Group for the East End celebrates 50 years of education, conservation, and advocacy. Among its upcoming events are a celebration of International Dark Sky Week, featuring a guided nature walk in Cutchogue, and the annual Swing Into Summer benefit.
Founded in 1972, Group for the East End has long been a leader in protecting and restoring the environment of eastern Long Island.
“We fight for the protection of our land, water, and wildlife, we inspire children to become stewards of the environment, and we engage the community to embrace a conservation ethic and take action,” the nonprofit says at groupfortheeastend.org.
Through various educational programs, Group for the East End gets people — kids and adults — outside. For example, during family-friendly nature outings, the Group asks participants to stow their phones “so we can listen, explore and discover.” It also works with schools to “educate and inspire children to appreciate and respect all things natural on the East End.”
The Group protects habitats shared by foxes, owls, osprey, and other native wildlife through its conservation efforts. “We plant beach grass to prevent erosion. We collect trash from our shores and raise awareness about sea birds, sea turtles, and other marine life dying from single-use plastics.”
And, Group for the East End advocates for environmental protection, motivating East Enders to speak up and take action on critical environmental issues.
“Working with our partners and civic organizations, we push local governments to rethink development proposals, overhaul zoning codes, and adopt new open space preservation laws.”
“We fight for policies that protect our land, water, and wildlife and are committed to always having clean water to drink.”
International Dark Sky Week
Join Group for the East End for a guided walk to celebrate International Dark-Sky Week at Downs Farm Preserve at 23800 Main Road in Cutchogue on Wednesday, April 27, from 7:30 to 8:30 PM.
Learn about light pollution, how it affects ecosystems, and personal tips and tricks to protect the night sky. Best suited for ages 12+. Please dress appropriately (tick season is beginning!) and bring a flashlight. Register at eventbrite. Questions? Email Marina DeLuca at mdeluca@eastendenvironment.org.
World Migratory Bird Day
Or, you could participate in a Spring Bird Walk to honor World Migratory Bird Day. The event takes place Saturday, May 14, from 10 AM to noon at Downs Farm Preserve.
Learn basic birding, why birds migrate, basic identification skills, and how to build a bird-friendly yard. The mile-long walk through the Preserve is best suited for ages 12+. Please dress appropriately (tick season is beginning!) and bring binoculars if you have them.
Register at eventbrite. Questions? Contact Taralynn Reynolds, outreach director, at treynolds@eastendenvironment.org.
Group for the East End Swing Into Summer benefit
Group for the East End also hosts an annual Swing Into Summer benefit. This year’s fundraiser is planned for Saturday, June 11 at 6 PM at The Bridge in Bridgehampton.
The benefit honors Robert M. Rubin and invites donors to “party like it’s 1972.”
Tickets start at $1,500. To purchase yours, or learn about sponsorship opportunities, visit groupfortheeastend.org/benefit.
Questions? Contact Kristina Lange at klange@eastendenvironment.org.
