Back to the Bays: Protecting Our Waters One Volunteer at a Time

Many folks want to contribute to keeping the East End waters as pristine as possible forever, mainly because they appreciate all that the East End of Long Island waters offer. Most Long Islanders love where they live for multiple reasons and are proud to be from the island. There is an opportunity to walk the walk that goes with talking the talk by getting involved in the Back to the Bays Initiative of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County’s Marine Program.

Kimberly Barbour, the Back to the Bays Director, shared with Hamptons.com what gives her the most joy in her job. “Working with my team of experts and educators to raise awareness of the importance of our coastal and marine environment, and creating opportunities for involvement in our shellfish and habitat restoration work, brings me so much joy and helps me feel fulfilled as a scientist. When I founded the Back to the Bays Initiative a decade ago (2025 marks our 10th anniversary!) I knew I wanted to reach as many community members and visitors of the East End as possible and inspire them to give back to our bays. Seeing participants of our Stewardship Sessions and special events walk away having learned something and wanting to keep making a positive impact to the health of our waters is definitely what keeps me going.” 

CCE’s Marine Program has been giving “Back to the Bays” since 1985. In its mission, it states,“They are committed to offering communities, individuals, and businesses opportunities to help us expand our efforts! Our goal is to increase stakeholder engagement in our Water Quality Protection Initiatives; Habitat Improvement Projects; Shellfish and Fin Fish Research and Restoration; and Youth and Community Education Experiences.”

One can volunteer and participate on the front lines of their ongoing projects and work alongside scientists and educators at CCE’s facilities in Hampton Bays and Southold, as well as the Back to the Bays Stewardship Sites, where they conduct long-term restoration and monitoring efforts. The joys of helping protect the East End waters for future generations are both a responsibility and an honor. Everyone knows how important the beaches, the bays, the streams, the fisheries, and the harbors are to maintaining the high quality of life the East End provides.

The Back to the Bays Stewardship Sites include Sag Harbor, Shelter Island, Hampton Bays, Quogue, Greenport, Lake Montauk, and Mattituck, as well as the newest site in Southold, sponsored by the North Fork Polar Bears.

By signing on as a Back to the Bays Steward, one gets a hands-on opportunity to make a difference. Back to the Bays is a unique involvement opportunity because of its long list of successful projects and programs. Perhaps one might not have the time to commit to volunteering and helping out, but there is still a way to support these efforts by contributing. For just $25.00 a year, you can become a Back to the Bays Steward, and there are plenty more giving opportunities through Stewardship Site and special event sponsorship, species campaigns, and donations to their facility fund.  

Director Barbour proudly listed some of the major Back to the Bays accomplishments saying, “Since my program’s inception we’ve reached tens of thousands of people through our programming; raised and planted millions of oysters, clams and scallops into our Stewardship Sites; and continue to find fun and innovative ways to involve the public in hands-on, science-based activities to help expand the goals and mission of Cornell Cooperative Extension Marine Program.” 

So, whether you are an aspiring scientist or a business owner looking for an opportunity to support the local maritime heritage, you will be able to effectively link yourself up to an appropriate project, sponsorship opportunity, or volunteer effort. Providing time, energy, and monetary support to local communities and individuals alike can play a significant part in the success and expansion of the many important initiatives of CCE’s Marine Program. One of the best ways that you can support these initiatives is by becoming an official “Back to the Bays Steward.”

Visit https://backtothebays.org/stewardship to get involved today!