What's Next, One Year After Sandy

Waves of Action Program Culminates with Distinguished Speakers,

Panel Discussions, and Sea Level Rise Survey Results

Full house at McLoone's Pier House in Long Branch

On Saturday, Clean Ocean Action (COA) held a conference with concerned citizens more than one year after Superstorm Sandy at McLoone’s Pier House in Long Branch, New Jersey.

A celebration of the culmination of Waves of Action “For The Shore,” the year-long Sandy response program, the conference highlighted the extraordinary success of Waves of Action volunteers and project leaders, released results of a summer-long survey on sea level rise and accountability, and included panel discussions with distinguished speakers.  Panelists and speakers discussed, ‘What Do Communities Need Now and How Can Volunteers Help?’ and ‘What Resources are Available for Resiliency and Environmental Stewardship?’

One hundred and seventy three citizens were surveyed during the Clean Ocean Action Shore Tips (C.O.A.S.T.) campaign this past summer to garner public opinion about sea level rise and climate change, the impacts from Superstorm Sandy and what citizens believe elected officials and the general public should do in response to sea level rise and climate change.  The results are clear; the majority of the public believe that sea level rise exists and that a broad array of both citizen action and government action are needed to reduce the impacts.  Sea level rise survey and report by Macailagh McCue, 2013 C.O.A.S.T. Intern, 2014 Masters Candidate, James Madison University.

“Over the course of the past summer, COA’s sea level rise survey of the people of the Jersey Shore led to one inescapable conclusion – nearly everyone agrees the climate is changing, the sea is rising and that it’s up to us to make changes in our lives, communities and laws,” said Clean Ocean Action Coastal Policy Attorney Sean Dixon.

“New Jersey Recovery Fund grantees have been doing amazing work throughout the state of NJ to promote a recovery process that is transparent, sustainable, creative and equitable. They are currently serving as watchdogs, healers, educators and leaders to better prepare NJ for future disasters. I look forward to sharing more information about their work with conference participants,” stated Emilio DeLia, New Jersey Recovery Fund Project Manager.

“As the founder and editor of Jersey Shore Hurricane News, I not only report the daily news, but I'm also at the helm of a community of people primarily in Ocean and Monmouth counties. The platform is a community resource and has been intimately involved in the post-Sandy recovery. Accordingly, with the long-term recovery still in its early stages, our communities will continually require a strong communications coalition,” explained Founder of Jersey Shore Hurricane News Justin Auciello.

“Nature is tremendously resilient if given the chance and volunteers can make a big impact,” stated Save Barnegat Bay Executive Director Britta Wenzel.

“The challenge for homeowners that want to rebuild in a more sustainable manner is a lack of resources to support that decision. Many residents are struggling just to rebuild what they had, and often the additive cost of building a more resilient home is prohibitive. Government programs and flood insurance payments should provide additional resources to assist homeowners and businesses build a more sustainable shore community,” said Sea Bright Volunteer Coordinator Frank Lawrence.

"The need was unprecedented, as was the response. But we may just be looking at the tip of an iceberg in future years, an iceberg quickly melting into higher sea levels as it rushes our way," stated NJ Reporter for NBC New York Brian Thompson.

“As time goes on, Superstorm Sandy won’t be given as much media attention, which is why it is important that groups like Clean Ocean Action continue to advocate for what needs to be done in the future.  It is important to restore the shore, but it is most important to think long-term and prevent future damage,” explained US Representative Frank Pallone, New Jersey, 6^th District.

"Clean Ocean Action's comprehensive response to Hurricane Sandy, sea level rise, and extreme weather is impressive.  COA has been front and center engaging shore lovers at the grassroots, businesses, and elected officials to be proactive about our resiliency in the midst of climate change," said Lauren Townsend, NJ Director of US Strong. “Congratulations to COA's board, staff, and activists for accomplishing so much throughout 2013's Waves of Action, and thank you for your counsel and partnership advocating for national action, and the creation of a federal extreme weather relief and protection fund," added Townsend.

