June 2022
The Sand Paper A Newsletter from The Sandy Hook Foundation
Dear Friends of Sandy Hook,

We closed out May with our Summer Soiree at Spermaceti Cove Lifesaving Station No. 2 on Sandy Hook. What a night! Despite driving wind, a tornado watch, downpours and flooded parking lots, many supporters braved Mother Nature to come and celebrate Sandy Hook! We are grateful to all who joined us for this very special event.

Come visit Sandy Hook this June. Sign up for a park sponsored program and visit buildings as they reopen. And, don’t forget Yoga on the beach every Saturday morning (weather permitted), sponsored by The Sandy Hook Foundation. Keep your eyes out for nesting piping plovers, ride the Multi Use Path (MUP) and refill your water bottles at the Foundation's hydration stations located near Camp Gateway and Lot M.

We hope to see you out and about - summer is here!!

The Staff and Board of Trustees of the Sandy Hook Foundation
Spermaceti Lifesaving Station No. 2, site of the Summer Soiree
Summer Soiree a Success
The Board of Trustees and staff (pictured above) wish to thank everyone for the turnout and supporting of the our Summer Soiree. Your contributions mean we can do even more for Sandy Hook.

Delicious catering by Lusty Lobster Raw Bar and Red Horse Rumson by Chef David Burke, featuring the Sandy Hook Sunrise signature cocktail.

Thank you to all our generous sponsors.


Historic artifacts were on display to illustrate the history of the lifesaving station.


The Danjos wowed the audience with live music!
The silent auction included exclusive opportunities and experiences, like camping at the sold-out Camp Gateway, a behind the scenes tour of the Sandy Hook water plant, and a donated stay in Brian Samuelson's beautful restored duplex overlooking Sandy Hook Bay along Officers Row.
Thank You for a Wonderful Night!
Photo credits: David Hawkins
Hydration Station #2 In Progress!
Big thanks to Manny Montano, Bob Galante and Matt Brescia of the NPS who are making the dream of the second hydration station for reusable water bottle refills a reality along the MUP trail. This second station, also funded by The Sandy Hook Foundation, will be located just outside the entrance to Camp Gateway. At the end of May, the wet tap procedure was completed as the first step of connecting water lines to the new station.
Thank You Bank of America!
Two groups of volunteers from Bank of America came out for a day of service to support Sandy Hook by removing stubborn sedge grass near the Post Chapel. Volunteers cheerfully attacked this invasive species and removed close to 30 buckets of grass!
The Sandy Hook Foundation Is Charity Partner for Jersey Shore Half Marathon
The Sandy Hook Foundation is pleased to be named as the official Charity Partner of the 2022 Jersey Shore Half Marathon scheduled for October 2 on Sandy Hook and produced by the Shore Athletic Club, (Shore A.C.). During registration, participants will have the option to make a tax-deductible donation to The Sandy Hook Foundation through the event website, to support our work within the park. The Foundation will also be present on race day. Race registration goes up to $60 from $50 in June so reserve today! For more information about The Sandy Hook Foundation, please email info@sandyhooknj.org, visit the website at www.sandyhooknj.org, or call 732-291-7733.

For questions or more information about the Jersey Shore Half Marathon, contact race coordinator Erin O’Neill. Both groups look forward to seeing you at the beach on Sunday, October 2, 2022.
Piping plover
Volunteer with the Shorebird Ecology Ambassador Program 
Volunteers are needed to join the park’s team as a Shorebird Ecology Ambassador Volunter in Parks (SEA-VIP), so others can help preserve and protect the Piping Plover and other threatened and endangered nesting shorebirds. Volunteer opportunities include assistance with shorebird protection projects (Installing symbolic fencing/signs), monitoring beach use and nesting sites, educating beach users about dune and beach wildlife and habitat, and staffing an information booth in the beach plazas.

