Songs, Sea Views, History And Fun On The Menu For The Great Bay Coast Watch/Great Bay Stewards Annual BBQ July 26

By Kirsten Weir, NH Sea Grant

The Great Bay Coast Watch and the Great Bay Stewards will hold their annual joint meeting and potluck barbeque on Tuesday, July 26, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the spectacular view of Portsmouth Harbor at the U.S. Coast Guard Station on Route 1-B in New Castle. Take in the islands in the distance while learning about Coast Watch/Stewards activities and volunteer opportunities around Great Bay.

While digging into burgers and hot dogs, guests will be entertained with tunes from the UNH Marine Docent Sea Chantey Singers. Alex Herlihy of the Rye Historical Society will share stories and a bit of history in his presentation, “Drowned Valley Revealed: Tales from Our Seacoast Maritime Heritage.” In addition to fun and food, come by to find out who will be the recipient of this year’s Environmental Stewardship Award.

Sponsored by UNH Cooperative Extension and NH Sea Grant, the Great Bay Coast Watch is a volunteer effort dedicated to protecting the long-term health of New Hampshire's coastal waters and estuarine systems through monitoring and education projects. In partnership with the Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, the Great Bay Stewards promote long-term protection and conservation of the Great Bay estuarine system through education, conservation, and research.

For more information about volunteer and funding opportunities, please attend the barbeque or contact Great Bay Coast Watch coordinator Ann Reid at 603-749-1565 or ann.reid@unh.edu.