Protecting the Water Quality at the Mouth of The Connecticut River Through Anti-Erosion and Oyster Restoration Efforts
WHAT WE DO
At Great Island Foundation, we lead efforts to rehabilitate Great Island, a sandy estuarial island at the mouth of the Connecticut River between Old Saybrook and Old Lyme. Estuarial islands like Great Island are essential in preserving biodiversity and ecological resiliency in our changing climate. To that end, we work to preserve native eelgrass for its anti-erosion properties and restore natural oyster beds through sell spreading, oyster seeding, and artificial reef technologies.
WHO WE ARE
Our dedicated all-volunteer team shares one mission: to ensure the Connecticut River remains an unspoiled natural estuary for the enjoyment of generations to come. Each member has deep ties to the Connecticut River and Great Island and seeks only to give back to our unique natural environment.
OUR VISION
At Great Island Foundation, we envision a future where the Connecticut River and the Long Island Sound flourish as vibrant, resilient ecosystems, fostering environmental stewardship, community engagement, and a sustainable balance between nature and the economy.
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We hope to increase our anti-erosion efforts through reef balls and oyster seeding, and kick-start the eelgrass restoration project.
OUR IMPACT
By championing hands-on projects like eelgrass restoration and oyster bed studies, we're fostering immediate positive changes in the health of the Connecticut River and Long Island Sound. Through dedicated community engagement and impactful research, we strive for real, measurable outcomes that restore and sustain these vital ecosystems.
BECOME A MEMBER
Help us raise funds for our education and restoration initiatives by becoming a Billion Oyster Project member today. Learn more about member benefits!
VOLUNTEER WITH US
Join our community of nearly 15,000 volunteers who share our determination to restore New York Harbor.
MAKE A DONATION
Donate today to support our mission to restore oyster reefs to New York Harbor through public education initiatives.