Beach Cleanup

• The simplest activity for a Jersey Shore conservation outing would be to organize a beach cleanup. Bring trash bags and gloves for all participants, and be sure to pack a good pair of sandals.
  
  Unfortunately, any public beach is going to have more than enough trash to keep your participants busy. Be careful not to travel into the beach grass to retrieve trash; it may seem like a good idea, but fetching a shopping bag is probably doing more harm than good if you are stepping on, and possibly killing, dune grass.
  
  

Marshland Walk

• The ocean's edge gets the most attention at the Jersey Shore, but of equal importance are the numerous marshlands. These regions, such as Horseshoe Cove at Sandy Hook, are important spawning grounds for many salt water and fresh water fish. They also act as natural sponges during floods, absorbing millions of gallons of water and keeping the bays and rivers they border out of your basement. While these regions are typically less traveled, and thus, typically less littered, they need attention as well. Pack garbage bags and gloves, and make sure your participants are prepared to endure their unique smell.
  
  

Shell Collection

• A great way to enjoy the Jersey Shore with a group and contribute to the conservation of the region is to go shell collecting. Bring a field guide to the shoreline, and learn about the ecological niche each organism fills as you collect their shells. If the Jersey Shore is to be conserved as a natural habitat, the first step is to expand our understanding of the role each living thing plays in the environment. The crustaceans that inhabited the shells you find were filter feeders in life, and their fate is inextricably tied to our ability to keep our beaches and our oceans clean.
  
  

Take Part in Park Activities

• Many of the state and federal parks along the Jersey Shore offer frequent shorebird-watching outings and nature walks. These are typically conducted by park rangers and your participation also means that these parks can continue to receive funding for their staff. Park rangers do much more than just conduct tours, and keeping them hard at work protecting the Jersey Shore is a worthwhile way to contribute to the region's conservation.