To volunteer with Lloyd Crawford, Sandy Hook's Community Volunteer Ambassador to help protect the piping plover, please email him directly to get started with the National Park Service.
The Sandy Hook Foundation (SHF) has achieved the 2022 Platinum Seal of Transparency from Guidestar/Candid, the highest level of transparency. Guidestar's mission is to revolutionize philanthropy by providing information that advances transparency, enables users to make better decisions, and encourages charitable giving.
The Sandy Hook Foundation, a designated
501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is the
Official Friends Group of the
National Park Service at Sandy Hook.
We rely on your support and
every donation is meaningful.
Please, consider your contribution today.
History House
Historic Buildings Reopening This Month
We are delighted to share that the National Park Service will be opening several of the most iconic buildings at Fort Hancock. The National Park Service requires visitors, employees, and contractors to wear a mask inside all NPS buildings.

Sandy Hook Lighthouse Tours
Tours are first-come, first-served. Children must be 48 inches tall to climb the tower. Lighthouse tour sign-ups start at 12:30PM in the 1883 Keeper’s Quarters. Visit the lighthouse keepers quarters exhibits on  New Jersey lighthouses, a rotating art exhibit, and visit the gift shop. Grounds and video in adjacent barn are always open. Organized groups must make advance reservations.
Starting Tuesday June 7
Daily, 1 PM to 4:30 PM  
Call (732) 872-5970 for more information.  

The Sandy Hook Visitor Center & Park Store, located inside the Lighthouse Keepers Quarters, is open daily, 9 AM – 5 PM  

History House, Building #1 
An 1898 lieutenant’s quarters on “Officers Row” overlooking Sandy Hook Bay is furnished to the WWII era, the busiest time in the Fort’s history.  
Fort Hancock Historic Post, Officer’s Row 
Daily, 1 PM – 5 PM 

Nike Missile Radar Site 
Tour the Nike Integrated Fire Control (IFC) Area to experience where nuclear armed Nike Hercules Missiles were controlled and guided during the Cold War defense of the New York metropolitan area. While taking a guided tour of this one-time secret missile site, you will have the opportunity to meet and talk with some of the veterans who worked the Cold War era Nike Air Defense System.  
Parking Lot L at Horseshoe Cove
Saturdays: 6/25, 7/9 & 8/13 
Sundays: 6/5, 7/17 & 8/21 
12 PM – 4 PM 

Fort Hancock Post Museum, Building #28
From the Revolutionary War to the Cold War, Sandy Hook boasts a rich military history. Stop in and learn Sandy Hook’s history from cannons to missiles. 
Saturdays and Sundays, beginning Sunday June 5 through August 28 
1 PM – 5 PM 
Programs in the Park

WEEKLY PROGRAMS
MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS and FRIDAYS

Canoe Cruises
Take a two-mile morning paddle to explore Sandy Hook Bay from an ideal vantage point—the water itself. Rangers guide you on a two-and-a-half-hour tour of the bayside waters and Skeleton Hill Island.
Life-Saving Station Parking Lot (between Lot D and Lot E) 
June 20 through August 29 
9:15 AM – 12 PM Go to www.recreation.gov or call 1-877-444-6777 to make your reservation. Fee-based program. 

Crustacean of the Day 
Center Beach Chute @ Lot E 
June 20 through August 29 
2 PM – 4 PM 
Park rangers reveal fun facts and provide a hands-on crustacean pool to share with beachgoers of all ages. Drop in to observe and handle creatures native to Sandy Hook Bay. 
Center Beach Chute @ Lot E 
June 20 through August 29 
2 PM – 4 PM 

SATURDAYS
Yoga on the Beach  
Sponsored by The Sandy Hook Foundation, begin your Saturday with a peaceful, yet vigorous, traditional Vinyasa yoga practice on the beach. The practice is open to everyone and all levels, from beginners to advanced, and will focus on flowing through basic poses and maintaining poses with proper alignment. Please bring a large, sturdy beach blanket and wear light, comfortable workout attire. Hydration is also important, so please bring your own water (refillable bottles). Please be advised there is no beach fee waiver for this program.
Parking Lot D – North Chute 
June 4 – August 29 
8 AM – 9 AM 

