MARCH

MOORE'S LANE CLEANUP (GREENPORT)
Thursday, March 26
(3:30 to 4:30 p.m.)

We are making real progress! Anyone who has been down Monsell Trail recently has surely noticed our volunteers' tremendous impact on the illegal dumping. With the help of Mayor Nyce and the Village Highway Department we have removed couches, tires, batteries, trash, scrap metal and televisions. Join us, around the corner from the Greenport School, as we work to restore Silver Lake. We have received grant funding to create walking and bike trails, educational signs and restore the native habitat, but first we have to remove the illegal dumping. Collection bags are provided. Please bring gloves. For reservations or more information, please contact Jeremy Samuelson at 631-765-6450 (x209) or jsamuelson@eastendenvironment.org.

BIRD BOX WORKSHOP (SOUTHOLD)
[FAMILY FUN!]
Saturday, March 28
(10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.)

Spring has finally arrived, bringing back some of our avian friends! Join the Group at our Southold office and build your own bird box for a few native bird species. We supply the materials and tools, just show up ready for construction! Make reservations early, as we have limited supplies. For reservations or more information, please contact Jenn Hartnagel at 631-765-6450 (x211) or jhartnagel@eastendenvironment.org.

RETURN OF THE OSPREY! (SOUTHAMPTON)
[FAMILY FUN!]
Saturday, March 28
(10:30 to 11:30 a.m.)

In preparation for welcoming ospreys returning from their winter roosts further south, Kate Schertel will lead a short hike at Munn Point in Southampton Village. Families are welcome to join in on the fun as we traverse a boardwalk over the salt marsh and get an up-close look at an osprey nest (and its inhabitants!). Come and hear a story about the local history of this species and learn about the Group's involvement in restoring its habitat over the years. For reservations or more information, please contact Kate Schertel at 631-765-6450 (x208) or kschertel@eastendenvironment.org.

© 2008-2009 Judy Christrup

WOODCOCKS AT DUSK (BRIDGEHAMPTON)
[FAMILY FUN!]
Saturday, March 28
(6:30 to 7:45 p.m.)

As day becomes night, male woodcocks spiral up to the clouds striving to win over potential mates with their complex aerial display. Join us as we observe the entertaining courtship flights of the American woodcock. For reservations or more information, please contact Steve Biasetti at 631-765-6450 (x205) or sbiasetti@eastendenvironment.org.

APRIL

MONSELL TRAIL CLEAN-UP I (GREENPORT)
Monday, April 6
(3:30 to 4:30 p.m.)

That's right! The first Monday of each month we are rolling up our sleeves and cleaning up the shores of Silver Lake in order to make way for trails linking the Greenport waterfront to Long Island Sound. With the help of Mayor Nyce and the Village Highway Department we have already removed couches, tires, batteries, trash, scrap metal and televisions. We have received grant funding to create walking and biking trails, educational signs and restore the native habitat, but first we have to remove the illegally-dumped debris. Join us, around the corner from the Greenport School. Collection bags are provided. Please bring gloves. For reservations or more information, please contact Jeremy Samuelson at 631-765-6450 ext. 209 or jsamuelson@eastendenvironment.org.

HIKE THROUGH ARSHAMOMAQUE PRESERVE (SOUTHOLD)
Thursday, April 9
(3 to 4:30 p.m.)

Come learn about the Peconic Estuary Program and its local efforts while enjoying a nice hike through Arshamomaque/Hashamomuck Pond Preserve in Southold. This beautiful pond and surrounding preserve are exciting places to explore in Southold! For reservations or more information, please contact Jennifer Skilbred at 631-765-6450 ext. 212 or jskilbred@eastendenvironment.org.

"GREEN" SPRING CLEANING WORKSHOP (SOUTHOLD)
Wednesday, April 15
(5:30 to 7 p.m.)

Spring cleaning is in full swing. Why not use environmentally-friendly products? Come down to the Group's office and learn about the benefits of using green cleaning products. We will even show you how to create some of our own, so bring some empty spray bottles (we'll supply the ingredients). You'll be ready to tackle your own home at a fraction of the cost of commercial products. For reservations or more information, please contact Jenn Hartnagel at 631-765-6450 ext. 211 or jhartnagel@eastendenvironment.org.

© Srpehrson | Dreamstime.com

SHORE AND WADING BIRDS OF SHINNECOCK BAY (HAMPTON BAYS)
Saturday, April 18
(8:30 to 11 a.m.)

