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Beach Cleanups

Hempstead Supervisor Don Clavin and members of the Hempstead Town Board are teaming up with Atlantic Marine Conservation Society (AMSEAS) to host regular community beach clean-ups in Lido Beach and Point Lookout. 

Pollution is a large problem, especially near water where each tide brings in more debris and trash. Lido Beach is a migration and nesting site for various species of birds, such as the endangered Piping Plover, which makes it even more important to keep the beach clean.

When residents join a beach cleanup, they can see the types of marine debris that washes ashore, learn how to quantify and report the data to NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), and understand what they can do to help.  After each volunteer time slot, people can really see the amazing impact they have made. 

We are asking for volunteers from the town each month to join in cleaning up trash and debris from the beach. This is a wonderful way to give back and to learn about the environment while working together as a community. Volunteers can sign up for a one-hour time slot; there will be a maximum number of participants per time slot, and registration is required. Clean-up supplies will be provided, but it is recommended to bring your own gloves. Please practice social distancing.

Upcoming Beach Cleanup Events

Saturday, June 10, 2023- Register here!

Sunday, June 25, 2023- Register here! 

Saturday, July 29, 2023- Register here!

Sunday, August 27, 2023- Register here!

Saturday, September 16, 2023-International Coastal Cleanup Day!

Sunday, October 29, 2023- Register here!

Past Beach Cleanup Events

Sunday, March 26, 2023

Sunday, April 23, 2023

Sunday, May 21, 2023

Keep Our Seas Free of Debris Art Contest!

Supervisor Don Clavin and the Hempstead Town Board invite local artists to submit designs for a sea turtle sculpture donated by New York Marine Rescue Center that will displayed at Lido Town Park.  The winning artist will  receive a $500 stipend to complete their design and paint the 5-foot tall sculpture. 

Contest Theme 

The competition and sculpture will aim to raise awareness of the importance of keeping our waterways free of plastic and other debris to protect sea turtles and other local marine wildlife. Marine debris is defined as "any persistent or solid material that is manufactured or processed and directly or indirectly, intentionally or unintentionally, disposed of or abandoned into the marine environment” (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration). Marine debris poses a serious threat to local and migrating wildlife, public health, and marine navigation throughout the region. 

Visit our Marine Debris page for more information!

Volunteer Opportunities

The Department of Conservation and Waterways offers opportunities for volunteers to expand current programs and outreach throughout the Township. Opportunities are available on a one-time, weekly, or monthly basis depending on how much time a volunteer would like to contribute. See the information below, which highlights various activities for volunteers to participate in with the Department. Many opportunities are seasonal--if you would like to volunteer, please fill out our Volunteer Form to receive periodic emails detailing events and sign ups.  

Email cw-volunteers@hempsteadny.gov for more information or questions.

Beach Cleanups

Take place monthly on Town beaches from 9AM-12PM, divided into hour-long time slots from March-October.  Check back in early 2023 for a schedule of dates and locations!

Shellfish Hatchery

Participate in the Town's Shellfish Restoration Program!  Each year, larval oysters are set upon bags of clam shell and used to construct oyster beds in the Hempstead Bays as a part of the Town's effort to increase diversity and improve water quality. Assist staff in bagging shell to give our oysters a home!

Storm Drain Medallion Program

Help your community by affixing educational medallions on your local storm drains. Place No Dumping and Pet Waste medallions on storm drains and record location data on provided maps. These medallions serve as a reminder that everything entering the drain has environmental consequences and “Only Rain Should Go Down Our Storm Drains!” Training and supplies will be provided.

Diamondback Terrpain Monitoring

Survey historical Diamondback Terrapin nesting areas and assist staff in tagging female turtles for research. Learn how to record data and locate nesting turtles in and around local preserves and parks. A training session will be offered in spring 2023! Check back for dates and sign up information.

Shorebird Stewardship and Monitoring

Conduct observations of threatened and endangered nesting shorebirds on Town beaches, help repair symbolic fencing, or submit photographs to assist in current research efforts. A training session will be offered in spring 2023. Check back for dates and sign ups information.

Sustainable Greenhouse

Assist staff in watering, planting and propagating native plants and grasses around Town facilities. Perform weeding at Department pollinator gardens and participate as a Citizen Scientist in tagging monarch butterflies during their migration season.