Hempstead Town Holding Lido Beach Cleanup This Weekend

LIDO BEACH, NY — The Town of Hempstead is teaming with the Atlantic Marine Conservation Society and All Our Energy to hold a clean-up at Lido Beach this weekend to prepare the area for bird nesting and the upcoming beach season.

The clean-up will be held on Sunday, April 11, starting at 9 a.m.

“Our oceanfront beaches provide fun and relaxation for residents, but unfortunately the currents can also transport trash, plastic and litter from other areas onto Town of Hempstead beaches,” said Hempstead Town Supervisor Donald Clavin. “This debris can create dangerous conditions for residents as well as disrupt the natural habitats of piping plovers and other bird species that nest annually along town beaches. We are proud to partner with the Atlantic Marine Conservation Society, All Our Energy and our neighbors in the community to clean up Lido Beach.”

Residents who wish to help out must register in advance by clicking here. Volunteers are able to sign up for a one-hour time slot, and up to 20 people are allowed at a time. Clean-up supplies will be provided, though it is recommended you bring your own gloves. Please wear a mask and practice social distancing.

Bird species that nest on town beaches include the endangered piping plovers, American oystercatchers, black skimmers, least terns and common terns. Plovers and oystercatchers return from their migration to town beaches in March, and skimmers stay the latest, often through September or even October.

“Cleaning up our marine environment is at the core of our organization’s mission to promote marine conservation through action," said Lindsey Reisz, education coordinator for the Atlantic Marine Conservation Society. "We enjoy hosting opportunities like this so participants can get out in their environment and make a positive impact by removing debris before the items make their way into our waterways and potentially harm marine life. This is especially important for Lido Beach because it serves as a migration and nesting site for various species of birds, such as the endangered piping plover.”