In April, Shinnecock Bay is teeming with migrant shorebirds and nesting waders. Accompany us for a morning wildlife search along Dune Road in Hampton Bays. Among the animals we expect to see are great and snowy egrets, great blue heron, glossy ibis, American oystercatcher, willet, and greater yellowlegs. Binoculars are required. For reservations or more information, please contact Steve Biasetti at 631-765-6450 ext. 205 or sbiasetti@eastendenvironment.org.

STOCK FARM HIKE (NORTH HAVEN)
Saturday, April 18
(10 to 11:30 a.m.)

Come learn about the Peconic Estuary Program and its local efforts while enjoying an easy hike through the Stock Farm Preserve in North Haven. This ~2.5 mile nature trail provides opportunities to see a variety of plants and animals. For reservations or more information, please contact Jennifer Skilbred at 631-765-6450 ext. 212 or jskilbred@eastendenvironment.org.

SURVEY OF MOORE'S WOODS I (GREENPORT)
Monday, April 20
(3:30 to 5 p.m.)

Join Group staff for one or both of these critical litter surveys as we document trail conditions and identify areas where litter cleanup is needed. The survey is critical to the Bay-to-Sound Trail project that will link the Greenport waterfront to Long Island Sound through the creation and upgrading of walking and biking trails. For reservations or more information, please contact Jeremy Samuelson at 631-765-6450 ext. 209 or jsamuelson@eastendenvironment.org.

FAMILY EARTH DAY PLANTING (SPRINGS)
Wednesday, April 22
(3:30 to 4:30 p.m.)

Many families are living by the old motto, "Earth Day is Every Day," by conserving energy, carpooling, reducing, reusing and recycling whenever possible! But just as a reminder that we're all in this together, commemorate this "Earth Day" with your family and help restore a damaged natural area by planting beach grass and other native plants. Planting site in Springs TBA. For more information, please contact Anita Wright at 631-537-1400 ext. 206 or acwright@eastendenvironment.org.

NORTH FORK QUIZ NIGHT AT LEGENDS (NEW SUFFOLK)
Wednesday, April 22
(6 to 9 p.m.)

Attention trivia enthusiasts! Join us for a fun night of quizzing topped off with a CASH PRIZE for our winning team at Legends Restaurant in New Suffolk (835 First Street, New Suffolk)! Teams of up to four people will compete for a first place cash prize by answering quiz questions about the local environment and other interesting topics. Get your friends together to share some laughs while benefiting and learning more about Group for the East End. For more information, or to register a team, please contact Kate Schertel at 631-765-6450 ext. 208 or kschertel@eastendenvironment.org. Team registration: $10 per person EARLY; $15 per person AT THE DOOR. Free appetizers provided by Legends! Proceeds benefit local environmental advocacy and education by Group for the East End.

May

NATIVE PLANT COMMUNITY GARDEN FUNDRAISER (SOUTHOLD)
Saturday, May 2
(10 a.m. to 12 p.m.)

Volunteer with Group for the East End by helping our staff create a native plant community garden on the property at our office in Southold (54895 Main Road). With native species donated by Cornell Cooperative Extension and maintenance/planning assistance from Will Lee of Lee Landscaping and Sang Lee Farm, we will create a garden that can be enjoyed by the community and be used for educational purposes for years to come. Beautiful native plants require less maintenance (no pesticides that pollute the ground and surface waters), can be deer resistant, and provide natural habitat for local wildlife species (attracting birds and butterflies to your garden). Participants who sign up ahead of time will have the opportunity to be named on the garden's dedication plaque, if they are able to raise over $250 in pledges toward the effort (on their own or through sponsorships). Proceeds benefit garden maintenance and educational programs. Join us afterwards (12-2) for refreshments and an art opening inside the office (see below). For more information, please contact Kate Schertel at 631-765-6450 ext. 208 or kschertel@eastendenvironment.org.

ENVIRONMENTAL ART RECEPTION (SOUTHOLD)
Saturday, May 2
(10 a.m. to 12 p.m.)

Join us after the Community Garden Fundraiser (see above) for refreshments and an environmental art opening with works by two unique, distinct and renowned local artists, Barbara Roux and Carolyn Munaco Haines. Admission is free. For more information, please contact Judy Christrup at 631-765-6450 ext. 215 or jchristrup@eastendenvironment.org and visit www.barbararoux.com and www.carolynmunacohaines.com.

MONSELL TRAIL CLEAN-UP II (GREENPORT)
Monday, May 4
(3:30 to 4:30 p.m.)

