Citizen Science "Horseshoe Crab Count" (Families with children in grades K-6)

Relatively unchanged for 350 million years, horseshoe crabs play an important part in Long Island’s marine ecosystem. Unfortunately, they are now listed as “vulnerable” on the Red List of Endangered Species, due to habitat loss, changing climate conditions and overfishing.  In May and early June, yearly horseshoe crab surveys are conducted by organizations to monitor and assess the health of local Horseshoe crab populations. Those organizations rely on “Citizen Scientists” of all ages who join with them to collect data, tag and release horseshoe crabs.  This program run by educator Mary Riotto will give participants an idea of what volunteering for a Horseshoe count would entail, fascinating information about horseshoe crabs and their unique life cycles, and their importance both to humans and other living creatures.  In this program, families will get hands on experience collecting data on real (non- living) horseshoe crabs, "tagging" them, and filling out a mock survey sheet. Contact information for those wishing to participate in real horseshoe counts will be provided.