Photos by Patrick Olivero
RUMSON – A statue of a seahorse graced the grounds at Victory Park June 8 during Clean Ocean Action’s Rally for the River Eco-Fest. Created by an artist using trash gathered from local beaches, attendees added more debris to the sculpture during the event, leaving their mark on the artwork and learning about environmental issues in the process.
Many local environmental groups came out to the free, family-friendly event to educate the public about the challenges the marine ecosystems face and the progress being made to address those issues.
One group gave an update on the oysters placed at Naval Weapons Station Earle and told of the bivalve’s amazing ability to clean up the surrounding waters. Another group shared the benefits of purchasing bee-friendly plants and those native to the Two River area to reduce the need for chemicals in the soil that end up in nearby water ways.
Students from Rumson-Fair Haven High School, along with their biology teacher Michael Haughwout, talked about the research they are doing to protect terrapins. Representatives from waste management presented the issues “flushable” wipes can cause for the local sewage system. Another group shared information on alternative energy suppliers that could provide clean energy at less cost.
Many who attended left with a renewed passion and an urgency to do more to be good stewards for the local ecosystem.