That's right! The first Monday of each month we are rolling up our sleeves and cleaning up the shores of Silver Lake in order to make way for trails linking the Greenport waterfront to Long Island Sound. With the help of Mayor Nyce and the Village Highway Department we have already removed couches, tires, batteries, trash, scrap metal and televisions. We have received grant funding to create walking and biking trails, educational signs and restore the native habitat, but first we have to remove the illegally-dumped debris. Join us, around the corner from the Greenport School. Collection bags are provided. Please bring gloves. For reservations or more information, please contact Jeremy Samuelson at 631-765-6450 ext. 209 or jsamuelson@eastendenvironment.org.

FAMILY NIGHT HIKE UNDER THE MOON (EAST HAMPTON)
Saturday, May 9
(7:30 to 8:30 p.m.)

There's something about hiking at dusk into darkness that feels especially exciting and adventurous! On this night, the moon will be 99% full and, should it be a clear evening, this one-mile loop on the Sammy's Beach nature trail and along the bay beach will be magical. Clear or not, bring your family and join Environmental Educator Anita Wright and her family for this special evening outdoors. For reservations or more information, please contact Anita Wright at 631-537-1400 ext. 206 or acwright@eastendenvironment.org.

FRIDAY MORNING BIRDS AT QUOGUE WILDLIFE REFUGE (QUOGUE)
Friday, May 15
(7:30 to 9 a.m.)

May is the month that every birdwatcher anticipates with giddiness. Neotropical migrants are on the move, and they're wearing their finest outfits: bright red and black-winged Scarlet Tanagers, sky-blue Indigo Buntings, warblers galore (thirty-odd species) wearing most of the colors in the Crayola box... We will search the Quogue Wildlife Refuge for these beautiful songbirds. Binoculars are required. For reservations or more information, please contact Steve Biasetti at 631-765-6450 ext. 205 or sbiasetti@eastendenvironment.org.

SPRINGS "SPRING" CLEAN-UP (SPRINGS)
Saturday, May 16
(10 a.m. to noon) [rain date May 17]

Group for the East End is joining forces with the Accabonac Protection Committee to organize this annual community effort to clean up the neighborhood! Bring your family and friends (and some gloves!) and meet us at Springs General Store at 10 a.m. sharp. Dress for the task (old clothes, light in color for easier tick detection) and we'll provide the garbage bags. Your hard work will be rewarded by a free lunch, courtesy of the Springs General Store. For more information, please contact Anita Wright at 631-537-1400 ext. 206 or acwright@eastendenvironment.org.

FOURTEENTH ANNUAL FAUNA-THON FUNDRAISER (ENTIRE EAST END)
Sunday, May 17
(all day and part of the night!)

Group staffers and friends will wander far and wide, searching for mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, butterflies, and dragonflies. Can we beat our record of 266 species? Not without your help! So join one of our teams, make your own team, or pledge a donation. For more information, please contact Steve Biasetti at 631-765-6450 ext. 205 or sbiasetti@eastendenvironment.org.

SURVEY OF MOORE'S WOODS II (GREENPORT)
Monday, May 18
(3:30 to 5 p.m.)

Join Group staff for one or both of these critical litter surveys as we document trail conditions and identify areas where litter cleanup is needed. The survey is critical to the Bay-to-Sound Trail project that will link the Greenport waterfront to Long Island Sound through the creation and upgrading of walking and biking trails. For reservations or more information, please contact Jeremy Samuelson at 631-765-6450 ext. 209 or jsamuelson@eastendenvironment.org.

McCABE'S BEACH CLEAN-UP (SOUTHOLD)
Thursday, May 21
(5:30 to 7:30 p.m.)

Come on down to McCabe's Beach overlooking the Long Island Sound and lend a hand cleaning up the shoreline before summer begins. Bring some gloves and we will supply the bags. For more information, please contact Jenn Hartnagel at 631-765-6450 ext. 211 or jhartnagel@eastendenvironment.org.

GARDENING FOR THE BIRDS, BUTTERFLIES, AND BAYS!
Saturday, May 30
(9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

North Fork Audubon Society and Group For the East End are joining forces for an exciting spring planting project at The Red House, and we hope you will join in the effort too! The project includes planting an area of native plants that will attract birds and butterflies, an experimental deer-deterrent garden, and a stormwater remediation garden, in which we will be replacing a swath of lawn (where the property slopes towards the road) with a variety of native plants that will help reduce runoff to the bay! While helping to protect local wildlife, and beautify our community, you will learn some great ideas to use in your own yard as well. Hungry helpers are welcome to stay for lunch! Meet at the Red House at Inlet Pond County Park on Route 48 in Greenport. For more information please contact: GEE Environmental Advocate, Jennifer Skilbred, at (631) 765-6450 ext.212 or jskilbred@eastendenvironment.org.

