On March 28, 2026, AYLUS Oyster Bay joined Stewardship Saturday at the Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center in Jones Beach State Park. Volunteers worked to clean the beach and protect local wildlife. Coastal areas face constant pressure from litter and human activity. Clean habitats support stable ecosystems.
Volunteers focused on protecting the Piping Plover. This bird nests on open sand. Foot traffic and pets disturb nesting sites. Volunteers set up string fencing around protected zones. This barrier reduces human impact and supports breeding success.
The work required effort. Volunteers walked over one mile across sand while carrying posts and rope. This step prepared the beach for nesting season. Each section of fencing marked a safe space for wildlife.
Volunteers also removed litter along the shoreline. Trash harms animals through ingestion and entanglement. Clean beaches reduce these risks and improve habitat quality.
AYLUS members completed key tasks during the event. Long term protection requires repeated action. Volunteers plan to return to the Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center and continue supporting conservation efforts.
Written by: Amanda Li