Local
SoundWaters hosts annual Horseshoe Crab Day on May 31
By SoundWaters
May 16, 2008 - 11:22:47 AM

SoundWaters, an environmental educational organization, will host its annual Horseshoe Crab Day at the SoundWaters Coastal Education Center, Cove Island Park in Stamford, on Saturday, May 31 from 1 – 4 p.m. The family event will feature exhibits, presentations, arts and crafts, and an educational beach walk.

The day takes place in the middle of the horseshoe crab’s annual spawning period. During this time, horseshoe crabs migrate ashore to lay eggs and fertilize them. Volunteers are participating in an annual census to keep track of their migration patterns and population – both indicators of the health of the local ecology. Horseshoe Crab Day also offers an opportunity to learn how to count and tag these creatures for the census.

The day’s schedule includes:

1 p.m.
· See the new horseshoe crab exhibit

· Watch exciting horseshoe crab videos

· Observe live horseshoe crabs up close

· Make arts and crafts projects

2 p.m.
· Listen to the annual reading of “Hernan’s Long Journey: A Horseshoe Crab Story” in English and Spanish by the Cove Rangers, a team of fourth grade students from KT Murphy Elementary School in Stamford

2:30 p.m.
· Watch a presentation from Sacred Heart University on horseshoe crab conservation

3 p.m.
· Learn how to count and tag horseshoe crabs during a beach walk

For more information, contact Dianne@soundwaters.org or call (203) 323-1978.

Founded in 1989, SoundWaters is the leading environmental educational organization on Long Island Sound. Its mission is to educate children and adults about the wonders and beauty of Long Island Sound and its watershed. Through education, SoundWaters provides people with an understanding and awareness of the changes they can make in their lives and communities to restore, protect, and preserve Long Island Sound and the environment. Programs take place at the Coastal Education Center in Cove Island Park in Stamford, Connecticut; on SoundWaters, an 80’ three-masted schooner; at schools, community centers and field sites throughout the region.

© Copyright by StamfordPlus.com