Plastic Beach Clean Up a Success

April 16 was a sunny brisk morning at Georgica Pond when 50 people of all ages gathered to help pick up plastic debris along the ocean and shoreline of Georgica Pond.

In addition to collecting approximately 20 pounds of plastic garbage and other beach debris, the group learned about the uniqueness of Georgica Pond and how plastic garbage enters it. Friends of Georgica Pond Foundation’s Executive Director, Sara Davison talked about oysters and their amazing ability to filter water. The group saw oyster spat (2-month-old), 1-year, 2-year and even the shell of a 10-year-old oyster. For the last 3 years, the Gobler Lab has run an oyster experiment in Georgica Pond which has demonstrated that oysters can thrive in Georgica Pond. 

Groups fanned out in all directions.

Friends of Georgica Pond Foundation would like to thank the following for their help with the Beach Clean Up:

  • The East Hampton Shellfish Hatchery
  • The Georgica Association
  • Sid & Ashley Perkins
  • The Chapman Perelman Foundation
  • Dave Johnson

All photos by Letty Patino

Plastic was identified and sorted by type.
The pond level was low, so there was lots of sandy pond-shore to hunt for plastic on.