File Photo
Jamaica Bay is an 18,000-acre wetland estuary in South Queens.
By Michael V. Cusenza
Talk about a cleaning crew.
Last weekend’s cold weather couldn’t keep 60 dedicated volunteers from removing more than 800 pounds of litter, trash and debris from Jamaica Bay. The cleanup was hosted by Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-Howard Beach) in partnership with Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Park Conservancy, NYC Plover Project and the National Park Service.
“I am so appreciative of these volunteers who are committed to making our wetlands and beaches safe and clean. While these cleanups are vital, we must step up our game to teach people you cannot use the Bay as a dumping ground, or just leave behind your belongings,” Pheffer Amato said.
During the morning cleanup volunteers discovered car seats, a full case of beer, a tent and so many other items that do not belong on the shoreline.
Photo Courtesy of Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato
The cleanup was hosted by Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato in partnership with Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Park Conservancy, NYC Plover Project and the National Park Service.
“Our beaches, bays and wetlands are a treasure, and should be treated as such,” the assemblywoman added.
Volunteers learned about endangered birds, like the piping plover, and ways to protect their nesting habitat.
“Rockaway is surrounded by water and our natural areas provide some of the region’s most important habitat for wildlife, especially nesting shorebirds. Partnering with our elected officials, like Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato, to host volunteer cleanups is critical to ensuring these spaces are kept free of debris but also an opportunity to educate the public about these important places,” said Alex Zablocki, executive director of the Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Park Conservancy.
According to NYC Parks, Jamaica Bay is an 18,000-acre wetland estuary surrounded by the Rockaway Peninsula to the South, Brooklyn to the West, and South Queens to the East. Comprising an area almost equal to that of Manhattan, the bay consists of numerous islands, a labyrinth of waterways, meadowlands, and two freshwater ponds.
Pheffer Amato pledged to continue to host multiple cleanups this year. Anyone interested in getting involved, or learning more, can reach out to the assemblywoman’s office at amatos@nyassembly.gov.