“Waves of Action ‘For the Shore’ was Clean Ocean Action coalition’s response to Superstorm Sandy. It has been a remarkable year of challenges and achievements, and there are thousands of stories of tenacity, compassion, resiliency and hope.  We believe the program must now evolve to help move toward restoration—minding the rules of Mother Nature and encouraging environmental stewardship.  Indeed, it’s not really a choice, it’s a mandate,” said Clean Ocean Action Executive Director Cindy Zipf.

Through Waves of Action “For The Shore,” almost 14,000 volunteers have helped to improve and protect the marine environment through 281 projects, with more than 125 different organizations, in over 70 towns in New York and New Jersey.  For more information, visit www.ForTheShore.org.

The Waves of Action Conference was sponsored by Whole Earth Center of Princeton, Montecalvo Recovery Facility, New Jersey 101.5 FM Radio, Barefoot Wine and Bubbly.

The Waves of Action program was sponsored by Aveda, Bloomberg, Dave Matthews Band, Provident Bank Foundation, LUSH Cosmetics, Rebuild Recover, Mickey Hart Band, Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, All-State Foundation, Spinach for Rip & Joe Schiavone Foundation, Eileen Fisher, Inc., The Harriet Greenfield Foundation.

Superstorm Sandy-Inspired Education: First 'Virtual Teach-In' on Climate Issues a Success

Photo Credit: Basil Henning

For the November Wave of Action, COA compiled educational materials from national and international sources that creatively and clearly present complex climate issues.  Materials were sorted by topic and age with resources available for K-12.  Topics included Climate Change, Global Warming, Sea Level Rise, Your Carbon Footprint, Greenhouse Gases, and the Science Behind Hurricanes and Superstorm Sandy.

Over 87 educators throughout New York and New Jersey, and even Australia, who represented 77 schools, 6 groups, 1 Cub Scout Troop, and 3 homeschoolers, signed up to bring the resources into their classrooms.

“I envision that in the future these 5th graders could find themselves in a meaningful conversation where they can contribute their ideas in their second language to help the environment.  We stressed in class that these issues were not isolated to New Jersey or to the United States, but rather a global issue that demands we work together internationally,” explained Knollwood School Spanish Teacher Basil Henning.

“Thank you for the abundance of educational information that you provided for my students. I was happy to participate and I believe my students gained tremendous insight into the conditions that set these storms into motion and the devastation that they can cause to the communities that they impact,” stated Woodlynne Public School Science Teacher Renae Vannais.

Climate change education is important every day of the year, especially now in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan. Many voices around the world are making the connection between the Typhoon and climate change. In fact, the UN Conference on Climate Change is currently meeting in Poland.

Please visit ForTheShore.org to access COA's resources and lesson plans on climate change any day of the year. 

Join us in celebrating the culmination of Waves of Action For The Shore, Clean Ocean Action’s year-long Sandy response program, on Saturday, December 7 from 8:30AM-12:00PM at McLoone’s Pier House in Long Branch, NJ.  Almost 14,000 volunteers (and counting) have helped to improve and protect the marine environment through 281 projects, with more than 100 different organizations, in over 70 towns in New York and New Jersey.  For more information and to reserve your seat at this breakfast event, click here.

Waves of Action Culminates with Conference

Highlights Year-Long Spirit of Volunteerism
 and Collaboration Responding to Sandy 

WHAT: A conference to celebrate the culmination of Waves of Action For The Shore, Clean Ocean Action’s year-long Sandy response program.  Almost 14,000 volunteers (and counting) have helped to improve and protect the marine environment through 281 projects, with more than 100 different organizations, in over 70 towns in New York and New Jersey.  The conference will highlight the extraordinary success of the volunteers and project leaders, include panels on unmet community needs in the aftermath of Sandy, resources to move forward with resiliency and environmental stewardship, and the results of Clean Ocean Action’s sea level rise survey.  Reflections will be made by Monmouth County resident, Brian Thompson, New Jersey reporter for NBC New York.

COA’s Student Ocean Advocates helped Conserve Wildlife Foundation
of NJ replace osprey nests damaged by Sandy in Stafford Twp NJ on March 23!

WHO: Citizens, volunteers, businesses, groups, and elected officials organized by Clean Ocean Action to show their support for coastal communities one year after the launch of the Waves of Action For The Shore program.

