New York Islanders Legend Bob Nystrom to be on Hand to Kick off Environmental Initiative
If you love visiting Tobay Beach and want to help ensure that the beach’s environment remains as beautiful as ever, you can join with New York Islanders legend Bob Nystrom, fellow volunteers and Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino at the Annual Tobay Beach Dune Stabilization Project, scheduled for Saturday, March 25, at 10:00 a.m. Nystrom, who was a longtime resident of Bayville, is perhaps best remembered for scoring the winning goal in overtime to give the New York Islanders the 1980 Stanley Cup title. He continued on to win a total of four Stanley Cups with the Islanders.
“This event is a great opportunity to meet a Long Island sports hero and, at the same time, assure the preservation of the environmental and structural integrity of our beaches,” Supervisor Saladino said. “For almost 30 years, the Dune Stabilization Project has been an immensely popular activity that brings out volunteers of all ages who leave with a feeling of accomplishment. The dunes in Tobay Beach continue to face environmentally damaging storms that have a significant impact on them. The efforts of this project make significant progress in shoring these sandy barriers for future generations.”
“All participants can look forward to a few hours of work and fun and students will receive a certificate recognizing their community service,” Supervisor Saladino emphasized. “You will work alongside Town officials and crews, as well as residents from across the Town who share your interest in helping preserve Tobay Beach. As in the past, you can look forward to coffee, hot chocolate, clam chowder, generously donated by the Mill Creek Tavern of Bayville, and light refreshments. We also thank Shoprite of Massapequa and Frank M. Flower & Sons Oyster Company for their generous sponsorship. Once your planting is done, you will leave with the good feeling that comes from knowing you have performed an invaluable environmental service.”
Supervisor Saladino noted that the planting of dune grass provides a natural shield that is perfect for withstanding storm surges and high winds. “One of the more wonderful aspects of the Dune Stabilization Project is that people can actually witness the results of their hard work. The dune grass they planted will go on to preserve the dunes of the beach they enjoy so much,” Supervisor Saladino said. “Each year countless volunteers show up for the event and plant thousands of stalks of dune grass and it is my hope, especially with the presence of ‘Mr. Long Island,’ Bob Nystrom, that this year has the biggest attendance yet.”
Supervisor Saladino encourages residents interested in volunteering or seeking more information to contact the Department of Environmental Resources at 677-5943, or visit www.oysterbaytown.com.