Sunset on the Beach
Sunset on the Beach is the Fishers Island Conservancy’s signature summer fundraiser and one of the most anticipated gatherings of the season. Held each July at Big Club Beach in partnership with the Fishers Island Club, the evening brings together friends, neighbors, and supporters to celebrate the island we all care so deeply about.
At its heart, Sunset on the Beach is both a fundraiser and a thank you. It is a chance to recognize the sponsors, donors, volunteers, and partners whose generosity makes the Conservancy’s work possible, while also enjoying a beautiful summer evening by the water.
Guests arrive as the sun begins to lower over the Sound, gathering on the beach to enjoy conversation, hors d’oeuvres, raw bar offerings, and drinks. The setting is relaxed and festive, with the natural beauty of the island as the backdrop. Each year, hundreds of people attend, with turnout in past years ranging from more than 350 to nearly 450 guests, even during heat waves or uncertain weather.
Over the years, Sunset on the Beach has become a space to reflect on what the Conservancy has accomplished and where it is headed next. Short remarks during the evening often highlight ongoing projects, new initiatives, and the importance of stewardship on an island where land and water are so closely connected. Proceeds from the event directly support the Conservancy’s conservation, monitoring, restoration, and education programs.
Why It Matters
Sunset on the Beach plays a critical role in sustaining the Conservancy’s work. Funds raised support everything from long term ecological monitoring and habitat restoration to education programs and partnerships across the island. Just as importantly, the event strengthens the sense of community that underpins all conservation efforts here.
Each summer, Sunset on the Beach serves as a reminder that protecting Fishers Island is a shared effort, and that coming together to celebrate that work is just as important as the work itself.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who attends, sponsors, donates, and helps make this event possible. Sunset on the Beach is more than a party. It is a celebration of stewardship, partnership, and the place we call home.
Looking Back at Past Seasons
In years past, Sunset on the Beach has consistently drawn strong community support. The event has weathered everything from looming rainstorms to record breaking heat, yet attendance has remained high, a reflection of how much this work matters to the community.
Some years have focused on broad conservation themes, while others have highlighted specific projects such as grassland restoration, beach cleanups, bird monitoring, and native planting. Across all of them, the spirit has stayed the same: a shared commitment to protecting Fishers Island’s natural resources.
The event was paused in 2020 during the pandemic, a difficult but necessary decision made with community health in mind. When Sunset on the Beach returned, it did so with renewed energy and appreciation for gathering together again.
Sunset on the Beach 2025
Sunset on the Beach 2025 was a full weekend of science, exploration, and community connection. We began Friday with a panel discussion highlighting the environmental work happening across Fishers Island, followed by Moth Night at the Parade Grounds, where families gathered under the lights to observe and document nocturnal insects as part of our ongoing biodiversity survey.
Saturday brought hands on insect catching and identification in the field, along with guided nature walks through the restored Parade Grounds led by Dr. Doug Tallamy. That evening, we gathered at the Beach Club for Sunset on the Beach, honoring Dr. Tallamy and celebrating conservation with friends and neighbors as the sun set over the water. On Sunday, the weekend concluded with another morning walk and Dr. Tallamy’s public talk at the Movie Theater, where he shared his vision for restoring biodiversity through native plants and community action.
To read more about everything that happened – click here