SATURDAYS and SUNDAYS
Birding on the Deck 
Visit a ranger on top of the observation deck, rebuilt by The Sandy Hook Foundation. A scope will be set up to view and learn how to identify osprey, egrets, and songbirds. 
Observation Deck @ Lot M 
9 AM – 11 AM 

PROGRAMS in JUNE
National Trails Day 
Get fit and lean and enjoy the outdoors! Join a park ranger and bike the Multiple Use Path from Lot B to Fort Hancock and back to Lot B. The tour will follow up with a beach clean-up across from Lot B on Plum Island. Don’t forget your bicycle, helmet and water.
Beach Plaza @ Lot B 
Saturday, June 4 
2 PM – 4 PM 
No reservations, just show up. ♥ 10 miles 
 
Facebook Live – Coffee with a Ranger  
Please join as the live video starts or pre-register in the events tab on the park’s Facebook page - @GatewayNPS.
Topic TBD. 
Monday, June 6 
10 AM – 11 AM 

Fort Hancock Bike Tour 
Join a ranger on a guided bicycle tour of Fort Hancock, highlighting everything from batteries to beaches. Bring your bicycle and bike helmet.
Theater Parking Lot - Building 67 
Sunday, June 12 
1 PM – 3 PM 
Call (732) 872-5970 to make a reservation. ♥ 3 miles. 

Twilight Seining 
Beach seining involves dragging a large seine net with two poles on each end through the water to catch various marine species. We provide chest waders for all the participants to keep dry while assisting our rangers with dragging the seine net. The participants will have the opportunity to have hands-on interaction with the animals caught including different types of crabs, killifish, Atlantic silverside, pipefish, shrimp and more! Don’t forget to wear good sand walking shoes and bug repellent.
Bayside Beach @ Lot C 
Saturday, June 18 
6:30 PM – 8 PM 
Free, call (732) 872-5970 to make reservations. 

Family Friendly Campfire on the Beach 
Sing silly Sandy Hook songs with park rangers and hear true stories from days of yore surrounding the history and mysteries of the Hook. Participants are encouraged to bring beach blankets or chairs, snacks, bug spray, family and friends! NO ALCOHOL allowed during the program. Parents must supervise their children.
South Beach Chute @ Lot E 
Friday, June 24 
7:30 PM – 9 PM 
Free. Call the Sandy Hook Visitor Center (732) 872-5970 for more information. 

Butterflies, Bees and Pollinators – Celebrate Pollinator Week 
Bees and other pollinators are declining in number. Pollinators (butterflies, bees, birds) are necessary for the health of our food crops. Join a park ranger for a hike to learn about the local pollinator life that can be found here during the summer season. A family program, and don’t forget to wear good sand walking shoes and bug repellent.
Life Saving Station Parking Lot (between Lot D and Lot E) 
Saturday, June 25 
10 AM – 12PM 
Free, call (732) 872-5970 to make reservations. ♥ 1 mile 
 
Going Bunkers: Nine Gun Battery 
Explore and tour the north end of Fort Hancock’s Nine Gun Battery, the longest gun battery the U.S. Army ever built for harbor defense. When construction began in 1897, the battery was originally intended to mount three 10-inch caliber disappearing guns, but when construction was completed in 1904 an additional six 12-inch caliber disappearing guns were emplaced, creating a nine-gun battery that operated until 1944.
Parking Lot M 
Sunday, June 26 
6 PM – 7:30 PM 
Free. Call (732) 872-5970 to make a reservation.  
 
