Open to adults and families. Ages 12 and up—all children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Plan to arrive by 9:30 am (schedule below). Help survey Jones Beach! NYS DEC and NYS Parks, with support from the NOAA Marine Debris Program, hosts a Marine Debris survey and clean-up biannually. Come learn more about why this survey is so important! The duration depends on conditions but is expected to take 3-4 hours.

For this day at the beach, we will provide:

• PPE (gloves)

• Garbage bags

• Data recording materials

• Other equipment needed for the cleanup and survey

However, we ask that you please bring:

• Reusable water bottle

• Sun protection

• Weather appropriate clothing

• Closed toed shoes

• Lunch or light snack

Schedule:

9:30-10:00: Welcome, Sign-in and registration (waivers and photo release) at Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center

10:00-10:30 Introduction to staff, project, and research protocols

10:30-11:00 : Walk to beach

10:30 am: Survey and beach cleanup. Some groups will finish earlier than others. Survey's usually take between 2.5 - 5 hours depending on number of volunteers and the amount of trash present.

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Presented by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation and Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center with support from the NOAA Marine Debris Program

If there are questions, please feel free to reach out to francis.mcparland@dec.ny.gov or jbenc@parks.ny.gov.

FREE

Adults, and Families (Ages 6+) | Citizen Science

Join our educators for an exciting community science program to capture, tag, and release Monarchs. The Monarch Watch Tagging Program is a large-scale community science project that was initiated in 1992 to help understand the dynamics of the monarch's spectacular fall migration through mark and recapture.

3:00-3:15: Sign In, Volunteer Registration

3:15-3:30: What is a Monarch? Where are they migrating?

3:30-4:15: Capturing Monarchs

4:15-4:30: Tag & Release

FREE

Adults, and Families (Ages 6+) | Citizen Science

Join our educators for an exciting community science program to capture, tag, and release Monarchs. The Monarch Watch Tagging Program is a large-scale community science project that was initiated in 1992 to help understand the dynamics of the monarch's spectacular fall migration through mark and recapture.

3:00-3:15: Sign In, Volunteer Registration

3:15-3:30: What is a Monarch? Where are they migrating?

3:30-4:15: Capturing Monarchs

4:15-4:30: Tag & Release

FREE

Adults, and Families (Ages 6+) | Citizen Science

Join our educators for an exciting community science program to capture, tag, and release Monarchs. The Monarch Watch Tagging Program is a large-scale community science project that was initiated in 1992 to help understand the dynamics of the monarch's spectacular fall migration through mark and recapture.

3:00-3:15: Sign In, Volunteer Registration

3:15-3:30: What is a Monarch? Where are they migrating?

3:30-4:15: Capturing Monarchs

4:15-4:30: Tag & Release

Adults, Families (Ages 6 and up) | Volunteer Event

Ages 6 and up—all children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Help beautify our beachfronts by lending a hand on our beach cleanup. We will provide all the materials, and you will join a staff member to the parts of our environment that need the most assistance!

Please arrive on-time—if you arrive after 15 minutes, you may not be able to join on for the program.

9:00-9:15 Check-in, Volunteer Forms, Safety Talk

9:15-onwards Beach Cleanup

For this morning at the beach, we will provide:

• PPE (gloves)

• Garbage bags

However, we ask that you please bring:

• Water bottle

• Sun protection

• Weather appropriate clothing

• Closed toed shoes

• A light snack

The Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center will be tabling at this event! See Nassau County Girl Scouts page for more information.

Join the Girl Scouts for their inaugural Thin Mint Sprint 5k Run and Family Fun Walk on Sunday, September 15, 2024 at Jones Beach State Park. Families and avid runners of all ages are invited to join on Girl Scouts Love State Parks Weekend for their first ever Girl Scout Cookie themed fun run and activity fair.

Girl Scouts of Nassau County Website Link: https://events.elitefeats.com/24thinmintsprint

Free Event Admission | All Ages

International Observe the Moon Night  is an annual worldwide public event that encourages observation and appreciation of the Moon. All are invited to observe the Moon, learn about NASA’s planetary science and exploration, and celebrate cultural and personal connections to our nearest neighbor. Each year, thousands of people participate in museums, planetaria, schools, universities, observatories, parks, businesses, and backyards around the world. Anyone can participate. All you need to do is look up!

