Slade Dale Restoration Volunteer Day

Join the American Littoral Society on Saturday, April 20, 2019, as we build a living shoreline to help protect and restore Slade Dale Sanctuary, a 12.93 acre preserve located in Point Pleasant, NJ. As one of only a few areas of open space left in Point Pleasant, Slade Dale Sanctuary is an important part of the local ecosystem, and is home to a number of unique animals and plants. Unfortunately, Slade Dale Sanctuary is also disappearing. Since 1930, the shoreline of Slade Dale Sanctuary has retreated approximately 300 feet, equal to the length of a football field. To prevent further erosion and to start building back marsh, we will be constructing several Christmas tree breakwaters and Christmas tree vanes. 

 During the construction day we will be transporting Christmas trees from their staged locations on the marsh to breakwater sections we have already installed in the water. Each sections consists of a double row of wooden pilings that have been driven into the creek bottom. Christmas trees will be stuffed between the pilings and securely tied. We will also be staking Christmas trees directly into the creek bottom. Much of this work will require you to be in the water, so we ask that you bring waders or a wetsuit if you have them. We will be able to provide a limited amount of waders. However, there will also be tasks that don’t require you to be in the water if you are not comfortable or able. 

 Construction starts at 10am, and the day will end at 4pm. You do not have to stay until 4pm. We appreciate any time you can donate to the project. Restoration captains will work with volunteers throughout the day to provide instruction on tasks and answer any questions. Water and light refreshments will be served! There are no parking spots, but you are able to park along Sea Point Drive. We hope to see you out there to be part of this novel project: the first of its kind to be constructed in New Jersey!