Our
Mission
Cornell Cooperative Extension Marine Program has been 'giving back to the bays' since 1985. As regional leaders in coastal and marine restoration and education on Long Island, we have made significant progress in enhancing the health of our local marine environments. Through the Back to the Bays Initiative, we work at the community level with local supporters and stewards to provide meaningful opportunities for involvement in this important work.
SPOTLIGHT
Polar Plunge CANCELLED
Due to unprecedented winter weather conditions, we have made the difficult decision to cancel the 4th Annual North Fork Polar Bear Plunge for this year. We are incredibly grateful for the enthusiasm, generosity, and support shown by our plungers, sponsors, and community. While we won’t be gathering at the beach this year, the impact of your participation is still very real. All funds raised directly support two vital causes:
CAST - providing food relief, education, and essential support services to North Fork and Shelter Island residents in need
CCE Marine Program and our Back to the Bays Initiative - restoring marine habitats and strengthening shellfish populations on the East End
You can still pickup plunge merchandise and prizes at CAST - 53930 Main Rd. in Southold. Visit Treiber Hall using the entrance off the Main Rd. The first 50 people to pick up their items will receive a free sweatshirt! Prizes will also be awarded to the top teams and individual fundraisers.
Merch + prize pickup dates and times:
Thursday, January 29: 12:00–4:00 PM
Wednesday, February 4: 10:00 AM–1:00 PM
Thursday, February 5: 2:00–5:00 PM
Saturday, February 7: 1:00–3:00 PM
To learn more about cold water plunging, visit the North Fork Polar Bears at northforkpolarbears.org. There is still time to add your support for Team Back to the Bays HERE. Thank you, and stay safe and warm!
A Year in Review
Find out what we accomplished in 2025 with your support
Explore our
Stewardship Sites
Upcoming Events + Latest News
Events + Programs
Recent Blog Posts
In the News
Check out our waterproof, visual field guide, published in 2025
Order your copy today, donate one to a local school or library, or purchase wholesale for your local bookstore or seaside shop!
For wholesale information, contact Kelsey Ketcham kk2266@cornell.edu, or review our Wholesale sell sheet.
Are you an educator?
Book a Marine Life Identification + Touch Tank program. Contact our education coordinator, Kim Manzo at kp92@cornell.edu. Students all receive a special discount to purchase their own guide!
Want to support our work?
Become a 2026 Back to the Bays Steward
By becoming a Steward of the Back to the Bays Initiative, you will be directly supporting the efforts of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County’s Marine Program. Since 1985, CCE’s Marine Program has been working towards increasing the water quality of our bays, improving habitat availability for our marine species, enhancing and restoring stocks of commercially and recreationally important shellfish, providing meaningful volunteer opportunities to the public, and educating our youth on the importance of protecting and preserving our marine ecosystem and maritime heritage. Your contribution will help ensure these important efforts continue, and are expanded upon in the years ahead.
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