Written by Christina Mink
Dates: May 23, 24 & 25, 2025
Location: Jones Beach State Park, NY
Event: Jones Beach Air Show featuring the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds
Activity: Shorebird Protection & Public Education
Volunteers: AYLUS Oyster Bay Branch – Three rotating teams
Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM daily
Over the Memorial Day weekend, our team from the AYLUS Oyster Bay Branch participated in a three-day volunteer initiative at Jones Beach during the annual Air Show, featuring the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. To ensure full coverage, we divided into three teams, each assigned to one day of the event.
Our primary task was to safeguard the nesting habitats of the federally protected piping plover, a small and vulnerable shorebird that nests along the beach during this time of year. With tens of thousands of visitors attending the air show each day, maintaining a safe environment for these birds was critical.
Volunteers were stationed along restricted beach zones, where we:
•Monitored plover activity and kept nesting zones undisturbed
•Engaged with beachgoers to explain the importance of wildlife protection
•Answered questions and distributed educational materials on coastal conservation
Despite long hours under the sun, our volunteers remained dedicated, knowing that their efforts directly contributed to the preservation of a delicate coastal ecosystem. This project combined public engagement with environmental protection, and it was a meaningful way to spend Memorial Day weekend — not only honoring our country but also protecting the natural heritage along our shores.
Special thanks to the New York State Parks Department and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for this opportunity, and to all the volunteers who contributed their time and energy to making this mission a success.
Gratitude to the following 11 volunteers, totaling 68.5 volunteer hours collectively.
Christina Mink 7.5 hrs, Amanda Li 7 hrs, Emma Lui 7 hrs, Hoilee Dai 4 hrs, Shirley Yu 7 hrs, Lynn Lee 4 hrs, Ze Lee 4 hrs, Gary Li 7 hrs, Ma Li 7 hrs, Lin Liu 7 hrs, Helen Pan 7 hrs