Originally published by the Brookhaven New Herald
June 30, 2016
 

Troy – With summer and beach season upon us, coastal areas are magnets for birds and people alike.

However, booming coastal development and recreational use are rapidly eroding vital habitat for birds and other wildlife.Increasing pollution, overfishing, and sea level rise have alsoput coastal birds at greater risk. Now is the time for us to act together.

Long Island’s ecosystem is one of the richest veins of biodiversity on the planet – more diverse than the FloridaEverglades – and is essential to the survival of Atlantic Flywayshorebirds. More than two dozen Important Bird Areas (IBAs)have been designated within the Long Island Ecosystem. (The IBA program is an international bird conservation initiative that identifies, monitors, and protects habitats critical to the success of bird populations.)

Audubon New York is committed to protecting birds and the vital habitat along New York’s coasts where people and birds interconnect. Our mission has never been more important.

Working closely with the seven Long Island Audubon Chapters and headquartered at the Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary & Audubon Center in Oyster Bay Cove, we are actively working to reduce threats at sites that support Piping Plovers, American Oystercatchers, Least Terns, and more.

What can you do to help?

Be informed: Our efforts, working with our strong network at the local, state, and national levels, are helping to protect Plum Island, secure needed funding for municipalities to undertake projects that improve water quality and protect natural resources, and secure action on the Long Island Sound Restoration andStewardship Act in Congress. Make your voice heard at the local, state, and federal level. Our elected officials need to hear from you that protecting Long Island’s natural environment is a priority to you.

Be A Good Egg: Our education campaign isn’t just a clever turn of phrase, it helps teach people of all ages about beach nesting bird species, simple precautions to help protect nesting sites, and how to responsibly share the beach. Follow Audubon New York for updates on social media, and like and spread the word on how to recognize and help protect nesting sites.

When birds thrive, people and their communities prosper.

(Erin M. Crotty is the Executive Director, Audubon New York |Vice President, National Audubon Society)