WHEN: Saturday, December 7, 2013                       
8:30AM-12:00PM

WHERE: McLoone’s Pier House
1 Ocean Ave, Long Branch, New Jersey

                                

WHY: After a year of service and action, the conference will highlight the spirit of volunteerism and collaboration projects, and discuss the state of our shores one year after Sandy, and look ahead to 2014.

For more information and to reserve your seat at this breakfast event, click here.

Sandy Hook volunteers with Presidential Inaugural
Committee representatives on January 19, 2013

Conference Sponsors: Whole Earth Center of Princeton and Mimosa Bar by Barefoot Wine and Bubbly

To find out more information on sponsoring the event and supporting thousands of volunteers who have helped protect and improve the marine environment, contact Diana Reinhardt Paradis at (732) 872-0111.

Superstorm Sandy Inspired Education: First Virtual 'Teach-In' on Climate Issues November 13-15

Coalition Calling For Teachers to Educate Students on Climate Change, Sea Level Rise, Severe Weather, and Solutions

Clean Ocean Action is inviting teachers, instructors, and educators to participate in a program to bring climate issues into the classroom for three days in November as a part of Waves of Action For The Shore.  The Waves of Action initiative was created after Superstorm Sandy to help coastal communities recover. 

For the November Waves focus, Clean Ocean Action compiled educational materials from national and international sources that creatively and clearly present complex scientific issues.  These resources include videos, activity booklets, and pre-written interactive lesson plans.  Materials are sorted by topic and age groups with resources available for all grades from K-12.  Teachers will also be asked for feedback and input about their experience to help COA gain insights on how to improve climate education initiatives.

“We believe there is something inspiring, cathartic, and exciting about collectively taking part in shared education activities,” said Cindy Zipf, Clean Ocean Action Executive Director. “They bring people together for a common goal; here in the NY/NJ region, education about the impacts from Superstorm Sandy and climate threats are essential to improving our future resiliency and environmental stewardship,” she added.

Registered teachers will be given online resources on the following topics to be presented to their classes any time from Wednesday, November 13^th through Friday, November 15^th:

• Superstorm Sandy: What Do We Know?
• Climate Change/Global Warming
• Sea Level Rise: Cause and Effect
• Climate Change Water Impacts: Droughts, Floods, & Ocean Acidification
• Energy Use, Your Carbon Footprint, & Solutions

“We are asking teachers, scout leaders, school club advisors, and other educators from across New Jersey and New York to take part in the first ‘Virtual Teach-In’ and educate their students during November 13-15,” said Catie Tobin Clean Ocean Action Ocean Advocacy and Education Fellow. “This is a great opportunity for educational leaders in the community to expand understanding of climate issues in an interactive way,” Tobin explained.

To receive information educators are being asked to register on the Waves of Action website, www.ForTheShore.org.  Once registered, they will be sent links to the online educational activities. Teachers will also be asked for feedback and input about the Virtual Teach-In and invited to suggest ideas and activities.  

Reflections on Superstorm Sandy, One Year Later: An Open Letter

Dear Friends: 

The one year anniversary of Superstorm Sandy will be a time of reflection. For most of the millions affected by power outages and infrastructure failures, the anniversary will be a memory of lack of water, cold temperatures and shared generators. But for thousands of those with homes and businesses hit by the storm surge, Sandy is still a devastating reality. Some reconstruction has been completed, but many are still closer to the start than to the finish. Most of these storm survivors have been victims of another flood - of paperwork and bureaucracy by insurance companies and/or government. 

Baywood Swamp, Brick, NJ
Before and After Waves of Action volunteers cleaned the area

Clean Ocean Action focused on responding with Waves of Action For The Shore - directing almost 14,000 volunteers to projects for citizens, communities, and habitats in need. 

Going forward, there are decisions that our leaders must make - how can we better prepare with resiliency and environmental stewardship? How do we sustain a clean ocean economy for boating, diving, surfing, and tourism, but respond to inevitable sea level rise and extreme weather? To reduce the devastation, these questions need to be answered prospectively, before the storms hit. Toward that end, Clean Ocean Action is working with the New Jersey Recovery Fund on legislative and policy actions with American Littoral Society and NY/NJ Baykeeper.

