
Spring Creek Shoreline Cleanup Sunday, April 25 Noon - 2 p.m. Spring Creek Park Meet at 165th Ave and Cross Bay Blvd Howard Beach Brooklyn, NY
Join the Northeast Chapter of the American Littoral Society for a shoreline cleanup at Spring Creek Park. Spring Creek Park is a nice natural shoreline with some of the characteristic features associated with the Jamaica Bay Estuary. It is an important space for the people and wildlife that make their homes here.
This section of the park is situated in the southern end of Howard Beach (please see directions below for bus, walking, and parking).
We will provide masks, gloves, bags, sanitizing wipes, and pickers. Please bring your own water and sun protection.
Nearby Buses: Q52-SBS, Q53-SBS (walk south along Cross Bay Blvd), Q21, Q41. Parking is available on neighboring streets. We will meet on the corner of 165th Ave and Cross Bay Blvd, then walk south along Cross Bay Blvd and enter the park through the opening in the fence. The sandy trail leads down to the shoreline where the cleanup will take place.
Registration is required as we continue to follow group size restrictions and socially distant guidelines due to COVID-19.
COVID-19 Precautions: Littoral Society staff and volunteers will follow all state-mandated COVID-19 safety protocols and ask that all volunteers wear a mask, keep six feet distance from other volunteers, and to please stay home if you or someone you have been in contact with are sick. Society staff reserves the right to ask volunteers who are not following these guidelines to leave immediately.
Spring Migration Bird Walk 
Saturday, April 24 10 a.m. - Noon Via Facebook Live Look for Event on the Northeast Chapter Facebook Page
Join Littoral Society naturalist Don Riepe for a virtual Facebook LIVE program at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge.
Late April is the beginning of peak time for passerines and waterbirds in Jamaica Bay. See and learn about many species and the mystery of migration.
Go to the American Littoral Society Northeast Chapter Facebook page to join us online.
We can also accommodate up to 10 people to join us in person. To join us in person e-mail Don@littoralsociety.org or call (718) 474-0896. Covid precautions will be followed. COMING UP 
Rain Gardens: Can You Dig It? Monday, April 19 7 - 8 p.m. Via Webinar
Join the American Littoral Society's Lucia Ruggiero and the Native Plant Society for a virtual talk on practical methods for making your yard more water and wildlife friendly.
The talk will focus on rain gardens and also include information on rain barrels, pollinator meadows, and xeriscaping. Q&A will follow the webinar. 
SJ Landscape Makeover Webinar Tuesday, April 20 Noon - 1 p.m. 7 - 8 p.m.
Learn how to create a creek friendly yard with our partners at South Jersey Watersavers.
After attending the webinar, you’ll be eligible for a free rain garden design consultation and may qualify for a rebate to help cover the costs of your garden.
Two sessions: one at noon and the other at 7 p.m.
Delaware Bay Horseshoe Crab Tagging Returns Select nights May 7-June 19 Free
You can help the American Littoral Society gather information about horseshoe crab populations by volunteering to tag horseshoe crabs on New Jersey’s Delaware Bayshore beaches.
Horseshoe crab tagging is a great way for volunteers of all ages to encounter these pre-historic looking creatures up close. No experience is required, beach captains will train all volunteers on site.
Interested in participating in the largest horseshoe crab tagging program in the Delaware Bay? There are limited spots and they do fill quickly, visit www.horseshoecrabtagging.org to register for specific days/times.
We are monitoring the COVID-19 situation closely. Dates and times are subject to change. Participants will also be expected to follow Covid mandates and precautions.
COVID-19 Precautions: Littoral Society staff and volunteers will follow all state-mandated safety protocols and ask that all volunteers wear a mask, keep six feet distance from other volunteers, and to please stay home if you or someone you have been in contact with are sick. Society staff reserves the right to ask volunteers who are not following these guidelines to leave immediately.
NORTHEAST CHAPTER NEWS Edgar the Egret Returns In a sure sign of spring, Edgar the friendly Egret returned to the Littoral Society's Northeast Chapter office in Broad Channel, NY, on March 31, popping inside to cadge a snack from Jamaica Bay Guardian Don Riepe. This is Edgar's eighth year summering with the Littoral Society in Jamaica Bay.
Raptor Program gets ready for returning Ospreys Members of the NE Chapter’s Raptor Management program recently erected two Osprey nesting platforms in Jamaica Bay.
Currently there are 25 nesting pair of Ospreys in the greater bay ecosystem. In 1990, there were none.
The program is funded by a grant from Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy (JBRPC). Left to right in photo: Dennis Guiney (carpenter), Alexandra Kanonik (American Littoral Society), Alex Zablocki (JBRPC) and Don Riepe (Jamaica Bay Guardian and Director of the Littoral Society Northeast Chapter).
