January 2020 Update

I hope everyone is enjoying 2020! I would like to share a few items about Accabonac Harbor that may interest you.

First, the low nitrogen septic system at the Springs School is installed and operational. We look forward to seeing improved water quality in Accabonac Harbor. Thanks to the members of Accabonac Protection Committee for funding the groundwater nitrogen project that highlighted a need for a denitrifying system at the school! Your donations really made a difference. We are evaluating other water quality projects that are in the pipeline.

Next, the Mosquito Larval Sampling program commences in early June (dates to be confirmed later this Spring) and depending upon need and weather conditions, may continue through September at the direction of Tom Iwanekjo of Suffolk County Vector Control. The Team, which includes volunteers who take water samples, meets every Monday morning at Springs General Store at 7AM. Training is offered to those who sign up to participate. Please consider joining the Team of “Citizen Scientists”.

Local college students who are majoring in or studying marine biology/science and who live in the area would be great as citizen scientist team members…but that qualification is certainly not necessary. Last year, residents of Springs volunteered, as well as students. They worked along with the County, Trustees and Town staff. Participants are asked to commit to the full season so there is continuity. When you volunteer for this, the County gets the data they need to minimize pesticide application. In 2016, the area treated reduced from 2,500 acres. Due to this program, in 2019, the area treated was a very small number of “hot spots” where larval activity was detected.

If interested, please send your name, address, resume, if available, and contact information, including telephone and email address to:
Susan McGraw Keber
The Trustees of the Freeholders and Commonalty of the Town of East Hampton
P.O. Box 7073
267 Bluff Road
Amagansett, New York 11930
susan4ehtrustee@gmail.com
631-267-8688

By the way, those who worked on this project last year reported it was a great experience…a good Monday morning “work-out” traversing the salt-marsh discovering nature. And the impact to the health of the harbor, is invaluable!

The planning for the 2020 Forums is ongoing. If you have requests for topics, the Board would like to know. Please send them to accabonacprotection@gmail.com.

Stay warm and happy and wherever you are, behold nature!

All the Best,
Patrice Dalton, President