Save the Barnegat Bay

How has this idea enhanced your club's operation, etc.?

This summer members and staff, in their green, teamed up with Save the Barnegat Bay for a night all about the Bay. Save Barnegat Bay is a local foundation with the goal to restore and protect Barnegat Bay and its ecosystem. They do this through education, campaigns, and with the help of thousands of volunteers in the community, including BHYC.

The ecofriendly approach has been a hot topic at the Club this year. We have taken many steps researching and implementing as many environmentally friendly products in our everyday use. The membership takes great pride in being a leader in the community in providing 100% compostable and renewable resources.

How was this idea implemented, and what have been the club members' reactions?

The event was held in the BHYC Dale Building, a 13,000 sq. ft. boat house with 55 ft. ceilings and wet slip that can hold a 38 ft. marine vessel. Guests were first shown a movie that was created for the event showing the rich history of oyster farming on the bay dating as far back as the 1800. Upon entering the Dale Building, members were greeted by local oyster farmers and given the opportunity to try their oysters from all over the Barnegat Bay. Local farmers spoke about the waters, salinity, harvesting and pedigree of the oysters. Craft beer was donated for the event and members volunteered at information tables for the night.

The Green Theme
Another theme was environmental friendly “Project Green Night.” All the materials used for this event were either compostable or biodegradable bamboo plates, corn cups, trash can liners and seafood serving dishes. They were all made of compressed palm leaves or a similar construction material. The maintenance staff created a custom raw bar using reclaimed wood from past construction projects on the docks that sit on Barnegat Bay. Local oyster and clam shells were saved from past seafood nights, cleaned, and reused to decorate the raw bar.