Projects
During the 2025 season from June to November, we focused on a planting site near Heckscher State Park. We planted July and then again in October and November. We collected metrics on each of three planting including time of year, source and number of clams and seeds, and distribution method. July, which was a test of planting mid-summer, was a much smaller planting than October and November. November was overlaid on the same acre planted in October. Funding enabled us to use Littlenecks in the October planting, and thus reduce predation risks.
July Heckscher planting
Seeds: (4,000)
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collected June 2025
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north of West Fire Island
Clams: (400)
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2024 Islip Hatchery clams
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overwintered in the lab
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approx. 40mm (1.57 inches) shell width at distribution
Distributed by hand
October & November
Heckscher plantings
Seeds: (40,000)
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collected July and August 2025
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south shore of Orient Point County Park
October Clams: (1,000)
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locally sourced Littleneck clams
November Clams: (5,500)
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Islip Hatchery seed clams
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Used after predation is presumed less of an issue
Distributed using ZM1
SAVE Environmental Restoration Sites
Drone footage just east of Fire Island Pines, July 2025. The dark areas show meadow expansion from last year. Lat/Long location information available.
Borghardt Photography