Foster Stewardship

Increase public engagement in environmental practices that protect and conserve Long Island Sound and its watershed.

Fostering stewardship and encouraging sustainable behaviors are central to protecting the health of Long Island Sound and its watershed. These efforts involve helping individuals and communities understand how their daily choices impact the environment and giving them the tools and opportunities to take meaningful action.

With more than 23 million people living within 50 miles of Long Island Sound—and the watershed extending nearly to the Canadian border—human activity has a major influence on the region’s ecological health. Pollution from nitrogen sources such as lawn fertilizer and septic systems, along with marine debris, are persistent challenges that require both systemic solutions and individual behavior change.

Participating in stewardship efforts—such as habitat cleanups, monitoring water quality, or removing invasive species—can help people form stronger connections with their local environment. These experiences often lead to a greater sense of ownership, increased environmental knowledge, and a willingness to adopt or advocate for sustainable practices.

Stewardship can take place at many levels. At the individual level, it might mean reducing plastic use or maintaining a healthy yard. At the community level, it could involve organizing a stream cleanup or supporting local conservation policies. All forms of engagement contribute to the overall resilience of the Sound.

To support and scale this work, the Partnership will facilitate at least 18 projects or campaigns each year that promote sustainable behaviors and stewardship. Additionally, the goal is to engage 28,000 volunteers through Partnership-supported efforts by 2035. These targets are based on a review of activities supported in 2022 and 2023 through financial, technical, or direct engagement.

By broadening participation and support for these efforts, the region can build a stronger foundation for long-term conservation of Long Island Sound and its watershed.

Actions

• Increase opportunities to involve the public in the monitoring, restoration, and conservation of Long Island Sound and its ecosystems through volunteerism, participatory science, and community-led action.
• Investigate the relationship between the public and the Long Island Sound ecosystem through social science research.
• Develop campaigns and share messages to encourage residents, both homeowners and renters, to adopt environmentally friendly practices at home, school, work, and their communities.
• Promote environmentally friendly behaviors at the Sound, its coast, and its tributaries through outreach to beachgoers, boaters, anglers, and other users of the Sound.
• Provide information, programming, incentives, and resources (e.g., educational toolkits) that enable local environmental groups, municipalities, schools, and other user groups to teach and promote sustainable practices in their communities.

Programs