In addition, COA is supporting US Strong, a national, non-partisan initiative to establish an Extreme Weather Relief and Protection Fund to protect families and homes. It would provide for resilient infrastructure and ensure environmental stewardship. Recent studies prove that every $1 dollar spent to prevent devastation from storms, saves $9 of clean up and recovery costs.

There are also individual actions we can all take now to reduce climate change, accelerated sea level rise and increased pollution. Severe weather and its devastation costs impact all of us. We can help reduce these impacts. 

Step one: reduce, reuse, recycle, repeat. We can all take simple, yet meaningful actions that,

together, can have profound benefits! First and foremost, use less energy: as if the planet depends on it - because it does! Join us for the NEXT WAVE OF ACTION FOR THE SHORE and BEYOND. Look for new postings each month where we will suggest ways that we can reduce energy use without impacting the quality of life. The added benefit will be saving money. There will be more for the children's college fund or taking an eco-vacation, with less cost to the planet. Let's make it a joint adventure: a reality show with a purpose.

Cindy Zipf, Clean Ocean Action Executive Director


Clean Ocean Action Wants Your Input

To help Clean Ocean Action gauge public opinion on sea level rise and climate change in coastal communities affected by Superstorm Sandy, please fill out COA's citizen survey here. COA will begin compiling the survey data on Friday, November 1.  This week is your last chance to add your voice to COA’s survey!

As we look back at all that has been accomplished since Superstorm Sandy, we would like to hear from someone important — you. Clean Ocean Action wants to hear about programs or projects that promote environmental stewardship and resiliency in your town. Add to what COA has already started compiling:

• Has your town created an innovative, green project?
• Has your town brought volunteers together for community service?
• Do you know a business or homeowner that has rebuilt sustainably?
• On the other hand, have you seen rebuilding projects that you believe do not promote coastal resiliency?

Email Sean Dixon at policy@cleanoceanaction.org.  COA might add your ideas to the upcoming Waves of Action Conference and Awards on Saturday, December 7.

Four Steps to Get Wise on Sea Level Rise Today

1. Visit NJFloodMapper.org to see flood hazards and the impacts of sea level rise in your community.

2. If you haven’t already, fill out Clean Ocean Action’s sea level rise survey.  COA will begin compiling the survey data on Friday, November 1.  This week is your last chance to add your voice to COA’s survey!

The survey will help gauge public perception on what should be done to prevent sea level-related devastation and who is responsible for resiliency and responsible recovery. The survey will also help measure public understanding of sea level rise.

3. Check out COA’s plan for November Waves of Action: bringing sea level rise into the classroom:

For November’s Waves of Action theme, COA is bringing sea level rise and climate change into the classroom. Currently compiling resources for teachers to utilize, COA is working to create lesson plans based on scientific articles, videos, and websites to help educate our future leaders about the reality of climate change and sea level rise. Educators will be able to register online to receive targeted lesson plans and pledge to teach those lessons on November 13-15 as a part of Waves of Action. For more information, please visit www.ForTheShore.org.

4. Reserve your seat for Clean Ocean Action’s Waves of Action Conference and Awards Breakfast in December. The results of the sea level rise survey will be presented at the Conference on Saturday, December 7.

Help See The Forest and the Trees

September Series Promotes Long-Term Recovery of 

Coastal Communities and Waterways

Events from Issue Forums and Building Rain Barrels to Planting Forests and Gardens

 

Waves of Action ‘For The Shore’ – September 16-28, 2013

Throughout the month of September, Clean Ocean Action is urging citizens to assist in the long-term recovery of the coast by participating in educational forums, rain barrel and rain garden workshops, and planting native maritime forests through Waves of Action ‘For The Shore.’  Events are being organized by outstanding business and community leaders, and will begin on Monday, September 16 and continue through Saturday, September 28.  Participants can register online at www.ForTheShore.org. 

Seismic Testing Forum

On Monday, September 16, at Monmouth University, Clean Ocean Action will host an educational forum about seismic testing with the national group Oceana, Sandy Hook Sea Life Foundation, and Sierra Club New Jersey. The federal government is considering allowing "seismic surveys" in the Atlantic Ocean - airgun blasts designed to pinpoint offshore oil and gas deposits deep in the seafloor.  From death to deafness, these shockwaves threaten fish and fisheries, whales and dolphins, and the entire marine ecosystem.  To learn more about what you can do to stop this destructive process, attend the forum from 6-8pm in Young Hall at Monmouth University in West Long Branch, NJ.

