Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and the Town Board has announced a new partnership with the Grenville Baker Boys & Girls Club to bring an innovative and educational kelp farming initiative to the Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park Marina in Oyster Bay, providing local youth with hands-on experience in marine conservation and sustainable environmental practices.
“Oyster Bay is proud to partner with the Grenville Baker Boys & Girls Club to bring this unique and educational opportunity to local youth,” said Saladino. “By combining the Town’s commitment to environmental conservation with the Club’s dedication to youth development, this initiative will inspire the next generation to become responsible stewards of our natural resources and leaders in sustainability.”
The Town’s Department of Environmental Resources has cultivated and harvested thousands of pounds of sugar kelp over the past three years at Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park Marina and Tappen Beach Marina.
Kelp farming is a sustainable practice that enhances biodiversity, provides habitats for marine life, and improves water quality by reducing excess nitrogen and carbon in the ecosystem. The harvested kelp is repurposed as a nutrient-rich fertilizer for Town parks and gardens, promoting eco-friendly practices throughout the community.
Children from the Grenville Baker Boys & Girls Club have been granted access to up to three slips at the Theodore Roosevelt Park Marina to conduct the kelp farming initiative.
The program, supervised by Club staff and in collaboration with Town Environmental personnel, will involve up to 15 youth participants who will learn about the importance of marine ecosystems, sustainable agriculture, and environmental stewardship.