An official website of the United States government. 
Hofstra University and the NOAA Marine Debris Program teamed up to remove marine debris from one of New York's last natural salt marshes.
Project Dates: June 2013 - May 2015
What is the project?
One of the last natural salt marshes in Nassau County, New York received a substantial influx of debris from Hurricanes Irene and Sandy. In response, Hofstra University is removing lumber, tires, foam, wire fencing, and other large pieces of marine debris from a 35-acre stretch of that marsh.
Who is involved?
With support from the Marine Debris Program’s Community-based Marine Debris Removal Grant, Hofstra University, the Long Beach School District, and the Town of Hempstead Department of Conservation and Waterways removed debris from the marsh with other scientists, educators, community leaders, and student groups.
What does it accomplish?
The project began with the repair of existing structures (boardwalks, stairs, and bridges), which provide access to the marsh for subsequent debris removals. Volunteers invested thousands of hours in removing an estimated 45 tons of debris from the marsh both on land and by boat. This project benefited not only the environment but also local education. The marsh is used regularly for kindergarten through twelfth grade learning, as well as university students and faculty for research.
What is something unique about the project?
This removal project included an education and outreach strategy that supports on-going and new volunteer opportunities for students and citizens. The experienced project leads continue removal efforts at the site to ensure re-accumulation of debris does not occur.