TEDx Navesink: The Next Wave

The first TEDx event on the Jersey Shore, TEDx Navesink: The Next Wave on Friday, September 20, will feature Clean Ocean Action Executive Director Cindy Zipf, presenting “The Clean Ocean Zone — Our Future Ocean.”  Zipf will address the need for a Clean Ocean Zone off New Jersey and New York.  Also speaking is Sean Dixon, Clean Ocean Action Coastal Policy Attorney.  Dixon is providing a talk entitled “Energy Exports: Good, Bad, Ugly, and What you Need to Know.”

Volunteer and Educational Opportunities

On Saturday, September 21, Waves of Action events include:

• A rain barrel workshop, organized by NJDEP and Clean Ocean Action, in Spring Lake, NJ.  Participants will recycle and modify 55-gallon plastic containers for use as rain barrels and learn how stormwater pollution affects Wreck Pond and other waterways in NJ.  
•  The Master Gardeners of Monmouth County will host a rain garden talk at Brookdale Community College for event-goers to learn about the benefits of rain gardens for their homes and communities. 
• Dearborn Market in Holmdel, NJ, is organizing a rain garden workshop for homeowners to learn more about the layout of a rain garden and the many benefits of creating this type of garden in their yard.
• Coastal clean-ups in Red Bank and Union Beach, NJ.

Volunteers are needed on Saturday, September 28, in Bradley Beach, NJ, to help plant native trees, shrubs and grasses in the newly-created, half-acre maritime forest.  The maritime forest is located between the boardwalk and Ocean Avenue, near Fletcher Lake. Originally, the site was hard-packed and used for summer staff parking, winter storage of beach equipment, temporary staging and provided access to the beach for heavy equipment and emergency vehicles.  Now, the maritime forest is expected to reduce community risk from storms and promote resiliency.

Community project spokesperson Captain Alek Modjeski stated, “The creation and future establishment of this maritime forest will provide a well needed ecosystem that promotes community resilience, reduces risk from storms, and hopefully stimulates a local eco-economy.

“By incorporating green infrastructure and living shorelines into our coastal communities, we not only reduce risk to our community and coastal lake ecosystem but improve local water quality, create individual stewardship, and improve biodiversity. This is a small scale project with large scale application,” Captain Modjeski added.

This September series is a part of Waves of Action ‘For the Shore,’ a one-year program created last December to help respond to the impacts of Superstorm Sandy by improving and protecting the marine environment.  Clean Ocean Action has joined townships, businesses, homeowners, and civic organizations with thousands of volunteers along the shore to help communities most affected by the storm. Since December 2012, community leaders have registered 226 service projects, clean ups, workshops, and outings that have sent over 11,800 volunteers to 70 different towns in New York and New Jersey to help out.

The remaining months include Fall Beach Sweeps on October 19, a focus on schools and educational programs throughout November, and on December 7, the final Waves of Action ‘For the Shore’ event will be a conference reviewing the program, highlighting results and recommendations on next steps.

To sign up for a volunteer project, register a volunteer project or for more information about Waves of Action, visit www.ForTheShore.org. For a complete list of September projects and locations, click here.

Join Clean Ocean Action on Saturday, December 7, for the Waves of Action Conference and Awards.  COA will celebrate the achievements of the nearly 12,000 volunteers who have worked to improve and protect the marine environment.  For sponsorship information, click here.

Showcase Your Support for the Shore and Our Oceans

An update from Manager of Development and External Affairs, Diana Reinhardt Paradis:

“Seaside greetings from Clean Ocean Action!  Thanks to the generous support of friends like you, Clean Ocean Action has been working to assist our coastal communities as they recover from Superstorm Sandy and continue to improve and protect the marine environment.  

As we look ahead to fall, I am excited to announce three important opportunities for you to showcase your support for the shore and our oceans:

Seaside Sunset – October 10:  Our fall season will start with a benefit evening that will raise important funds for our youth education programs.  Join us for this special evening by the ocean for the ocean!