RSVP REQUIRED. Early bird tickets open Saturday, August 31st. General Admission opens Thursday, September 5th.

Speakers:

Amateur Observers’ Society of New York

Established in 1965, the Amateur Observers’ Society of New York (“AOSNY”) was created as a means for astronomy enthusiasts of all ages to meet together. Amateur Astronomy is about helping others, learning, doing, and having fun!

Their mission is to bring Long Island astronomy to the public and provide astronomy resources to members. This expresses their commitment not only to serve their members, but also to educate and inspire the public.

Website: jonesbeachenc.org

Instagram: @JonesBeachENC

Facebook: Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center @JonesBeachENC

Adults, Families (Ages 6 and up) | Volunteer Event

Ages 6 and up—all children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Help beautify our beachfronts by lending a hand on our beach cleanup. We will provide all the materials, and you will join a staff member to the parts of our environment that need the most assistance!

Please arrive on-time—if you arrive after 15 minutes, you may not be able to join on for the program.

9:00-9:15 Check-in, Volunteer Forms, Safety Talk

9:15-onwards Beach Cleanup

For this morning at the beach, we will provide:

• PPE (gloves)

• Garbage bags

However, we ask that you please bring:

• Water bottle

• Sun protection

• Weather appropriate clothing

• Closed toed shoes

• A light snack

Families (All Ages) | Activity

$4 fee per program participant

State parks are a great place to explore from behind the lens of a camera! Photographers of all experience levels are invited to hike through the West End. Participants must provide their own camera equipment.

This is an OUTDOOR program.

RSVP required. Doors close 10 minutes after start time. Please cancel your reservation if you cannot attend.

Ages 8 and up | Citizen Science Event

Join an educator to learn all about seine fishing and learn all about the aquatic organisms that call Jones Bay home.

Seine fishing employs a large net (seine) with two poles. Two people stand parallel to the shore, each holding one pole. As it sweeps the water, the net catches aquatic organisms. After surveying these organisms, we will be releasing them to the bay.

We will meet at the Center to check-in and use the restrooms, and then you will get back in your vehicle and follow us to the seining site.

Please arrive on time, program departs 10 minutes after start time. If you have any questions, call 516-809-8222.

We will provide:

• Seine net

You MUST bring:

• Clothes you are comfortable getting wet.

• Closed-toe water shoes. NO SANDALS OR FLIP FLOPS.

• Water

• Sunscreen

FREE*

Family Event (Ages 3+) | Activity

Howdy, partners! Are you looking for a western-themed fun summer adventure? Join us in the Wild Wild West End for games, crafts, and other activities! Earn gold coins at different activities to redeem for a prize and finish out the day with some line dancing.

Join us at any time between 10:00am – 3:00pm with the whole gang. This event is rain or shine.

Schedule:

ALL DAY: Sand art, friendship bracelet making, coloring pages, win prizes

10:00am - 11:00am Cowboy Crafts (RSVP required, see below)

Howdy, partners! Our educators will bring the cowboy spirit, and lead you and your children in a fun Western-themed craft, here on the West End!

10:00am - 12:00pm Pan for Gold!

Sift through the sand and see if you strike gold! Drop in for this activity anytime and try your luck.

12:00pm - 1:00pm Horse Racing

On your marks, get set…go! Ride your hobby horse across our “racetrack” and see if you can make it to the finish line.

1:00pm - 2:30pm Field games

Toy fishing, knockdown, ring toss…plenty of games will be spread out around the property waiting for you to drop in.

2:30 - 3:00pm Closing ceremonies with… line dancing!

* Parking fees collected 8am-4pm across Jones Beach State Park. Empire Passes also accepted.

Families (All Ages*) | Activity

*All children 12 and under need to be paired up with an adult*

Slap on those gloves and get your dissection tools ready because we're diving into the anatomy and survival adaptations of the squid! Join us for a guided squid dissection for a deeper understanding of these magnificent marine animals.

