Join us at Whales Tale - Hampton Bays, for a fun-filled day of oysters, live music, art, and activities, to give Back to the Bays!

Relish in peak summer season with us at our annual Back to the Bays Day Fundraising + Awareness event.

Enjoy live music by Roots Foundation, local oysters, extensive Back to the Bay Stewardship Drive Raffle, kids activities, Basket Auction (values up to $500), and more!

Pre-registering for this event is appreciated, but not required. Bring friends and family! Registering ahead of time in Eventbrite automatically enters you into a special door prize raffle! *Pre-reg. will end at 10pm the night before event, August 7th, but all are welcome join!

Back to the Bays Stewardship Program

Much of what we do through CCE Marine Program's Back to the Bays Initiative is centered around stewardship - the act of caring for of our natural environments. The work we accomplish annually at our Back to the Bays Stewardship Sitesis having a meaningful impact on water quality improvement, marine and coastal habitat restoration, clam and bay scallop population enhancement, and expansion of oyster reefs in our bays.

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

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

Join Back to the Bays at Tiana Bayside in Hampton Bays to survey the seahorse population!

Did you know the Northern Lined Seahorse is native to Eastern Long Island? Unfortunately, loss of habitat has led to significant decline in their populations. Come to this interactive workshop to learn about the life cycles + behaviors of seahorses from CCE Marine's experts, and then work together as a group to sein for seahorses in the eelgrass meadows off Tiana / Ponquogue at low tide (around 2pm).

We encourage you to register as a Back to the Bays Steward beforehand which you can do at this link. We look forward to seeing you, and thank you for your participation!

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County strives to host inclusive, accessible events that respectfully enables all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to interact and engage fully. Our Association will make reasonable accommodations to enable all individuals to participate in our events. To request an accommodation or for inquiries about accessibility, please contact Kim Manzo at kp92@cornell.edu

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

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

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

Join CCE Marine’s Back to the Bays Habitat Specialists and Educators in a unique hands-on experience tending to our coastal plant nursery and new demonstrative coastal rain garden to kick off spring! We will be working with native coastal plant species and learning about their many important roles throughout this experience.

Please come prepared in clothes that you are ok with getting dirty. Also, bring gardening gloves and hand shovels if you have (some will be provided, but supplies are limited).

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

Did you know the Northern Lined Seahorse is native to Eastern Long Island? Unfortunately, loss of habitat has led to significant decline in their populations. Come to this interactive workshop to learn about the life cycles + behaviors of seahorses from CCE Marine's experts, and then work together as a group to sein for seahorses in the eelgrass meadows off Tiana Bayside at low tide (around 2pm).

We encourage you to register as a Back to the Bays Steward beforehand which you can do at this link. We look forward to seeing you, and thank you for your participation!

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County strives to host inclusive, accessible events that respectfully enables all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to interact and engage fully. Our Association will make reasonable accommodations to enable all individuals to participate in our events. To request an accommodation or for inquiries about accessibility, please contact Kim Manzo at kp92@cornell.edu

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

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

Did you know the Northern Lined Seahorse is native to Eastern Long Island? Unfortunately, loss of habitat has led to significant decline in their populations. Come to this interactive workshop to learn about the life cycles + behaviors of seahorses from CCE Marine's experts, and then work together as a group to construct a "Seahorse Hotel" artificial habitat based on what you have learned--your creation will be deployed in local waters at our Hampton Bays + Sag Harbor Stewardship Sites and utilized in our new seahorse restoration + monitoring efforts!

Join CCE Marine’s Back to the Bays Habitat Specialists and Educators in a unique hands-on experience preparing planting into our new demonstrative coastal rain garden to kick off spring! We will be working with native coastal plant species and learning about their many important roles throughout this experience.

Please come prepared in clothes that you are ok with getting dirty. Also, bring gardening gloves and hand shovels if you have (some will be provided, but supplies are limited).

*CANCELLED

Due to unprecedented winter weather conditions, we have made the difficult decision to cancel the 4th Annual North Fork Polar Bear Plunge for this year. We are incredibly grateful for the enthusiasm, generosity, and support shown by our plungers, sponsors, and community. While we won’t be gathering at the beach this year, the impact of your participation is still very real. All funds raised directly support two vital causes:

• CAST - providing food relief, education, and essential support services to North Fork and Shelter Island residents in need

• CCE Marine Program and our Back to the Bays Initiative - restoring marine habitats and strengthening shellfish populations on the East End

You can still pickup plunge merchandise and prizes at CAST - 53930 Main Rd. in Southold. Visit Treiber Hall using the entrance off the Main Rd. The first 50 people to pick up their items will receive a free sweatshirt! Prizes will also be awarded to the top teams and individual fundraisers.