Fall Beach Sweeps – October 19:  The largest grassroots environmental event in New Jersey, with thousands of volunteers participating up and down the coast. State, county and individual sites sponsorships available. 

Waves of Action Conference and Awards – December 7:  Our continued response to Superstorm Sandy, the Waves of Action Conference and Awards will celebrate the achievements of the almost 12,000 volunteers (so far this year) who have worked to make improve and protect the marine environment.  


In recognition of the strong support for Clean Ocean Action from the community, we are also pleased to introduce a new benefit.  If your company is a premier level sponsor for an individual event, or sponsors two of the three events listed above, we are pleased to grant your company a complimentary Corporate Beach Sweep – a $1,500 value.  Corporate Beach Sweeps are the perfect team-building event, providing a day of service, learning, and fun in the sun at the shore.  Please visit CleanOceanAction.org to learn more about our Corporate Beach Sweeps.  

Your thoughtful participation as a sponsor would help to ensure that our fundraising efforts take off on a wave of success.  If you are a business owner, or know of a business who might be interested in supporting our ocean protection work and youth education programs, please feel free to contact me anytime.”

For questions about sponsorship opportunities with Clean Ocean Action, contact Diana Reinhardt Paradis at development@cleanoceanaction.org, or by phone at (732) 872-0111.

Start Off Your Summer Right: Volunteer to Help Communities Affected by Sandy

Calling All Volunteers!

Help Make a Difference in Coastal Communities After Sandy

Join Clean Ocean Action and over 15 other organizations, businesses and municipalities on Saturday, June 22nd for the Sixth
Wave of Action "For the Shore."

There are still projects in need of volunteers for June 22!

Projects in New Jersey:

Middlesex County
Old Bridge

Monmouth County

Sandy Hook
Spring Lake
Aberdeen

Long Branch

Neptune City
Bradley Beach

Ocean County

Island Beach State Park
Island Heights

Cape May County

Cape May

Projects in New York:

Staten Island

[MEDIA ALERT] Clean Ocean Action Releases 2012 Annual Beach Sweeps Report

MEDIA ALERT

***For Immediate Release***

April 15, 2013

Contact:

Lindsay McNamara, Clean Ocean Action, Press Inquiries (732) 872-0111 (office)

Clean Ocean Action Releases 2012 Annual Beach Sweeps Report

The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly featuring the Roster of the Ridiculous

WHO: Clean Ocean Action

WHEN: Tuesday, April 16, 2013 at 11:30 AM

WHAT: The release of the data results from the 2012 Annual Beach Sweeps. The data will highlight the trends, unusual items collected, and other observations from Clean Ocean Action’s 27^th Annual Beach Sweep.  The Beach Sweeps are a bi-annual statewide event that cleans New Jersey’s beaches and waterways. Volunteers record data on the items collected.

WHERE: Gazebo at Pier Village in Long Branch, NJ

WHY: Clean Ocean Action’s Annual Beach Sweep Reports provide evidence of local pollution problems and call citizens, elected officials, and corporations to action for pollution prevention initiatives.

Clean Ocean Action also invites citizens to participate in Clean Ocean Action’s 28^th  Annual Spring Beach Sweeps Saturday, April 27 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

###

Calling All Volunteers: Clean Ups on March 23

Calling All Volunteers!

Help Make a Difference in
Coastal Communities After Sandy

Join Clean Ocean Action and over 20 other organizations, businesses and municipalities on Saturday, March 23rd for the Fourth
Wave of Action "For the Shore."

There are still projects in need of volunteers for March 23!

Projects in New Jersey:

Monmouth County

Sandy Hook
Little Silver

West Long Branch

Deal

Asbury Park

Loch Arbour 

Long Branch

Ocean County

Toms River

Brick

LBI

Atlantic County

Brigantine

Cape May County

Cape May

Projects in New York:

Staten Island

Because We Could All Use a Little Good News...

