Hello!
Summer is officially here and there’s no better time to come interact with CCOM! Our summer events lineup provides an opportunity for everyone to get involved, whether during the week, the weekend, in-person or virtually. With family and kid-friendly events, there’s something for everyone. Just this past weekend, a brave group of members paddled against the wind in Fort Pond, and we had a blast! So come join us this summer and learn more about CCOM!
With gratitude,
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HURRICANE SEASON IS HERE... ARE WE PREPARED? |
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The 2022 Atlantic Hurricane Season runs from June through November, and each year we must ask ourselves, are we prepared for the next big storm? With the Fire Island to Montauk Point (FIMP) beach renourishment project on the cusp of being implemented, and the Town’s Coastal Assessment and Resiliency Plan now in draft stage and set to go to public hearing for adoption later this summer, we, as a community, are taking steps in the right direction.
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CCOM AWARDED EH TOWN WATER QUALITY GRANT |
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The East Hampton Town Board recently approved a second Community Preservation Fund Water Quality Improvement Project grant award to Concerned Citizens of Montauk to support the 2022 installation of our floating wetlands in Fort Pond.
In mid-May, 50 CCOM volunteers planted 7,200 native plants into custom floating mats that were anchored at two locations in Fort Pond. This is the second consecutive year the Town of East Hampton has helped fund the installation. For more information on the project, visit our water quality webpage. |
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SAVE MONTAUK'S WATERS: SOUTH LAKE OPEN HOUSE |
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On June 10th, community members joined CCOM and the Town of East Hampton at South Lake Beach to learn more about our joint efforts to restore water quality. Outdated septic systems and storm water runoff have negatively affected the water quality at this location for years. We have been sampling three locations at South Beach for over a decade.
CCOM and the Town have been working very closely with the community to persuade home and business owners to upgrade their septic systems. During the South Lake Open House attendees got to visit the nearby lakefront property of Tom Rice and Cheryl Christman. Tom and Cheryl recently upgraded their septic system model to one that reduces nitrogen and phosphorus leaching. Tom gave a wonderful testimonial on the process they went through to upgrade. They had learned about the Septic Upgrade Incentive program through CCOM. CLICK HERE to learn more about the Septic Upgrade Incentive Program. |
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In addition to septic upgrades, details about the proposed project to control and mitigate stormwater runoff at South Lake Beach were discussed. The goals of that project are to maximize parking, remove invasive plant species, and capture and treat stormwater runoff naturally by installing pervious pavement and a bioswale. You can find more information about the project HERE.
CCOM also displayed water quality sampling equipment and historical bacteria data from South Lake at the event. Check out our video from the day! |
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INTERN CAMILLE NEWMAN RETURNS TO CCOM |
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CCOM is thrilled to welcome back Camille as our intern this summer. Camille is a rising sophomore at Wellesley College working toward a degree in environmental studies with a possible minor in psychology/sociology. This will be her 4th season volunteering for CCOM. She will have a very active role in our water quality monitoring program this summer, collecting and testing samples for bacteria.
“My favorite thing about living in Montauk is the beautiful scenery, sunsets and being able to see all the wildlife! I love working at CCOM because I get to meet other people who are interested in environmental issues. Knowing there are people who care gives me hope.”
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Check out our video of Camille's first day in the lab! |
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CCOM President Laura Tooman recently awarded Montauk local, Emma Stein, the 2022 Peter Lowenstein Memorial Scholarship.
Peter Lowenstein was a beloved CCOM Board Member who cherished Montauk’s environment and fought hard for many years to ensure it was protected. The Peter Lowenstein Memorial Scholarship continues Peter’s legacy by investing in Montauk’s next generation of environmentalists.
Emma will be attending Louisiana State University this fall, majoring in electrical engineering. We wish Emma a successful first semester!
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SUMMER SOIREE
Wednesday July 13th
6pm - 8pm
Please join us at our Summer Soirée event on Wednesday, July 13th from 6-8 pm at Gurney's Montauk.
Gurney’s stunning rooftop terrace has panoramic views of the ocean and is the perfect place to enjoy the company of friends with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.
Gurney’s is graciously donating this event and all ticket purchases are 100% tax deductible. All proceeds will directly benefit our environmental initiatives.
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CCOM OPEN HOUSE
Wednesday, July 6th | 11AM – 1 PM 6 S. Elmwood Ave. Montauk
Stop by the CCOM Office anytime between 11 am & 1 pm to meet the CCOM staff! Have your questions on water quality, septic upgrades, coastal resiliency, or other concerns answered in person. No registration required. Just stop by!
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COASTAL RESILIENCY WEBINAR
Thursday, July 21st | 5PM | Pre-Registration Required
Please join CCOM’s President Laura Tooman to discuss Montauk’s coastal resiliency and the future of our beaches. CLICK HERE to pre-register for this webinar.
ANNUAL TEEN BEACH CLEANUP
Saturday, July 30th | 10AM – 12PM | Ditch Plains Beach
Please join CCOM’s amazing teen interns for our 4th annual teen beach cleanup at Ditch Plains Beach. Stop by the CCOM tent to grab a bucket and gloves. We all have to do our part to help keep Montauk’s favorite surf spot beautiful and clean! No registration required.
DITCH PLAINS EDUCATIONAL KIOSK
Saturday, August 5th | 10AM – 2PM | Ditch Plains Beach
Stop by CCOM’s kiosk at Ditch Plains Beach to learn about our water quality programming and what CCOM is doing to help keep Montauk’s coastline resilient to impacts from climate change.
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KIDS SCAVENGER HUNT
Wednesday, August 10th
11AM – 12PM
Think your kids would enjoy a nature scavenger hunt at the beach? Meet us at the office and we’ll all head out to hunt for natural objects at the beach! Children of all ages are welcome. Parental supervision is required. This event is free. Meet at CCOM Office (6 S. Elmwood Ave.)
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MONTAUK FARMER'S MARKET
Montauk Village Green
9AM - 2PM
Visit the CCOM Tent at the Montauk Farmer’s Market. Learn about our programming and pick up some of our new merch!
Thursday's 7/14 & 8/25
Saturday 10/8
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LINDLEY-MORRISON SIGNATURE WALKS SERIES
Walk #3 | Saturday, Aug 20th | 10am-1pm
Marine Ecosystems led by Dr. Joel Carlin
CCOM and Third House Nature Center are excited to announce the Lindley-Morrison Signature Walks, a series of four annual walks honoring the founders of our two organizations and their significant and long-standing contributions to Montauk.
Meet at: Hanger dock at Eddie Ecker Park.
CCOM ANNUAL FAMILY PICNIC
Saturday, September 17th | 1-3 PM | Ft. Pond House
Join CCOM for our annual family picnic at Fort Pond House! Pack your own picnic or enjoy some old-fashioned barbeque favorites and soft drinks! This event is free & open to the public. Please register for this event by email: Info@PreserveMontauk.org
FT. POND WETLANDS REMOVAL
Date: TBD | 9 AM – 1PM | Ft. Pond Boat Launch Ramp | S. Erie St.
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Just in time for the busy summer season, our new merch is ready for purchase!
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SUPPORT OUR WORK | BECOME A CCOM MEMBER
Do you love Montauk? Join CCOM as a member and be part of an organization fighting to protect and restore Montauk’s precious environment!
CCOM is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit environmental organization. Thanks to our donors, we have been protecting Montauk's unique environment since 1970. Please consider making a 100% tax-deductible donation today.
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