Merch + prize pickup dates and times:
Thursday, January 29: 12:00–4:00 PM
Wednesday, February 4: 10:00 AM–1:00 PM
Thursday, February 5: 2:00–5:00 PM
Saturday, February 7: 1:00–3:00 PM

To learn more about cold water plunging, visit the North Fork Polar Bears at northforkpolarbears.org. There is still time to add your support for Team Back to the Bays HERE. Thank you, and stay safe and warm!

Help us plant native coastal grasses & shrubs in our designated restoration areas on the beach, and create SEAd Bombs to replenish the natural buffer between the beach and parking area at Long Beach. Work side by side with Cornell Cooperative Extension's Habitat Restoration Team and learn about the importance of coastal plant restoration while playing a hands on role in planting efforts. Please bring work gloves, dress for the weather and join us beginning at 10am on Saturday December 6th. Service hours available, please contact a staff person at the event if you require documentation.

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County strives to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to interact and engage fully. We will make reasonable accommodations to enable participation in our programmming. To request an accommodation or for inquiries about accessibility, please contact us at backtothebays@cornell.edu at least one week prior to the program or event date.

Join CCE Marine’s Back to the Bays Team planting, transplanting and weeding our demonstrative coastal rain garden and coastal plant nursery!

Please come prepared in clothes & shoes that you are ok with getting dirty. Also, bring gardening gloves and hand shovels if you have (some will be provided, but supplies are limited).

Plants take in carbon dioxide from air and sequester carbon in their soil and roots. Less carbon in atmosphere, less climate change!

This event counts toward community service hours!

We encourage you to register as a Back to the Bays Steward beforehand which you can do at this link. We look forward to seeing you, and thank you for your participation!

Don't miss out on this opportunity to connect with nature and fellow gardening enthusiasts. See you there!

Join Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Back to the Bays Initiative for a Marine Meadows Workshop! Participants will learn about the importance of eelgrass, our native species of seagrass that provides essential habitat and services, and then will have the opportunity to weave eelgrass into discs of burlap to prepare them for planting into the South Shore Estuary. This program is made possible by funding from the South Shore Estuary Reserve Program. Community service hours will be provided upon request.

Welcome to Tiana Coastal Garden!

Come join us at the beautiful Tiana Bayside on October 16, 2025 at 4pm for native seed collecting and SEAd Bomb making!

We will search the grounds of Tiana Bayside for any native plants with seeds ready to be harvested and we will use them along with other sourced seeds to create SEAd Bombs... small soil balls with native perennial plant seeds. The plant species in the SEAd Bombs are plants that will support rain gardens, maintain swale structure, help prevent erosion and provide nectar and food to insects and animals .

Plants take in carbon dioxide from air and sequester carbon in their soil and roots. Less carbon in atmosphere, less climate change!

Join CCE Marine’s Back to the Bays Team planting, transplanting and weeding our demonstrative coastal rain garden and coastal plant nursery!

Please come prepared in clothes & shoes that you are ok with getting dirty. Also, bring gardening gloves and hand shovels if you have (some will be provided, but supplies are limited).

Plants take in carbon dioxide from air and sequester carbon in their soil and roots. Less carbon in atmosphere, less climate change!

This event counts toward community service hours!

We encourage you to register as a Back to the Bays Steward beforehand which you can do at this link. We look forward to seeing you, and thank you for your participation!

Don't miss out on this opportunity to connect with nature and fellow gardening enthusiasts. See you there!

Did you know the Northern Lined Seahorse is native to Eastern Long Island? Unfortunately, loss of habitat has led to significant decline in their populations. Come to this interactive workshop to learn about the life cycles + behaviors of seahorses from CCE Marine's experts, and then work together as a group to construct a "Seahorse Hotel" artificial habitat based on what you have learned--your creation will be deployed in local waters and utilized in our new seahorse restoration + monitoring efforts!

We encourage you to register as a Back to the Bays Steward beforehand which you can do at this link. We look forward to seeing you, and thank you for your participation!

Meet our Quogue Back to the Bays Jr. Ambassadors at the Quogue Association’s Duck Race Fundraiser. They will be there promoting our work and engaging their local community in our mission.