BEACH CLEAN-UP AT SAGG MAIN BEACH (SAGAPONACK)
Sunday, May 31
(11 a.m. to 1 p.m.)

Help out with a beach clean up at Sagg Main Beach in Sagaponack, and learn about the natural things that wash up on the shore as well. If you've ever wondered about the stories behind the pretty shells you find on local beaches, you will have a great time exploring with us! For reservations or more information, please contact Jennifer Skilbred at 631-765-6450 ext. 212 or jskilbred@eastendenvironment.org.

June

MONSELL TRAIL CLEAN-UP III (GREENPORT)
Monday, June 1
(3:30 to 4:30 p.m.)

That's right! The first Monday of each month we are rolling up our sleeves and cleaning up the shores of Silver Lake in order to make way for trails linking the Greenport waterfront to Long Island Sound. With the help of Mayor Nyce and the Village Highway Department we have already removed couches, tires, batteries, trash, scrap metal and televisions. We have received grant funding to create walking and biking trails, educational signs and restore the native habitat, but first we have to remove the illegally-dumped debris. Join us, around the corner from the Greenport School. Collection bags are provided. Please bring gloves. For reservations or more information, please contact Jeremy Samuelson at 631-765-6450 ext. 209 or jsamuelson@eastendenvironment.org.

ARSHAMOMAQUE PRESERVE HIKE (SOUTHOLD)
Thursday, June 4
(5:30 to 7 p.m.)

Stressed out from a hard day at the office or school? Join us for an evening walk through one of Southold's most ecologically-diverse preserves. Once farmland, this preserve boasts exceptional scenic and biological resources including the rare swamp cottonwood forest. The Preserve is located off Chapel Lane in Greenport. For reservations or more information, please contact Jenn Hartnagel at 631-765-6450 ext. 211 or jhartnagel@eastendenvironment.org.

INTRODUCTION TO BAYSCAPING (BRIDGEHAMPTON)
Tuesday, June 16th
(5 to 7 p.m.)

Join Group for the East End and Peconic Baykeeper at the Children's Museum of the East End to learn how to make your yard beautiful while protecting the local environment. You can do your part to preserve water quality in the bays and save money at the same time! Bayscaping builds healthy soils, reduces waste in the garden, conserves water, saves energy, creates wildlife habitat, protects local watersheds and bays, and contributes to a healthy community. Presented by Group for the East End and Peconic Baykeeper; hosted by Children's Museum of the East End. Location: 376 Bridgehampton / Sag Harbor Turnpike, Bridgehampton. To register or receive more information, please contact Jennifer Skilbred at (631) 765-6450, ext. 212, jskilbred@eastendenvironment.org, or Kevin McAllister at (631) 653-4804, mac@peconicbaykeeper.org.

ECOFABULOUS ON THE EAST END
Saturday, June 20th
6:30 - 11:30

Group for the East End's Annual Benefit, which funds 40% of the year's environmental work, will take place at the Wolffer Estate Vineyard in Sagaponack. Join us to celebrate all things ECO in the East End and pay tribute to the memory and extraordinary life of Christian Wolffer, who passed away on December 31st. This year's benefit will highlight the local produce, products and production of the East End through a farm-to-table approach with the farmers, growers and chefs who utilize and promote the fabulous East End bounty. Join local celebrities and celebrity chefs as they cook-off during cocktails, then move into a chef-prepared three-course dinner featuring phenomenal food from farms in the East End. Our exciting array of green-focused auction items will encourage guests to give green to go green. Invitations: Jodi Grindrod at jgrindrod@eastendenvironment.org or 631-765-6450, ext. 216. Press and auction information: Carrie Waible at carrie@cwandco.com or 646-423-0230. Tickets can be purchased online or by calling 631-765-6450, ext. 215 or 216.

LATE AFTERNOON PADDLE ON HALLOCK BAY (ORIENT)
Saturday, June 27
(3:30 to 5:30 p.m.)

Bordered to the south by 363 acres of protected land in Orient Beach State Park, Hallock's Bay provides a peaceful kayaking experience with many chances to view wildlife and take in the scenery. Bring a snack, a pair of binoculars, and some friends for this serene Saturday afternoon paddle. We will launch from the parking area at the bend in Narrow River Road in Orient. A limited number of boat rentals will be available through Bayview Tours, but please reserve ahead of time. For reservations or more information, please contact Kate Schertel at 631-765-6450 ext. 208 or kschertel@eastendenvironment.org.