Long Island Sound Report Card release in Glen Cove, New York

19 June 2015

On June 7th, Caroline Donovan, Bill Dennison, Suzi Spitzer, and I traveled to New York and Connecticut to release the Long Island Sound Report Card. In addition to the overall report card, we also released two embayment report cards, the Norwalk Harbor Report Card, and the Inner Hempstead Harbor Report Card.

After picking up a second rental car, Bill and I continued on to Glen Cove, NY for the release on the southern side of the Sound. Caroline and Suzi went up to Connecticut for the event on the northern side of the Sound in Westport, CT.

The morning of the release on June 8th, it was overcast and cloudy. We stopped by the train station to pick up our right hand man, Mike Smith from GreenSmith PR, and drove up to the Webb Institute.

As we drove up to the entrance to The Webb Institute, I was wondering if I was underdressed for the event. Credit: Alex Fries — As we drove up to the entrance to The Webb Institute, I was wondering if I was underdressed for the event. Credit: Alexandra Fries

The Webb Institute supports 90 students every year, who study maritime architecture at the expansive and historic campus.

Students looking at the report card prior to the press release. Credit: Alexandra Fries

The release went very well, with everyone excited about the report card, and ultimately enthusiastic about restoring and protecting the Sound. Amanda Bassow, the director of Northeastern Regional Office of National Fish and Wildlife Foundation gave a short background on the project, and introduced each of the speakers.

Amanda Bassow did an excellent job introducing all of the speakers. Credit: Alexandra Fries

US House of Representative's Steve Israel gave an inspiring speech on the Sound and the work he is doing in congress to support Long Island Sound, and raise more funding for restoration work.

Representative Steve Israel. Credit: Alex Fries — Representative Steve Israel. Credit: Alexandra Fries

Nassau County legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton and Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth both expressed their thoughts on the report card results, and the steps each of them is taking at the local level to restore Hempstead Harbor, and the Sound.

Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton has lived in the Glen Cove area for her entire life. Credit: Alex Fries — Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton has lived in the Glen Cove area for her entire life. Credit: Alexandra Fries

Town supervisor Judi Bosworth. Credit: Alex Fries — Town supervisor Judi Bosworth. Credit: Alexandra Fries

Bill Dennison explained the report cards to the audience, including revealing both the maps of the Long Island Sound Report Card and the Inner Hempstead Harbor Report Card.

Bill Dennison revealed the report card grades, and explained the differences from west to east along the Sound. Credit: Alex Fries — Bill Dennison revealed the report card grades, and explained the differences from west to east along the Sound. Credit: Alexandra Fries

To round up the release, Dave Okorn, the Executive Director of the Long Island Community Foundation, spoke about how there is still more work to be done to enhance and protect the Sound, and that we all can take steps to help. Dave also represented the Long Island Sound Funders Collaborative who were the real drivers for this report card.

David Okorn the director of the Long Island Community Foundation. Credit: Alex Fries — David Okorn the director of the Long Island Community Foundation. Credit: Alexandra Fries

All speakers at the event. Credit: Alex Fries — All speakers at the event. Credit: Alexandra Fries

While Bill took a tour of the Webb Institute, I completed some other work, as well as took a short walk to view the Sound. And the sun finally came out!

The front door of the Webb Institute. Credit: Alex Fries — The front door of the Webb Institute. Credit: Alexandra Fries

Looking out toward the Sound. Credit: Alex Fries — Looking out toward the Sound. Credit: Alexandra Fries

A clamming boat and the pier. Credit: Alex Fries — A clamming boat and the pier. Credit: Alexandra Fries

Looking back at the main building of the Webb Institute. Credit: Alex Fries — Looking back at the main building of the Webb Institute. Credit: Alexandra Fries

Surprisingly, even more press showed up to interview Bill and Amanda for News 12.

Bill giving an interview overlooking the Sound. Credit: Alex Fries — Bill giving an interview overlooking the Sound. Credit: Alexandra Fries

Amanda Bassow giving an interview. Credit: Alex Fries — Amanda Bassow giving an interview. Credit: Alexandra Fries

And don't forget to check out the report card at www.ecoreportcard.org.

About the author

Alexandra Fries

Alexandra is a Program Manager at the Integration and Application Network (IAN) based at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science in Annapolis MD. Alexandra’s work in environmental management has been focused on assessment, monitoring, and management of aquatic, marine, and terrestrial ecosystems. Alexandra has extensive experience in data analysis, synthesis, mapping, interpretation, and communication. Alexandra has experience working with a diverse group of partners including those in local, state, and federal government, non-governmental organizations, non-profit organizations, private industry, and academia. Within IAN, Alexandra conducts data analysis, synthesis, and communication by completing environmental report cards, updating the IAN website, and conducting science communication courses. Alexandra also creates science communication materials such as diagrams, posters, presentations, newsletters, and reports using Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office Suite, and ArcGIS. Alexandra has experience managing projects and staff on local and international projects, liaising directly with partners and colleagues, and providing insights on project direction and goals.