Back to the Bays had been busy this summer working to restore oyster reef habitats on Shelter Island and engaging the public every step of the way!

Back to the Bays intern, Rachel Kaplani, completed her senior thesis work with us this summer 2026. Curious about the interactions soil minerals, nutrients, and microorganisms have with plants and their root systems, Rachel has been developing and experimenting with growing methods for cultivating marsh grass, including floating “Restoration Rafts,” which allow grass roots to take up excess nutrients directly from our bays as they grow.

Kim Manzo and Kate Rossi-Snook give us an up close look at our 2026 Seahorse Hotel deployments in Greenport, Southold, Hampton Bays, and Sag Harbor/North Haven Stewardship Sites!

Meet the Artist Profile: Introducing our 2026 Back to the Bays Featured Artist, CCE Marine’s own Aquaculture Manager, Mike Patricio!

Learn about what our Back to the Bays Quogue Jr. Ambassadors have been up to this summer. Lead Ambassadors, Teagan and Oggie, share their experience.