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
Plunge into the New Year
January 25th February 1st
*POSTPONED
The Polar Bear Plunge scheduled for this Sunday, January 25th, has been moved to the following Sunday, February 1st. This is the safest decision for our brave plungers. Please visit the Plunge website for additional updates and you can still contribute to this important cause. Thanks so much for your support!
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.
Follow us on social
@backtothebays
