Jamaica Bay cleanup yields 800 pounds of trash

A beach cleanup along Jamaica Bay collected 800 pounds of garbage. Photo courtesy of Pheffer Amato

By Rachel Vick

Dozens of environmentally conscious volunteers gathered for a Jamaica Bay cleanup during the first weekend in February, collecting hundreds of pounds of garbage.

The cleanup, hosted by Assemblymember Stacey Pheffer Amato in partnership with Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Park Conservancy, NYC Plover Project and the National Park Service, brought out 60 community members armed with gloves and grabbers.

“I am so appreciative of these volunteers who are committed to making our wetlands and beaches safe and clean,” Pheffer Amato said. “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.”

Among the 800 pounds of found items that don’t belong on the beach were car seats, a full case of beer and a tent, along with plastic and other trash.

Volunteers also had an opportunity to learn about the Rockaway wildlife, like the endangered Piping PLovers that nest along the shores.

“Rockaway is surrounded by water and our natural areas provide some of the region's most important habitat for wildlife, especially nesting shorebirds,” said Alex Zablocki, Executive Director of the Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Park Conservancy. “Partnering with our elected officials… 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."