Friends of the Bay - Working to keep the oyster in Oyster Bay.
News and Issues
For 20 years it has been Friends of the Bay's mission to preserve, protect and restore the ecological integrity and productivity of the Oyster Bay/Cold Spring Harbor estuary and the surrounding watershed.
NEWS FEATURES ARCHIVE 2010
Dr. James M. Cervino, MS, Ph.D., speaking at FOB Winter Lecture Series on Wednesday, January 12. He spoke about understanding a Global Warming world and its effects on our coastal zone marine habitats from a local and global perspective.
The first lecture in the series was a great success, thanks to everyone who came out in the capacity crowd! Hope to see you in February!
- (Oyster Bay, NY - January 4, 2010) 2010 Winter Lecture Series begins!
Dr. James M. Cervino, MS, Ph.D., Understanding a Global Warming world and its effects on our coastal zone marine habitats from a local and global perspective, with a special note on how shellfish can help protect our coasts. (Note that this is the second Wednesday of the month). For more information, call 922-6666
All lectures take place in the Friends of the Bay Offices at 2 Townsend Square (intersection of South and West Main Street, Oyster Bay). The doors open at 7:00 and lectures begin at 7:30. We hope to start the New Year off with you!
Next Lecture Wednesday, February 3 - George Thompson and Beth Fiteni, environmentally responsible and sustainable gardening techniques.
NEWS FEATURES ARCHIVE 2009
- (Oyster Bay, NY - April 7, 2010) 2010 Lecture Series continues!
-
Friends of the Bays lecture series continued on Wednesday April 7th with an egaging talk about How to be an Effective Advocate.
The following websites give information about New York State Government decision making:
- Project Sunshine website - www.sunlightny.com
- Open Book New York - www.osc.state.ny.us/openbook
- See Through NY - www.seethroughny.net
Next Lecture Wednesday, May 5th 2010.
- (Oyster Bay, NY - April 6, 2010) Geese Peace
-
The Canada Goose population on Long Island is growing rapidly, and increasing at a rate of approximately 15% annually. It seems unbelievable that thirty years ago they were almost extinct. They have made a stunning comeback, but the unfortunate part of that return from the brink is that many of these geese no longer migrate back to their home in St. James Bay in Canada, but remain on Long Island. Homeowners, visitors to public parks, people who use school athletic fields and industrial parks, are well aware of the unsanitary conditions left behind by the Geese. What many do not realize, is that these droppings also pose a problem in terms of water quality. Rain washes the excrement into our streams and harbors, and raises bacteria levels.
GeesePeace recognized the challenge that the geese populations would pose for municipalities and homeowners and is dedicated to building better communities though innovative, effective, and humane solutions to wildlife conflicts. Their vision is "To humanely achieve a permanent end to conflicts with resident Canada geese throughout America."
- (Oyster Bay, NY - November 4, 2009) State of the Watershed public presentation.
FOB held a public forum on Wednesday to present the results of the State of the Watershed study, highlight the study findings and get feedback from the public.
The materials are available to the public for download. NOTE: The powerpoint is 28mb.
- (Bridgeport, CT - October 15, 2009) FOB featured in Wind Check Magazine.
Our water quality monitoring program is featured in October 2009 Wind Check Magazine.
- (New York, NY - Sept 13, 2009) New York Times features interactive water pollution map.
From the N.Y. Times: "Across the nation, the system that Congress created to protect the nation's waters under the Clean Water Act of 1972 today often fails to prevent pollution. The New York Times has compiled data on more than 200,000 facilities that have permits to discharge pollutants and collected responses from states regarding compliance."
- (Oyster Bay, NY - Sept 1, 2009) Music Legend Billy Joel Audaciously Supports Friends of the Bay
Oyster Bay, NY - Music Legend and Oyster Bay native Billy Joel graciously supported Friends of the Bay (friendsofthebay.org) by offering the organization his newest and largest of the six yacht fleet, The Audacious, a 95 Ft Inace expedition vessel for an exclusive maiden voyage fundraising cruise around Oyster Bay Harbor.
26 passengers will board The Audacious on Friday, September 4 and cruise the surrounding Harbor for three hours. The event helps Friends of the Bay raise much needed funds which will go towards helping the organization continue its mission to protect, preserve and restore the ecological integrity and productivity of the Oyster Bay/Cold Spring Harbor Estuary and the surrounding watershed.
