On May 18th, volunteers participated in Clean Ocean Action’s “Back to the Beach” projects which promote the natural beauty of the coast and show New York and New Jersey shores as being “open for business.” Events were held at 17 locations throughout the region, including coastal counties in New Jersey, and Staten Island, New York.
Waves of thanks to the businesses that participated on May 18th:
- Pizzeria Giove in Staten Island
- Jakebob’s in Union Beach
- Langosta Lounge
- Dauphin Grill
- McLoone’s Pier House
- Ground Round Sports Grille
- FINS: A Tropicali Grill
- Atlantic Bar and Grill of NJ
- Labrador Lounge
- Surf Taco in Pt. Pleasant
- Baja East Surf Shop
- The Anchor Inn
- Goochie Brothers
And many thanks to the organizations and businesses who hosted coastal experiences on May 18th:
- Summa Love Surfing and Yoga
- Surfrider Foundation, South Jersey Chapter
- Alliance for a Living Ocean
- Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce
- ReClam the Bay
- Ocean Gate Yacht Club
- Sea & Green
- American Littoral Society
- New Jersey Sierra Club
- Bayshore Regional Watershed Council
- Keyport Environmental Commission
- Natural Resource Protective Association
ForTheShore.org 
Friends of Forsythe NWR and Atlantic Audubon joined the volunteers and USFWS staff in a day of celebrating the official re-opening of Wildlife Drive at our Oceanville site. Rep. Frank LoBiondo gave a great talk about the refuge and the 250,000 annual visitors we host. Visitors enjoyed coffee and donuts, several special tours and bird walks, and the new displays in the Visitor Information Center. Thanks to everyone who helped get Wildlife Drive open especially Rep. LoBiondo, Rep. Jon Runyon, Federal Highways Administration, USFWS, and Wegman Construction.