Celebrate Long Island Sound with Free Community Events Across Connecticut, New York City, and Long Island

The Long Island Sound Partnership, with New York Sea Grant and Connecticut Sea Grant, will host a series of free community events this August to celebrate Long Island Sound and connect people with the places, wildlife, and communities that make the Sound special. Following the success of last year’s inaugural events, the Long Island Sound Celebration Days will return with activities in Connecticut, New York City, and Long Island.

The events are held each August in recognition of the foundation of the Long Island Sound Partnership. On August 15, 1985, the US Environmental Protection Agency and the states of Connecticut and New York came together to tour areas of the Sound aboard a research vessel and announce funding to study pollution and water quality challenges facing the estuary. That effort helped launch the collaborative work that continues today through the Long Island Sound Partnership.

Each Celebration Day will feature opportunities for visitors of all ages to explore the Sound through hands-on activities, guided experiences, science, and stories about this important estuary. All events are free and open to the public, though some activities may require advance registration.

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Connecticut: Sherwood Island State Park, Westport, CT — August 14, 10am – 2pm
Discover Long Island Sound through guided hikes, hands-on science activities, arts and crafts, casting practice, giveaways, and more. Visitors will learn about the habitats and wildlife of the Sound while enjoying a day along the coast. Events will be held at the East Beach. No registration required.

Contact Maggie Cozens with questions or for more details at margaret.cozens@uconn.edu.

Long Island: Oyster Bay, NY — August 15, 10am – 2pm
Explore Long Island Sound from the water with boat trips, kayaking, fishing, hands-on science activities, arts and crafts, and more. Activities will highlight the many ways people can enjoy and help protect the Sound. Check-in in front of the Waterfront Center, 1 West End Ave., Oyster Bay, NY. Free parking at Beekman Beach. Register here.

Contact Jimena Perez-Viscasillas at jbp255@cornell.edu for more information.

New York City: Randall’s Island, NY — August 22, 10:30am – 2:20pm
Join a guided boat tour of Long Island Sound featuring five stops along the way. Participants will hear stories about the history, biology, and importance of the Sound while experiencing this unique coastal ecosystem. Meet at Ferry Dock, Harlem River Pathway, New York, NY. Space is limited and registration is required. Register here.