- (Oyster Bay, NY - August 17, 2009) FOB to conduct stream and upland field assessments within the Oyster Bay/Cold Spring Harbor watershed.
This announcement is to notify you that the proposed field work will be conducted between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. during the week of August 24, 2009. Field crews will conduct as much of the assessments as possible from within the stream corridor and their cars and will make every effort to avoid private property.
- (Oyster Bay, NY - August 5, 2009) FOB releases 07/08 water quality report
Friends of the Bay has released the 2007/2008 water quality report on the Oyster Bay/Cold Spring Harbor Estuary. Two years in the making, the Water Quality Report was produced in 2009. It presents and describes data and observations that were recorded by Friends of the Bay Water Quality Monitoring Program throughout 2007 and 2008.
- (Oyster Bay, NY - July 27, 2009) West Shore Road Update
Many folks asked about the survey markers seen popping up on West Shore Road - here is the update from Legislator Diane Yaturo (from a recent mailer): "As most of you are aware, the sea wall along West Shore Road is in great disrepair. Nassau County has placed West Shore Road into its Capital Plan and has dedicated funding to make the necessary repairs that are so long overdue."
"There is no plan to widen West Shore Road, but NCDPW will work within the existing width to create drainage and make necessary repairs to the road. West Shore Road will not be significantly altered."
- (Hempstead Harbor, NY - July 2, 2009) Dolphins in Hempstead Harbor!
In late June / Early July bottleneck dolphins were seen visiting Hempstead Harbor.
- (Oyster Bay, NY - April 10, 2009) FOB presented with an award by the Environmental Protection Agency!
This award recognizes individuals and organizations that have significantly contributed to improving environmental quality during the prior year; have demonstrated a high level of achievement; and have created unique or location-specific benefits, produced results that are sustainable or reproducible, or increased public involvement in environmental action.
This award is a tribute to the high level of commitment and professionalism of our volunteers.
- (Oyster Bay, NY - April 02, 2009) FOB featured in Northeast Boating Magazine.
Our water quality monitoring program is featured in March 2009 Northeast Boating Magazine, here's what they had to say:
"The clarity of the water is due in large part to the huge numbers of shellfish that inhabit the bay and the efforts of a nonprofit group called Friends of the Bay (FOB). Engaged in what they call "citizen science," the members of FOB work hard to maintain the bay's clean water and namesake bivalves."
Frances Cerra Whittelsey
- (Oyster Bay, NY - March 20, 2009) The shovels are ready at The Birches.
Friends of the Bay has received word from Legislator Diane Yatauro's office that work will be commencing on the construction project at the Birches. A groundbreaking ceremony will take place on April 16 at 10:30 am. Surveying crews are working now to prepare for the commencement of the construction of Phase One of the project.
- (Oyster Bay, NY - January 27, 2009) Eastern Waterfront plan presented.
Community members gathered in the OB town hall on Tuesday night to get the first glimpse of the proposed eastern waterfront plan. This is still early in the planning stage, (it is not the final plan) all comments received at the public hearing will be considered.
NEWS FEATURES ARCHIVE 2008
- (Oyster Bay, NY - November 4, 2008) Fish Habitats Public Meeting.
- Wednesday, November 19th - 7:30 to 9:00PM - 2 Townsend Square (111 South Street) Oyster Bay
Please join us to learn about the status of migratory fish populations and their habitats in the Oyster Bay/Cold Spring Harbor Watershed.
Sponsored by the Project Partners of the Oyster Bay/Cold Spring Harbor Watershed Fish Passage Assessment Project, a project funded by the National Fish & Wildlife Foundation and the Long Island Sound Futures Fund.
- (Oyster Bay, NY - October 19, 2008) Small is beautiful - but bigger is better.
- Thursday, October 30th - 5-8pm 111 South Street / 2 Townsend Square - Please join us to celebrate the opening of our new expanded space and the third decade of our partnership with the community to protect the Oyster Bay/Cold Spring Harbor watershed.
- (Oyster Bay, NY - August 19, 2008) Friends of the Bay moving?!
