Dockside Soiree to Benefit Local Water Quality June 11th

Earthplace, the Nature Discovery and Environmental Learning Center located in Westport is pleased to announce the 6th annual Cocktails & Clams, a special dockside party in support of clean water will take place on Saturday, June 11, at Copps Island Oysters in Norwalk. Fresh, local shellfish is the featured menu item for the event which benefits Harbor Watch, a non-profit water quality program of Earthplace that monitors Fairfield County waterways for contamination. The evening also includes a presentation of the Harbor Watch Partnership Award to Ralph Kolb, supervisory environmental engineer for the Norwalk Water Pollution Control Authority and an advocate for water quality. A four-person team led by Dr. Sarah Crosby of Greenwich works year round and mentors high school and college students through hands-on science research.

“We are very excited about this year’s event,” said Elizabeth Lillien, event chair. “Proceeds support this vital program that serves to protect our local waterways and Long Island Sound.” Harbor Watch, founded in 1986, provides the data, knowledge, and field expertise necessary to safeguard our waterways, educate citizens about watershed issues, and train volunteers and student interns through hands-on research.

Tickets for the event are $75 per person in advance and $85 at the door. In addition to the abundant raw bar, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres will be served and there will be live music. Unique items will also be up for bid in an auction including a Wednesday evening reservation at the famous New York Italian eatery Rao’s and four tickets to a New York Yankees game. Cocktails & Clams is generously sponsored by Elizabeth and Jeffrey Lillien, Norm Bloom & Son/Copps Island Oysters, Hillard Bloom Shellfish, Inc., and Palmer’s Market.

For additional information or to purchase tickets, visit www.earthplace.org or call 203-557-4400.

EARTHPLACE, The Nature Discovery and Environmental Learning Center, is a non-profit organization located in Westport since 1958. Its mission is to build a passion in our community for nature and the environment through education, experience, and action. Programs include Harbor Watch, Earthplace Preschool, Summer Camp, Animal Hall, the Connecticut Birds of Prey Exhibit, trail walks and more.