Citizens United To Protect The Maurice River - reTURN The Favor Workgroups: East Point Beach / 5-20, 5-27, 5-31, 6-3 and 6-10-25

Looking for a fun, educational outdoor activity this spring? Join CU Maurice River for the reTURN the Favor horseshoe crab rescue walks, perfect for youngsters and the young-at-heart!

Each spring, hundreds of thousands of horseshoe crabs come ashore on the  Delaware Bay to lay their eggs. Along the way, many of these incredible animals become stranded, overturned by waves, or caught in natural and manmade hazards. When exposed to the sun, their soft undersides make them vulnerable to predation. reTURN the Favor works to counter the negative impact historic over-harvesting had on these ancient creatures' population. By helping individuals back to the water, volunteer stewards are giving this Delaware Bay keystone species a chance to rebound.

 In 2024, the program successfully reTURNed 135,897 horseshoe crabs from New Jersey beaches to the safety of the Bay, surpassing the one-million mark since its inception in 2013. By participating in a reTURN the Favor walk this season, you'll be making a direct impact on the health of the horseshoe crab population, whose eggs provide crucial food for shorebirds and other wildlife.

CU Maurice River will host several guided walks throughout May and June. Sign up for one (or more!) of these impactful events and join their efforts to protect biodiversity on the Bayshore.

Be sure to wear sturdy shoes as you will be walking on sand and rocks. CU Maurice River can provide gloves and materials; however, if you have your own gloves and/or trash pickers you are encouraged to bring them along. It is also suggested that you wear sunscreen, long-sleeved shirt and pants, bug spray, and have plenty of water.