Mickey Hart Band Releases New “Jersey Shore” Song to Benefit Clean Ocean Action

Former Drummer of Grateful Dead Donates Proceeds to Help Super-Storm Sandy Relief Efforts

The Mickey Hart Band has released a new song, “Jersey Shore,” to benefit Clean Ocean Action’s Super-storm Sandy relief efforts.  To download the song and help rebuild the shore, go to http://www.mickeyhart.net/jersey.  Those who make a donation will also receive two bonus hours of music including the full length performance of the Mickey Hart Band Live on the Jersey Shore (August 17, 2012), and tracks from the band's latest album, Mysterium Tremendum.

"I was a kid from Coney Island, Atlantic Beach and Far Rockaway," said Mickey Hart. "The Shore was the totem, the centerpiece, a physical representation of community spirit for many generations.  My inspiration for this song began when I saw Brian Williams on the NBC Evening News.   Brian showed distress clearly in his eyes and voice.   It was a deep loss, not just property, but so much more.  Jon Bon Jovi was with Brian, telling the story of personal loss of his sense of place growing up, losing his most precious places, now only memories--powerful, moving words.” 

“After the broadcast, it was birthing time.  The song was born in 5 minutes.  It is a tribute to the people and to the place we call The Jersey Shore.  It’s a song of victory over adversity. A song of hardship, of hope, tears, and smiles--but above all survival.  It's time to rebuild what we've lost.  Let's bring back the beauty.  Your help is needed now, more than ever.  Please give what you can," he added. 

Hart selected Clean Ocean Action’s Waves of Action “For The Shore” program to receive the proceeds of "Jersey Shore."  Clean Ocean Action (“COA”) is a leading national and regional voice working to protect marine waterways in the NY/NY region, using science, law, research, education, and citizen action.  Founded in 1984, COA is a broad-based coalition of 135 active boating, business, community, conservation, diving, environmental, fishing, religious, service, student, surfing, and women’s groups.

In response to Super-storm Sandy, Clean Ocean Action has organized the Waves of Action “For The Shore” program which has coordinated over 3,800 registered volunteers at over 70 projects across New York and New Jersey.  The 2013 Waves of Action program, which consists of monthly days of service, responds to the impacts of Super-storm Sandy and helps improve and protect the marine environment.  COA is engaging its network of organizations, businesses, citizens, and municipalities to help coastal communities throughout New Jersey and New York in need over the long term with volunteer action. 

“Mickey Hart has a powerful connection to the shore and after Super-storm Sandy he directed his exceptional musical talents to create an inspiring song celebrating the people and the culture of the Jersey Shore,” said Clean Ocean Action Executive Director Cindy Zipf.   “Clean Ocean Action is honored to be the beneficiary of this important tribute, and to become a part of Mickey Hart’s extraordinary, enthusiastic, and caring community.  Together, we can recover the beauty of our shared coastal heritage, and bring back the joyful rhythms of the shore,” she added.

Check out the story on Rolling Stone!

For more information about the Waves of Action For The Shore program, please visit http://fortheshore.org/. 

Sponsor Waves of Action!

Would your business like to support Clean Ocean Action’s important Super-storm Sandy relief efforts?  

Learn how you can help revitalize our communities and rebuild them sustainably in the future. 

View ways your business can be recognized for contributing to Sandy relief efforts

Your support would help continue relief efforts in communities like New Dorp, Staten Island.

Waves of Action ‘For the Shore’ started in the aftermath of Sandy – a long-term program developed to connect volunteers to immediate needs of different communities affected by the storm.  Clean Ocean Action’s network of organizations, businesses, citizens, and municipalities along the Jersey Shore and the Shore of Long Island has identified and implement projects that are needed within coastal communities.

Waves of Action will continue each month throughout 2013. The projects will change as the needs of the communities’ change, as they move from recovery to rebuilding and restoration.

Additional donations to support Waves of Action can be made here or can be mailed to Clean Ocean Action at 18 Hartshorne Drive, Suite 2, Highlands, NJ 07732.

More photos from our January 19^th Waves of Action can be found here.

For more information, contact Emily at Clean Ocean Action
via e-mail: events@cleanoceanaction.org.

View sponsorship opportunities here

Calling All Volunteers for January 19!