- It's official, Friends of the Bay will be moving into our new space late this summer. The space faces South Street, in Townsend Square, downtown Oyster Bay. This location will greatly increase the visiblity of our activities. In addition to increased office capacity for our mission critical activities, we are also pleased to announce the space will contain interactive and information exhibits on the Watershed. Designed as a multi-use space, the Exhibit area will convert into a presentation area for our new "speaker and film" series begining this Fall.
- >>> read more...
- (Oyster Bay, NY - August 7, 2008) - 5th Annual Barbecue Rescheduled.
- Our annual event has been rescheduled to Sunday, September 21st 2008 at the Sewanhaka Corinthian Yacht Club.
- (Oyster Bay, NY - July 27, 2008) - 5th Annual Barbecue.
- Mother Nature was in full-effect on Sunday July 27th 2008, with gusts of high winds and powerful lightning. It was decided to cancel the BBQ in the interest of safety...
- (Oyster Bay, NY - April 21, 2008) - Planting of trees improves water quality.
- The Tree Committee held an Arbor Day Celebration and Tree Dedication ceremony today at the Town of Oyster Bay Community Center. The Town now has a Tree Preservation Ordinance as well as Tree Preservation Bureau. Kathy Prinz served as the Mistress of Ceremonies and introduced the Town Officials, members of the Tree Committee, and other residents, who read facts, quotes and poetry about trees, and how important they are to our quality of life.
- >>> read more...
- List of L.I. Native trees
- >>> download list...
- (Oyster Bay, NY - April 11, 2008) - Great News for Long Island Sound: Governor Paterson Says NO to Broadwater.
- Governor Paterson's announcement the Broadwater proposal violates the Coastal Zone Management Act and is inconsistent with the values and uses of Long Island Sound marked an historic event, for the Sound and for the many thousands who spoke out against this project. This decision was signal to the public that their voices were heard and that the Sound cannot be co-opted for private gain.
- (Nassau County, NY - February 25, 2008) Smithers Property in Mill Neck .
- The Nassau County Legislature voted unanimously Monday to buy most of the 31-acre Smithers Estate in Mill Neck for $7.8 million and preserve it as open space. Friends of the Bay commends the County Legislature on their unanimous vote to acquire the Smithers Property in Mill Neck, which is an outstanding environmental achievement. A sincere thank you to everyone who called, wrote or emailed their legislators. In the words of John James Audubon, "A true conservationist is a man who knows that the world is not given by his fathers but borrowed from his children."
- (Oyster Bay, NY - February 8, 2008) - Last Chance to Say "NO" to Broadwater.
- Follow the link below to view the Anti-Broadwater Coalition's video protesting the Broadwater LNG proposal for Long Island Sound. Then call Governor Spitzer at 518-474-8390 and urge him to say "NO" to Broadwater. This is your last chance to weigh in on this inappropriate and unjustifiable proposal before Governor Spitzer makes his final decision.
NEWS FEATURES ARCHIVE 2007
- (Oyster Bay, NY - December 6, 2007) - Robin Kriesberg named as new Executive Director.
- Friends of the Bay Board President Beth Dalton-Costello announced today that Robin Kriesberg has joined Friends of the Bay as Executive Director. "We are excited to bring someone with Robin's extensive experience and strong commitment to the environment into Friends of the Bay. She is looking forward to becoming a vital member of our community." Prior to joining Friends of The Bay, Ms. Kriesberg was the Associate Director of Restoration and Stewardship at Save the Sound, a Program of Connecticut Fund for the Environment.
- (Oyster Bay, NY - October 31, 2007) - Friends of the Bay awarded grant to develop a watershed management plan.
- Top federal and state environmental officials gathered together on Monday, October 29 to announce the recipients of grants awarded through the Long Island Sound Futures Fund.
- August 28th, 2007 - FOB Launches Water Quality Website
- Friends of the Bay has launched a new website as part of its recent efforts to make more information available to government, and the public-at-large, information pertaining to it's Water Quality Monitoring Program.
NEWS FEATURES ARCHIVE 2006
- November 03, 2006 - What's AvalonBay's Next Move?
- The Coalition to STOP AVALON weighs in on AvalonBay's new proposed development project in the Hamlet of Oyster Bay.
LINKS & EVENTS
- + Site Info
- + Website Support: support@friendsofthebay