Jamaica Bay Spring Migration Walk In case you missed it: Enjoy a Facebook Live walk with naturalist and Littoral Society Northeast Chapter Director Don Riepe during the beginning of the spring bird migration. The walk took place on Sunday, March 21 at 11 a.m. and participants were introduced to some of the first birds of the season to arrive at New York's Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge.
Jamaica Bay Eels Jamaica Bay's East Pond is open and water is flowing. As usual, every year the open valve releases American Eels into the bay. Up to now, the highest count was 11. Today we counted nearly 60 eels and rescued almost all, bringing them to deeper waters!
We're Hiring The Northeast Chapter of the American Littoral Society is hiring seasonal interns. Applicants for the Summer Restoration Internship can be from late high school to college age. Internships begin on June 1 and run for eight weeks.
Send questions and resumes to: alexandra@littoralsociety.org.
For more information please visit: https://www.littoralsociety.org/r-corps.html 
RESTORATION NEWS 
Coastal Stewardship Month: How You Can Help Protect the Delaware Bay Ecosystem The remote beaches of New Jersey’s Delaware Bayshore are loved by wildlife and people. But human presence and activity on these beaches can scare migratory birds, disrupting feeding during their long flights to Artic breeding grounds.
Littoral Society Restoration Director Testifies Before Congressional Water, Oceans, and Wildlife Subcommittee Capt. Al Modjeski, the Littoral Society's Restoration Program Director, was among the experts called to testify at a March 11 Congressional subcommittee hearing on Building Resilience for the Economy, Climate, and Ecosystems. Watch the video to learn more.
Forked River Beach Living Shoreline Restoration Project Stakeholders Meeting The second stakeholder's meeting for the Forked River Beach Living Shoreline Restoration Project was held Thursday, February 25, 2021 at 1PM. The project in Barnegat Bay will involve the creation of eight to 10 double-rowed oyster reefs on the bayside of Lacey Township, along with a hybrid terminal groin at the south to trap down-drifting sand to begin natural rebuilding of more than 100 feet of eroded shoreline.
SIGHTS & SOUNDS 
USDA Seeks Public Comment on Climate-Smart Agriculture and Forestry Strategy The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking input from conservation groups, farmers, forest owners, and others on climate-smart agriculture and forestry strategy through an executive order that could impact many USDA programs, including the programs that support Delaware River Watershed Initiative (DRWI) projects and other water quality work.
SAVE THE DATE 
DATE CHANGE: 2021 Lobster Run Saturday, November 6
Out of an abundance of caution and care for your health and safety, the 6th Annual Lobster Run 5k to Care for the Coast has been moved to Saturday, November 6.
Registration will open in the spring. Click here for more info
Littorally Local Saturday, September 18
Save the Date for Littorally Local! You’re invited to join us for an evening of celebrating all the coast has to offer while supporting our efforts to protect it. More details to come this spring! If you’re interested in joining the Host Committee, please contact Hillary Critelli at hillary.critelli@littoralsociety.org.
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.
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.
More Littoral Merch Available at Bonfire You can support the Littoral Society by purchasing our official merchandise through our store on Bonfire.com. All proceeds support coastal conservation!
Bonfire is a free online platform where anyone can design, sell, and buy custom products. We handle payment processing, order fulfillment, and customer service so you can focus on connecting with your community.
Remember the Coast Make sure that our coast remains a home for the coastal wildlife you love. A bequest to the American Littoral Society is a generous and straightforward way to care for the coast. This can be expressed in a will as simply as, “I bequeath [a sum of money, a percentage of my estate, or an IRA, life insurance policy, or investment/bank account] to the American Littoral Society, 18 Hartshorne Drive, Suite 1, Highlands, NJ 07732.”
Consult with your attorney to determine what is best for your situation.
To learn more about planning a gift for the Society, contact Director of Development Hillary Critelli at 732-291-0055 or Hillary.critelli@littoralsociety.org Other Ways to Support the Society Your membership donation helps the Society reach its fundraising goals to keep our coast safe and healthy. It also helps our staff create new and exciting ways to connect you with the coast even if we can't be there physically together. If you would like to go above and beyond membership, please explore these other ways you can help the Littoral Society continue to care for the coast.
Our Contact Information
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March Littoral News March 1, 2021 
From the Director: NJ Enacts New Climate Change Response Tools Including Added Funding for Blue Acres Program In the beginning of February, NJ Governor Phil Murphy signed into law several pieces of legislation that advance important climate change adaptation policies and measures. Those included new directives on municipal land use and additional funding for the Blue Acres Program.
COMING UP
SJ Landscape Makeover Webinar Thursday, March 4, 7- 8 p.m. Thursday, March 18, Noon - 1 p.m. Thursday, March 18, 7 - 8 p.m. Registration Required
Are you interested in creating a creek-friendly yard? Join the American Littoral Society and partners for a workshop to learn more about rain gardens and how you can build one at home!
When you attend, you’ll have the opportunity to sign up for a 30-minute consultation where you’ll work one-on-one with a Rutgers landscape architect to plan a customized rain garden for your property.
