Blue Star Program Goes To D.C.

As a result of collaboration between Restore America’s Estuaries and the Coastal Society, Clean Ocean Action’s Cassandra Ornell, Staff Scientist, and Catie Tobin, Marine Science Education Coordinator, attended their National Summit in early November at the Gaylord Hotel and Convention Center in Maryland. Inspiring Action, Creating Resilience  

In early November, Clean Ocean Action’s Cassandra Ornell, Staff Scientist, and Catie Tobin, Marine Science Education Coordinator, attended the National Summit hosted by Restore America’s Estuaries and the Coastal Society.The overarching Summit theme of Inspiring Action, Creating Resilience was explored throughout the conference and integrated into keynote speakers as well as panels. The conference brought together the restoration and coastal management communities from across the nation for an integrated discussion to explore issues, solutions and lessons learned.   The Summit promoted conversation between scientists, advocates, and politicians about the ways in which restoration and management can help shape communities.

In addition to attending various workshops, Cassandra and Catie presented The Municipal Blue Star Program: Inspiring Resiliency in New Jersey Municipalities through Sustainable Actions during the conference poster session. The poster and presentation touched upon the success of the program and the ways in which COA implemented The Blue Star Program into New Jersey municipalities. Tying it into the greater issue of resiliency, Cassandra and Catie discussed ways in which the program can continue to grow with the help of great partners such as Sustainable Jersey and the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation.