Coasts

Protecting Connecticut's coasts for birds and people

American Oystercatcher. Photo: Walker Golder/Audubon

Connecticut’s coastlines and associated marshes, islands, and beaches are being squeezed by rising sea levels and human development. The ecosystem is critical to protecting birds and people, and we need your help to keep it healthy.

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MAKING A DIFFERENCE FROM SAND TO SKY

More than 23 million people live within a 50-mile radius of Long Island Sound, making this landscape one of the most densely populated regions in the United States. It’s also a critically important area for vulnerable birds like the Piping Plover, Roseate Tern, American Oystercatcher, and Saltmarsh Sparrow.

To help at-risk species, our conservation staff, volunteers, and partners are protecting and restoring the places birds need to safely rest during migration and raise their young.

In doing so, we can also help communities prepare for and feel less of an impact from extreme coastal events.

Strengthening our Coastline

Building a Stronger, Resilient Connecticut Coast
Coasts

Building a Stronger, Resilient Connecticut Coast

Rising sea levels, stronger storms, and human development are squeezing salt marshes and beaches across the Long Island Sound and Atlantic Ocean coastlines.

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Stratford’s Great Meadows Salt Marsh Gets a $4M Refresh
Coasts

Stratford’s Great Meadows Salt Marsh Gets a $4M Refresh

12 local “Salt Marsh Stewards” from Stratford and Bunnell high schools, along with three crew leaders, over 150 volunteers, elected officials, and partners, have helped turn the marsh back into a haven for wildlife and the local community.

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Protecting Beach-Nesting Birds

Resources to Protect Shore-Nesting Birds
Coasts

Resources to Protect Shore-Nesting Birds

Together, we can #ShareTheShore to help birds nest and raise their young successfully.

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Share the Love, #ShareTheShore
Coasts

Share the Love, #ShareTheShore

A community campaign to protect shore-nesting birds! Together, we can make waves for safer beaches.

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2022 Shorebird and Seabird Conservation Highlights
News

2022 Shorebird and Seabird Conservation Highlights

Thanks to our staff, volunteers, and partners, 2022 has been one of our best seasons yet!

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Birds That Depend on Our Coast

News from the Coast

New Tidal Creek Established at Great Meadows Marsh
Coasts

New Tidal Creek Established at Great Meadows Marsh

Saltwater aids in keeping invasive species (specifically phragmites) at-bay while allowing native marsh grasses to flourish.

Connecticut's First National Estuarine Research Reserve Spans Over 52,000 Acres
News

Connecticut's First National Estuarine Research Reserve Spans Over 52,000 Acres

It includes an Important Bird Area and critical nesting and migratory habitat.

Yale Students Propose 23 Projects to Create a More Resilient Coast in Connecticut
Coasts

Yale Students Propose 23 Projects to Create a More Resilient Coast in Connecticut

The students' project plans will help Connecticut apply for federal grants that will support Audubon Connecticut’s Coastal Policy Agenda.

Progress made on freshwater ponds at Great Meadows Marsh
Coasts

Progress made on freshwater ponds at Great Meadows Marsh

Freshwater pond areas, overtaken by invasive plants, are currently being revitalized.

$4M Marsh Restoration Project Launches in Stratford
Coasts

$4M Marsh Restoration Project Launches in Stratford

By spring/summer 2022, Great Meadows Marsh will be a haven for people and wildlife, rather than a home for mosquitoes and invasive plants.

Wildlife Guards Advocate for Birds, on Beaches and in the General Assembly
Coasts

Wildlife Guards Advocate for Birds, on Beaches and in the General Assembly

A productive month for Audubon Connecticut's high school-age shorebird stewards, both on and off the beach.

Flying Drones Pose Danger to Threatened Birds
Coasts

Flying Drones Pose Danger to Threatened Birds

Not only do beach-nesting birds experience undue stress at the sight of a drone, they can also become seriously injured.

How you can help, right now