Participants who build a rain garden as part of this program may be eligible for a rebate of $3/square foot up to $450, or help from Rutgers with installation. Rebate availability may vary. 
Virtual Jamaica Bay Winter Thaw Walk Sunday, March 21 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Free
Enjoy a Facebook Live walk with naturalist and Littoral Society Northeast Chapter Director Don Riepe during the beginning of the spring bird migration. See American Oystercatcher and some of the first birds of the season to arrive at the Refuge, while leaning about the mystery of migration.
To join the program, go to the Society's Northeast Chapter Facebook page and click the events tab.
For more info call (718) 474-0896; e-mail: don@littoralsociety.org.
Workshops as part of the Landscape Makeover Program are open to all, regardless of rebate eligibility.
In order to maintain social distancing, we will be moving some of the workshops to webinars. If these times or format don’t work for you, please continue to check back with us for updates. We hope to schedule in-person sessions when possible.
Zero Waste Workshop Wednesday, March 24
Join Littoral Society Education Director, Nicole Haines, as she discusses ways to reduce waste and live a more sustainable lifestyle.
This workshop will include:
Bridgeton City Cleanup Saturday, March 27 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Meet at The Marino Center for sign in 11 Washington Street Bridgeton NJ Free
Join the American Littoral Society and Gateway Community Action and Partnership for a cleanup of the South East Gateway Community, and it’s banks along the Cohansey River.
Masks required and temperatures taken at sign in. Maximum of 25 people may participate due to state Covid guidance.
Please dress for the weather and wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. Please bring your own gloves if you have them.
NORTHEAST CHAPTER NEWS Virtual Jamaica Bay Winter Thaw Walk In case you missed it: On Feb. 26, Jamaica Bay Guardian and Littoral Society Northeast Chapter Director Don Riepe led a leisurely virtual walk via Facebook Live along the West Pond trail. Don highlighted the nature that can be observed at this time of year and contemplated the coming of Spring.
RESTORATION NEWS 
Tribute to Tributaries: Wreck Pond Watershed Restoration The American Littoral Society is paying tribute to tributaries in March because many of our projects focus on the waters that feed the bays and coastal areas which have been the cornerstone of the Society’s mission for the past 60 years.
SIGHTS & SOUNDS 
Joins the Healthy Ocean Coalition for Ocean Advocacy Training Who: The Healthy Ocean Coalition is a national network of ocean lovers – a free-to-join coalition of passionate and supportive ocean champions - dedicated to preventing the exploitation, destruction, and neglect of our ocean, coasts, and Great Lakes.
We are changemakers guided by the principle that we are stronger and more influential together. By collaborating as an inclusive and vocal ocean community, we ensure that conservation policies in the United States are informed by and reflective of the people, regions, and wildlife that they are designed to serve – you.
All too often when it comes to building meaningful relationships with members of Congress and other decision-makers, people feel lost and do not know where to begin. It is our job to work with our members in realizing their conservation goals and serve as their guide along the path toward achieving them.
We have an open seat at the table with your name on it.
What: Our Healthy Ocean Advocacy Trainings are engaging events that build partnerships, expertise, and ensure you walk away with the necessary tools to be an advocacy pro. Even if you are already an advocate in your everyday work, this training will help you build on your skills to educate your members of Congress and federal agency staff with confidence on ocean and climate policies.
During the training, you will build relationships with your fellow participants and the trainers as well as participate in interactive dialogues and workshops guided by some of the most approachable and influential thought leaders in the ocean and advocacy community. Each session is designed to build on the ones prior, ultimately resulting in clear, concise messaging and actionable next steps following the training.
When: Wednesday, March 10 Module 1: Building an Ocean Community. Trainees work toward building an online community and set the stage of ocean policy initiatives while developing their personalized path for training modules 2-4.
Thursday, March 11 Module 2: The Ocean as a Climate Solution. Trainees work with experts in ocean policy and climate solutions to discuss and learn how federal executive and legislative bodies are currently working toward ocean and climate justice and where local and regional voices can make an impact.
Wednesday, March 17 Module 3: Influencing Decision-makers for a Healthy Ocean. Trainees address the why and how behind creating and growing relationships with policy makers in the context of ocean and climate initiatives. Trainees work to develop advocacy tools and pair them with virtual group advocacy practice.
Thursday, March 18 Module 4: Communicating for the Ocean. When Advocacy Meets Media. Trainees take advocacy tools developed in Modules 1-3 and put them into the context of communicating to media, members, and your communities to make change - locally and nationally.
*All sessions are from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Pacific/1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Eastern
Where: Calendar invitations containing a Zoom link will be circulated to participants in advance of the training.
*Please note that we will cap attendance at 20 participants and registering is a commitment to attending all four sessions. Priority will be given to applicants that have not yet attended an HOC training. Click here for more information.
SAVE THE DATE
DATE CHANGE: 2021 Lobster Run |