This program may take place OUTDOORS on tables. Please dress appropriately.

RSVP Required. If you need to cancel your reservation, please call 516-809-8222 or email jbenc@parks.ny.gov so your spot may be made available to others.

Families (All Ages) | Walk

Get a taste of Jones Beach with a beautiful and easy walk. Take a guided walk down to the ocean and back to see what plants, animal tracks, and other features of the landscape there are to be seen on a given day, and learn about what makes Jones Beach unique.

This walk is at least 1 mile on sandy terrain.

This program takes place OUTDOORS. Please dress appropriately and drink water. Program departs 10 minutes after start time. RSVP required. Please call 516-809-8222 or email jbenc@parks.ny.gov to cancel your reservation if you cannot attend so your spot can be made available to others.

Families (All Ages) | Activity

$4 fee per program participant

State parks are a great place to explore from behind the lens of a camera! Photographers of all experience levels are invited to hike through the West End. Participants must provide their own camera equipment.

This is an OUTDOOR program.

RSVP required. Doors close 10 minutes after start time. Please cancel your reservation if you cannot attend.

Families (All Ages*) | Activity

*All children 12 and under need to be paired up with an adult*

Slap on those gloves and get your dissection tools ready because we're diving into the anatomy and survival adaptations of the squid! Join us for a guided squid dissection for a deeper understanding of these magnificent marine animals.

This program may take place OUTDOORS on tables. Please dress appropriately.

RSVP Required. If you need to cancel your reservation, please call 516-809-8222 or email jbenc@parks.ny.gov so your spot may be made available to others.

FREE

All Ages | Performance

Welcome to Open Mic Night!

Whether you're a seasoned performer or just looking to showcase your skills, this is a great opportunity to shine. Sing a song, play an instrument, hum a tune- the floor is yours! Don't forget to invite your pals to come and see you perform. See you there!

Sign up to perform:

Walk-ins are welcome to join the audience, or you can sign up for reminders:

6:30 PM - 6:35 PM -Introduction

• Attendees will have time to get seated, while our educators welcome everyone for the evening.

• 6:35 PM - 6:40 PM -First Performance

• Our educator, Anthony, is going to break the ice for us by starting off with his own musical performance!

• 6:40 PM - 7:25 PM -Open Mic

• Everyone who has signed up in advance will be scheduled during this time. If there are open slots the night-of, we may be able to accommodate people coming up more than once!

• 7:25 PM - 7:30 PM - Goodbyes

*Jones Beach Vehicle Use Fees in effect 8:00am-4:00pm. Parking free after 4:00pm.

Families (All Ages*) | Activity

*All children 12 and under need to be paired up with an adult*

Slap on those gloves and get your dissection tools ready because we're diving into the anatomy and survival adaptations of the squid! Join us for a guided squid dissection for a deeper understanding of these magnificent marine animals.

This program may take place OUTDOORS on tables. Please dress appropriately.

RSVP Required. If you need to cancel your reservation, please call 516-809-8222 or email jbenc@parks.ny.gov so your spot may be made available to others.

FREE

All Ages (Recommended Ages 8+) | Photography Show

EVEN IF TICKETS ARE SOLD OUT, WALK-INS ARE WELCOME.

Welcome to Baby Birds of South Nassau County! Join us at the Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center with local photographer Jay Koolpix.

This presentation will give you a look into the wonder and beauty of bird families. If you love birds, you don't want to miss this show!

Content Warning: There will be brief videos of birds completing mating rituals, content may not be suitable for children under 8 years old.

Our Guest:

Jay Koolpix - Photographer, About Jay Koolpix | Flickr

Jay Koolpix worked a variety of jobs starting from the age of 11. After finally retiring eleven years ago, Jay began concentrating on his hobby of bird photography. He realized that his newfound passion required him to upgrade his tools. After purchasing a long lens and a good camera as a present to himself, his hobby grew.

Photo Credit: Jay Koolpix

*Jones Beach Vehicle Use Fees in effect 8:00am-4:00pm. Parking free after 4:00pm.

Adults, Families (Ages 6 and up) | Volunteer Event

Ages 6 and up—all children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Help beautify our beachfronts by lending a hand on our beach cleanup. We will provide all the materials, and you will join a staff member to the parts of our environment that need the most assistance!

Please arrive on-time—if you arrive after 15 minutes, you may not be able to join on for the program.

9:00-9:15 Check-in, Volunteer Forms, Safety Talk

9:15-onwards Beach Cleanup

For this morning at the beach, we will provide:

• PPE (gloves)

• Garbage bags

However, we ask that you please bring:

• Water bottle

• Sun protection

• Weather appropriate clothing

• Closed toed shoes

• A light snack

Ages 8 and up | Citizen Science Event

Join an educator to learn all about seine fishing and learn all about the aquatic organisms that call Jones Bay home.

Seine fishing employs a large net (seine) with two poles. Two people stand parallel to the shore, each holding one pole. As it sweeps the water, the net catches aquatic organisms. After surveying these organisms, we will be releasing them to the bay.

We will meet at the Center to check-in and use the restrooms, and then you will get back in your vehicle and follow us to the seining site.

Please arrive on time, program departs 10 minutes after start time. If you have any questions, call 516-809-8222.

We will provide:

• Seine net

• Waders to share amongst group

You MUST bring:

• Clothes you are comfortable getting wet.

• Closed-toe water shoes. NO SANDALS OR FLIP FLOPS.

• Water

• Sunscreen

Adults and Teens (Ages 12+) | Craft

Learn the art of watercolor landscape painting and take home a piece of our beach landscape. All materials provided.

This program takes place OUTDOORS. Please dress appropriately and drink water. Program departs 10 minutes after start time. Please cancel your reservation if you cannot attend.

FREE

All Ages | Craft

Join us for a fun-filled event dedicated to raising awareness about nesting shorebirds.

Come and create a sign to help educate people about nesting shorebirds! We will have markers, crayons, and more to decorate with. You'll get to bring your craft home to show all of your plover pals.

*Jones Beach Vehicle Use Fees in effect 8:00am-4:00pm. Parking free after 4:00pm.

FREE

All Ages (Recommended Ages 6+) | Talk

Join us for a fun-filled event dedicated to raising awareness about nesting shorebirds.

Each year shorebirds and seabirds travel to Long Island to nest along its beaches and islands. Learn about the six nesting shorebird and seabird species of our beaches, the threats they face during their nesting season and how guest can help in the conservation efforts to protect them.

Walk-ins welcome, even if tickets are sold out! Please arrive on time, doors close after 10 minutes.

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Our Guest Speaker:

Shelby Casas - Coastal Program Manager, Audubon New York

Prior to her role with Audubon New York, Shelby worked with Audubon Connecticut as a seasonal Coastal Waterbird technician. She started her birding journey at Clarkson University studying Golden-winged Warblers population distribution in Northern New York where she graduated with a BS in Biology and focus on Environmental Science. She has been working with shorebirds for four years and, she oversees the monitoring and stewardship for federal and state shorebirds of concern for Audubon on multiple sites across Long Island. She is based at the Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary & Center in Oyster Bay.

Photo Credit: Luke Franke, National Audubon Society

*Jones Beach Vehicle Use Fees in effect 8:00am-4:00pm. Parking free after 4:00pm.

FREE

All Ages (Recommended Ages 6+) | Hike

Join us for a fun-filled event dedicated to raising awareness about our beloved Piping Plovers. Join us for a 1.5 mile hike along the beach with our knowledgeable guides and learn all about these fascinating birds and their habitats. Grab your binoculars and join us for a day of education and conservation!

Program departs 10 minutes after program start.

*Jones Beach Vehicle Use Fees in effect 8:00am-4:00pm. Parking free after 4:00pm.

FREE

Adults & Teens (Ages 12+) | Training

What should you do if you find a stranded sea turtle, or a marine mammal? The Atlantic Marine Conservation Society (AMSEAS) will give you the steps to help out Long Island’s marine life.

Registration required. Please fill out the google form below.

*Jones Beach Vehicle Use Fees in effect 8:00am-4:00pm. Parking free after 4:00pm.