Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) Marine Program has been “giving back to the bays” since 1985. As regional leaders in coastal and marine restoration and education on Long Island, it has made significant progress in enhancing the health of our local marine environments. Through the Back to the Bays Initiative, CCE works at the community level with local supporters and stewards to provide meaningful opportunities for involvement in this important work.
“In order to continue our eelgrass and oyster reef plantings in 2025, and expand our efforts to include bay scallop + hard clam restoration plantings and establishment of a new “seahorse hotel”, a fundraising drive is currently in effect. If we meet our target we will be able to both continue and expand our eelgrass restoration efforts; monitor and expand our spat-on-shell oyster reef; conduct shellfish population enhancement seedings to bolster local bay scallop and hard clam populations in the waters off of Sag Harbor; and provide the community free education programs and stewardship sessions to engage in this important work.”
