Hundreds Volunteer To Help Fortify Dunes At TOBAY Beach

MASSAPEQUA, NY - Hundreds turned out over the weekend to help fortify the dunes at TOBAY beach in Massapequa.

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino, Town Councilman Joe Muscarella, Town Councilwoman Michele Johnson, Town Councilman Lou Imbroto, Town Clerk James Altadonna Jr., Receiver of Taxes Jim Stefanich, and as well as many residents made their way to the local beach on Saturday morning.

The volunteers all pitched in to plant grass in order to fortify the dunes which help keep sand on the beaches as well as prevent the shoreline from flooding as part of the Town's annual Dune Stabilization Event.

"It was absolutely inspiring to see everyone work together to make sure to keep the sand on our beaches, protect against flooding, and keep our beaches as beautiful as ever," a post on the Town's Facebook page reads.

New York Islanders legend Bob Nystrom made an appearance at the event where he signed autographs and helped plant dune grass.

In addition, volunteers were provided coffee, hot chocolate, and clam chowder from the local Mill Creek Tavern.

However one volunteers, 13-year-old Massapequa resident Erin Tumminello wasn't at the event for an autograph or hot chocolate, but rather to help out the piping plovers, which are small birds that are considered a threatened species, according to a report in Newsday.

“They’re extremely endangered because the dunes are being destroyed, and by planting grass we’re helping save their homes,” Erin told Newsday.