Friends of the Bay - Working to keep the oyster in Oyster Bay.

"Working to keep the oyster in Oyster Bay", we are committed to the protection of the Oyster Bay-Cold Spring Harbor estuary and its surrounding upland communities. 

Through environmental education and community events, Friends of the Bay fosters local awareness of the need to preserve water quality and marine life. Through land use planning, we ensure that any development within the watershed is compatible with the needs of a healthy ecosystem. And through partnerships with residents, local business, government and civic organizations, we strive to protect the economic, aesthetic and recreational value of our still-pristine harbor. 

HISTORY

Friends of the Bay was formed in 1987 by a small group of citizens who were concerned about the impact of proposed development on the Oyster Bay waterfront. After defeating the environmentally destructive proposal, Friends of the Bay led an extraordinary public process that resulted in the "Land Use Plan for the Oyster Bay Western Waterfront". 

Since our founding, we have grown into a powerful voice representing approximately 3000 members. The New York Times has identified Friends of the Bay as one of the most effective environmental organizations around Long Island Sound. In 1997, we received the prestigious Walter B. Jones Memorial and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Excellence Award for Coastal and Resource Management as the "Non-Governmental Organization of the Year". 

Today, Friends of the Bay conducts water quality monitoring in Oyster Bay and Cold Spring Harbor, sponsors community events on the water and beach and works with citizens and local government for wetland restoration and habitat protection. We are monitoring progress on Eastern Waterfront planning, nudging land owners, town and state government as necessary and continuing to involve citizens in the process. 

For further information, visit any of the pages on this site, including our online newsletter, Baywatch. To send us e-mail, click here.