Adopt-A-Beach

I have been thinking a lot about Stewardship and just what principles it takes to effectively oversee and protect the Island we all cherish and value-enough to “preserve, enrich, and enhance our resources and surrounding waters”
 Here,this morning I headed for the beach and trekked through Smyrna Dunes Park, navigating atop its elevated boardwalks. With the sun beating down on sandy slopes of these uplands, short shadows fall behind native Gopher Turtles emerging from burrows.  I can hear the breaking of ocean waves.

At first glance, floating on their boards in glistening wetsuits, surfers remind me of seals rafting together off Alaskan shores I once monitored.

I am struck by the beauty of a pristine beachscape despite the prevalent human element.

As I step off the boardwalk I notice a weathered sign-a bit of rust, a letter or two faded but never the less a message put to GREAT use!

The Smyrna Surfari Club has “adopted” a mile of beach here.

Well known for 35 years, the Club not only historically sponsors competition, but provides scholarships and has awarded over $150,000 to senior high school graduates who love to surf!

Thank you Smyrna Surfari Club for reminding me that sharing the responsibility

in caring for our environment is the essential principle that establishes Stewardship.

Back home on Fishers Island I can envision “Adopt-A Beach” signs perhaps in discreet spots along South, Isabella,  and Chocomount…representing maybe a softball team or two, a store, a family or three, even a graduating class, or sailing team.

Simply put….. Litter is “Bogus” and Stewardship is “Bodacious”!