Calling All Volunteers! Help COA Make a Difference in Our Coastal Communities After Sandy Join Clean Ocean Action Saturday, January 19th for the Second Wave of Action "For the Shore." There are still projects in need of volunteers for this Saturday! Projects in New Jersey: Highlands Sea Bright Neptune Long Branch Manahawkin Ocean Gate Cape May Bayonne Projects in New York: Jones Beach Staten Island

To Help the Jersey Shore’s Comeback, Clean Ocean Action Launches 2013 Year of “Waves of Action” For The Shore

To Help the Jersey Shore’s Comeback, Clean Ocean Action Launches 2013 Year of “Waves of Action” For The Shore 

Year-Long Volunteer Recovery Action Plan Released Today 

Clean Ocean Action (COA) held a teleconference today to announce the 2013 “Waves of Action” program, which will respond to the impacts of Superstorm Sandy and help improve and protect the marine environment.  COA is engaging its network of organizations, businesses, citizens, and municipalities to help coastal communities throughout New Jersey and New York in need over the long term with volunteer action.   

Learn More at www.ForTheShore.org!

“Recovery will be a very long and challenging road,” said Cindy Zipf, Executive Director of Clean Ocean Action.  “It is essential to rebuild better with environmental stewardship and resiliency and provide resources and support to keep the momentum going,” Zipf added. 

Future Waves of Action days in 2013 will progress with the needs of communities and will keep the momentum going for continued improvement of the shore through debris clean ups, sustainable development plans, and projects to improve water quality.  

“Even though it has been over two months since the Hurricane, there are still very real needs in many communities, and we will work to meet those needs for as long as it takes,” said Zach McCue, Clean Ocean Action Citizen Action Coordinator. 


“Rebuilding Sea Bright will take a sustained effort for a couple of years. Partnering with Clean Ocean Action for regular volunteer days provides additional resources that will be very important to the long term recovery of the town,” added Frank Lawrence, Sea Bright Volunteer Coordinator, who participated in the teleconference on Thursday. 

Waves of Action For The Shore: Month-to-Month
January 19 – Clean-Up, Clean-Out 
February 23– Helping Hands at Home 
March 23 – Bringing Back our Ecosystems 
April 27 – 28th Annual Beach Sweeps
May 18 - Back to the Beach  
June 22, July 20, August 17 - Healthy Habitats, Water Conservation and Energy Efficiency 
September 21 – Education for the Future and Long-Term Recovery 
October 19 – Fall Beach Sweeps
November 13-15 – Education for the Future 
December 7 – Waves of Action Conference and Awards 

The Wave of Action on Saturday, January 19, is in unison with Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend, which has become a national weekend centered on service.   

“Many of our projects from December are registered again in January, since Waves of Action is the only clean-up effort that some parks and beaches have been able to have since Sandy.  That said, there are also many new locations where people can help,” said Tavia Danch, Clean Ocean Action Education Coordinator.   

A number of organizations and municipalities have been involved in not only the planning of, but are also participating in, Clean Ocean Action’s Wave of Action on January 19.  These groups include: President’s Inaugural Committee, National Park Service, Bayshore Waterfront Park Affiliation, Monmouth County Park System, HOPE worldwide, Borough of Sea Bright, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Wall High School Environmental Club, AmeriCorps Watershed Ambassadors, Red Bank Friends of Maple Cove, United Methodist Committee of Relief, Alliance for a Living Ocean, Beach Haven West Community Association, Surfrider Foundation, South Jersey Chapter, Borough of Ocean Gate and Natural Resource Protective Association. 

Over 1,200 people have already signed up to help to clean out homes, neighborhoods, parks, beaches, and waterways at 27 locations throughout New York and New Jersey, including Atlantic City, Long Beach Island, Sea Bright, Asbury Park, Sandy Hook, New Jersey, and Staten Island and Jones Beach, New York.
   
“Before Hurricane Sandy, many of the people interested in cleaning up New Jersey's beaches were environmentalists,” noted Lindsey Van Zile, Toms River South High School Senior and Waves of Action Project Leader.  “Now, with the help of Waves of Action program, we can all come together and create solutions to major environmental problems and even help those in need,” she added.  


For more information about the Waves of Action program, visit www.fortheshore.org or contact Clean Ocean Action at (732) 872-0111.