WE’RE ON A MISSION TO PROTECT NEW YORK CITY’S BELOVED BEACHES, SHORELINES, AND NATURAL AREAS IN ROCKAWAY AND JAMAICA BAY
We strive to keep shorelines clean and healthy, promote water safety and raise awareness of the rippling impact that everyone has on the amazingly diverse coastal ecosystems and vibrant communities of Rockaway and Jamaica Bay.
JAMAICA BAY
A vibrant 18,000 acre urban estuary of land and open water spanning across Brooklyn and Queens in New York City. Jamaica Bay hosts unique habitats such as salt marsh islands, meadows, ponds, mud flats, maritime forests, and extraordinary plant and animal life. Home to a wildlife refuge, national park sites, and numerous natural and cultural resources, Jamaica Bay offers a connection to nature you will never forget.
ROCKAWAY BEACH
Rockaways’ sandy shores are just a ferry, train or bike ride from the busy city streets. The 11-mile long peninsula hosts a 5.5 mile boardwalk along city beaches with standout concessions and cuisine, and NYC’s only surfing beaches. Neighboring Jacob Riis Park and Fort Tilden offer historic and wilder takes on the beach experience respectively. A vibrant and proud community, Rockaway offers year-round ocean access for millions of local residents and visitors.
The Rockaways and Jamaica Bay attract millions of visitors each year and as the crowds increase, unfortunately so does the trash left behind on streets and along shorelines and waterways. Trash in the community directly impacts local wildlife and water quality. Help reduce visitor impact by following some simple practices to keep it clean!
The beach and bay offer a number of fun recreational opportunities, but can also be risky places. Each year, too many lives are lost in the waters surrounding Rockaway as a result of drownings. Many accidents can be avoided if we all follow proper beach and surf etiquette along with simple water safety rules.
The Respect campaign encourages people to protect local communities and natural resources through taking action. From beach and bay cleanups, to fighting against oil drilling, there are many ways to get involved and help protect our beaches, shorelines, and natural areas.