AYLUS Oyster Bay branch helped protect threatened and endangered shorebird at Jones beach during 4th of July fireworks show
Dates: July 4, 2025
Location: Jones Beach State Park, NY
Event: Jones Beach fireworks
Activity: Shorebird Protection & Public Education
Volunteers: AYLUS Oyster Bay Branch
Time: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Aylus Oyster Bay Branch members helped protect threatened and endangered shorebird nesting and foraging grounds during the 4th of July Fireworks show.
The fireworks for the 4th of July at Jones beach attracts thousands of people and each year volunteers are relied upon to help keep the public from crossing into protected shorebird nesting and foraging habitat.
The fireworks were set to start at 9:30pm but our team arrived earlier by 5pm to beat the crowds and traffic.
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.
Piping Plovers are an endangered shorebird that migrate to Jones Beach every Summer to breed and raise their young. Areas that have important nesting and foraging habitat at Jones Beach are marked with orange string fence to keep patrons from disturbing them and other shorebirds.
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 the 4th of July — 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.
Written by: Amanda Li