Some of Sleepy Hollow’s newest residents are a bit secretive, clamming up when you get a little too close. They are quite thick-skinned and have no intention of moving after finding their ideal home. But you can’t deny that they are working hard on an important task: cleaning the Hudson River. Who are they? The live oysters that have started to appear on the Sleepy Hollow shore. Sustainable Sleepy Hollow, P.E.A.R.L. and the TUFSD Tri-State Blue School participants invite you to join the Billion Oyster Project for a baseline count of these very welcome new neighbors.
Over the past few years, members of Sustainable Sleepy Hollow noticed oysters on the rocks along Horan’s Landing beach. Oysters used to thrive in the Hudson. Oyster middens – dinner trash heaps of people who lived here thousands of years ago – have been found nearby. When the Dutch came to the area, they marveled at oysters that were a foot long or more. But then the oysters largely disappeared. Until now.
These tiny new neighbors punch above their weight. A single oyster can filter up to 50 gallons of water each day. Oyster reefs can be part of a plan to strengthen shorelines against erosion. And they can provide critical habitat for fish and other marine life.
On Sunday, October 5 at 3:30 pm (low tide), we will hold our first Sleepy Hollow Oyster CountUp at Horan’s Landing Park (57 River Street). The Billion Oyster Project will talk all things oysters and train 35 participants in their counting protocol. But you don’t have to participate in the count to learn how oysters can be part of a more resilient and cleaner (hopefully swimmable) Hudson River shoreline. Everyone is welcome at the educational and information tables and exhibits.
Because a sustainable economy is circular, several volunteers gathered on September 17 under the direction of local artist and educator Kersten Harries to create the measuring tape needed to count the oysters from discarded fabric scraps.
Up to 30 people can participate in the count (children 12 and under need to be accompanied by an adult). Wear shoes that can get a little damp. To guarantee a spot, sign up at https://bit.ly/2025OysterRoundUp. Reach out to sleepy.hollow.eac@gmail.com with questions.
