February 27, 2013

CONNETQUOT CONSERVATION CLUB RECEIVES GRANT

Bohemia, NY --- The Connetquot Foundation for the Advancement of Children has awarded science teacher Ms. Forgione with a $250 grant towards the Grey Squirrel Nesting Box Project. The Animal Conservation Club will use this money to build up to ten grey squirrel houses. The idea for the grant came from Christian DeRusso, a member of the club who wanted to build nesting boxes to be placed in a nature center.

For the past six years, the Hard Shell Clam Program has tried to revitalize the hard shell clam to Long Island Waters. Once again, under the direction of Ms. Forgione, students have the opportunity to go out into the field and participate in an environmental program which benefits the community. Students in the program will dissect clams to learn about the anatomy, study the history and business of clamming, and learn from scientists in the field. Students will construct a raft to grow the clams in and will maintain and measure the clams during their summer vacation. They will harvest the clams in October and spread them out in the Long Island Sound. The Connetquot students earn about 30 hours of community service for their participation. These students are helping to improve the quality of water on Long Island.