What is a Creekkeeper Volunteer?

Creekkeeper volunteers are trained volunteers who assist Peconic Baykeeper in our efforts to protect the Peconic and South Shore Estuaries by keeping a watchful eye over the creeks, harbors, bays and beaches in their own neighborhoods, protecting them and alerting authorities to activities that lead to their decline.

Through workshops and field trainings, volunteers learn how to conduct shoreline and water quality monitoring. Assigned specific patrol areas, Creekkeeper volunteers can identify construction activities like dredging, bulkheads and docks, as well as unlawful alterations to existing shorelines, both in construction and in vegetation. Volunteers are also instrumental in gathering water quality data.

Peconic Baykeeper is currently overseeing a volunteer monitoring program along the Forge River, between Mastic and Moriches. This past summer we coordinated another group that tested the waters surrounding Shelter Island.

If you and others in your community are interested in playing an instrumental role in bringing to light threats to our waters, you can be a powerful force in addressing these issues.

Group training sessions are scheduled as requested, and meetings occur on site; necessary equipment, ranging from aerial photos, fieldbooks, and monitoring equipment are provided by Peconic Baykeeper as supplies are available.

For more information, call 631-653-4804 or e-mail us at info@peconicbaykeeper.org.