Politics & Government

TOBAY Beach Dune Planting Set for March 19

The Town of Oyster Bay needs help planting special grasses that help to keep the dunes intact.

The  is already thinking about spring and is making plans for its annual dune stabilization project at 

The invitation comes directly from town Supervisor John Venditto, who will be joined by town officials, crews and a host of volunteers on Saturday March 19. The 23rd annual event begins at 10 a.m. on the town's pristine Atlantic Ocean beach, which is part of Massapequa.

“Begun in 1989, the dune stabilization project has been an immensely popular volunteer activity for residents of all ages,” Venditto said this week. “Part of the project’s popularity is that people can actually see the results of their efforts…the dune grass they plant is directly responsible for preserving the dunes and beach they enjoy during the summer."

Find out what's happening in Massapequawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Last March, about 1,400 people, a record number of volunteers, turned out for the event, well surpassing the 2009 record of 1,100 people, Venditto said. Last year's volunteers planted 220,000 stalks of dune grass.

Sand dunes provide a natural barrier against storm surges and high winds during severe weather and, without them, waterfront property and the coastline itself is at greater risk, town officials said.

Find out what's happening in Massapequawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The grass helps stabilize and enlarge the dunes by catching blowing and drifting sand.

During the fall and winter, several severe storms caused significant damage to ocean beaches in Suffolk County. Phyllis Barry, a spokeswoman for the town of Oyster Bay, said recently that winter damage to Tobay beach was typical of the winter season and not a cause for concern.

 By volunteering, Venditto said "you can look forward to a few hours of planting and fun, working alongside Town officials and crews, as well as residents from across the Town who share your interest in helping preserve Tobay Beach.”

Donors provide coffee, donuts and clam chowder for the participants.

Anyone interested in volunteering should contact the Department of Environmental Resources at(516) 677-5748.



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