Fort Hancock History Tour 
Take a stroll around Fort Hancock with a ranger and learn about its history. The tour will include stops at the Fort Hancock Museum, Sandy Hook Lighthouse, Mortar Battery, Battery Potter, Rodman Gun and Officers’ Row.
Fort Hancock Post Museum Grounds, Building 28 
Wednesday, June 29 
5 PM – 7 PM 
Call (732) 872-5970 to make a reservation. 
Meet Carly Valko, Summer Intern
The Sandy Hook Foundation is delighted to have Carly on board with our team this summer, as she fulfills degree requirements for her Capstone Internship at the University of Vermont, where she is a rising senior. Carly is an environmental studies major and biology wildlife minor. She will be working with the Shorebird Ecology Ambassador Program and integrating information about beach debris and how it affects threatened populations of nesting birds. Carly will spend time meeting park partners as she investigates women in STEM careers. An avid surfer and part time surf instructor in Sea Bright, Carly is a Jersey Shore native and loves the beach. Welcome Carly!
So Much to Do on Sandy Hook
This summer be sure to visit our park partners and vendors and take advantage of all Sandy Hook has to offer! Sandy Hook Kayaks and SUP rentals open on Monday, May 30 (Memorial Day). There are two beautiful and restored houses to rent within Fort Hancock. Sandy Hook Rentals has a house on Officers Row to rent, and another rental property is just around the corner and available through AirBNB. Bikes, beach chairs and umbrellas are available beginning Memorial Day weekend at Sandy Hook Beach Rentals. Be sure to stop by at McFly's inside the old Post Exchange for array of food, snacks, beverages, ice cream and oddities! And, don’t forget Sandy Hook has its own Park Store, located inside the Visitor’s Center at the Lighthouse Keepers Quarters. Here you can find items related to Sandy Hook’s history, open daily from 9 AM - 5 PM.
SANDY HOOK is HIRING
GET INVOLVED with YOUR NATIONAL PARK!
Jobs for Many Skill Sets and Interests

Open Period: May 6 to June 30
Salary: $41,981 per year
Series and Grade: GS 0640 5
Location: Sandy Hook Unit
Who May Apply: The Public

Open Period: February 10 to August 10
Salary: $21.39-$24.96 per hour
Series and Grade: WG 3502 4
Location: Jamaica Bay Unit and Sandy Hook Units
Who May Apply: Open to the public

Open Period: February 9 to August 9
Salary: $19.94 - $23.28 per hour.
Series and Grade: WG 3502 3
Location: Jamaica Bay Unit, Sandy Hook Unit, Staten Island Unit
Who May Apply: Open to the public

Open Period: February 7 to August 8
Salary:$44,423 - $52,976 per year
Series and Grade: GS 0404 05
Location: Jamaica Bay Unit and Sandy Hook Unit
Who May Apply: Open to the public

Open Period: March 25 to June 30
Salary: $52,002 per year
Series and Grade: GS 0081 07
Location: Sandy Hook Unit
Who May Apply: Open to the public

Open Period: January 31 to June 30
Salary: $46,797 per year
Series and Grade: GS 0081 06
Location: Sandy Hook Unit
Who May Apply: Open to the public

Open Period: December 20 to June 20
Salary: $32,445 per year
Series and Grade: GS 0189 3
Location: Jamaica Bay Unit, Sandy Hook Unit, and Staten Island Unit
Who May Apply: Open to the public

Open Period: December 20, 2021 to June 20, 2022
Salary: $36,421 per year
Series and Grade: GS 0189 04
Location: Gateway National Recreation Area
Who May Apply: Open to the public

Open Period: December 20, 2021 to June 20, 2022
Salary: $40,749 per year
Series and Grade: GS 0189 05
Location: Gateway National Recreation Area
Who May Apply: Open to the public

Open Period: December 20, 2021 to June 20, 2022
Salary: $45,423 per year
Series and Grade: GS 0189 06
Location: Gateway National Recreation Area
Who May Apply: Open to the public

Open Period: December 20, 2021 to June 20, 2022
Salary: $50,476 per year
Series and Grade: GS 0189 07
Location: Gateway National Recreation Area
Who May Apply: Open to the public
Contact Us!
The Sandy Hook Foundation
84 Mercer Road
Lighthouse Keepers' Quarters
Fort Hancock, NJ 07732
732-291-7733
www.sandyhooknj.org