Become a "citizen scientist" and help us count and tag local horseshoe crabs coming to shore at night to lay their eggs!

Join us in a state-wide effort to monitor our local horseshoe crab population and collect data that will inform policy that will help sustain their population for generations to come!

Back to the Bays, an initiative of CCE Marine Program, oversees the monitoring of horseshoe crabs at the Tiana Bayside site, in Hampton Bays. To register for a date at this location, please signup here on Eventbrite, or contact our site coordinator, Danielle Morris at dm733@cornell.edu, 516-306-0958.

Yes, this work is conducted at night, under the full or new moon, when horseshoe crabs come ashore to lay eggs! Be prepared to walk along the shore and wade into water if needed.

How to prepare:

• Please arrive 10 minutes prior to the scheduled monitoring time to get oriented

• Dress for the weather, rain or shine (only thunderstorms may cause cancellations)

• Wear waders or tall boots, or water shoes when water is warm enough - we only have a handful of waders to borrow

• Extra flashlights and headlamps are helpful - we only have 2 to borrow

• Instructions, data sheets, clip boards, and tools are provided

• Familiarize yourself with thisSample Data Sheet (waterproof sheets will be provided)

• ReviewQuadrat + Count Protocols (Volunteer coordinator will teach methods)

Please note: there are multiple dates and times to register for throughout the season. Please take extra care to register for the date and time you would like to attend.

Tiana Bayside 2026 Season Schedule

Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Marine Program and Stony Brook University are working with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to coordinate and implement this project.

The intent of this network is to encourage participants to get involved with our annual horseshoe crab monitoring program on various reference beaches throughout New York’s Marine District. Participants assist with the collection of scientific data that is used to assess the status of horseshoe crabs in NY State, and will help determine the management and conservation of this important species throughout the region.

To learn more about this project in general and to register for other locations, visit: www.nyhorseshoecrab.org