Twelve Vernon artists selected to help protect Long Island's coastal birds
Audubon New York's annual Share the Shore initiative is back, and fourth grade students at James H. Vernon School are once again making their mark on Long Island's coastline. The statewide conservation program invites students to help protect vulnerable coastal bird populations and their fragile habitats through public art. Students create original artwork promoting Audubon's core message: encouraging beachgoers to give nesting birds space, keep shores litter-free and respect leash laws and no-pet zones.
This year, twelve Vernon students were selected as winners for their vibrant, original designs: Juliana Amatrudo, Phoebe Bougiamas, McKenna Brush, Cecilia DiFato, Jameson Harding, Grace Hoch, Amelia LaMarca, Sadie Meyer, Tobias Rodriguez, Peyton Rossiter, Xander Snow and Elena Verni.
Their winning artwork will be transformed into weather-resistant educational signs installed this summer at four popular North Shore beaches: Stehli Town Beach, Centre Island Beach, Sunken Meadow State Park and West Meadow Beach. The signs aim to raise awareness among beachgoers about sharing shoreline space with nesting and migratory birds.
These young conservationists' designs are not only informative but also vibrant works of art, said Erica Giglio Pac, Oyster Bay-East Norwich's Director of Fine, Performing and Media Arts. Congratulations to these talented students and their dedicated art teacher, Ms. Miley!
A celebration was held on May 14 at the Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary and Audubon Center to honor the winners, with distinguished guests including Richard LaMarca, Town Clerk; Charles R. Goulding, Mayor of the Village of Oyster Bay Cove; and Julie Nelsen, Education Manager for the Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary and Audubon Center.
Following the ceremony, students spent the afternoon birdwatching, exploring the trails, and enjoying lunch on-site, which was the perfect opportunity to spot the very birds they worked so hard to protect.
