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TThe South Fork Natural History Museum (SOFO) is pleased to announce a new Community Environmental Education and Outreach Initiative, Coastal Connections: Shared Shores, Shared Futures, launching in March, 2026.
SOFO’s partnership with Chickadeeds, a Portland, Maine–based nonprofit organization, will provide hands-on, accessible environmental education and stewardship programs in both coastal communities. The initiative is made possible through the generous support of an anonymous donor.
Chickadeeds is dedicated to fostering community action by organizing family-friendly volunteer events for children and adults. Its mission centers on supporting local nonprofits with labor and supplies, empowering, engaging, and connecting individuals while building strong, compassionate communities through hands-on, accessible service.
Through The Coastal Connections Program, the two organizations will offer free workshops, environmental learning activities, volunteer-led conservation events, and neighborhood outreach programs geared toward middle school–age children and young adults.
The partnership will officially launch with SOFO’s annual Amphibian Big Night Spotted Salamander and Wood Frog Search on March 28. Chickadeeds will host a similar Amphibian Big Night event in Portland on April 20.
This summer, SOFO’s Balloons for Sharks project will mobilize volunteers to remove plastic litter from beaches and coastal waters on the South Fork, while Chickadeeds will coordinate a comparable plastic litter awareness and removal effort in the Portland area.
“This partnership demonstrates the power of community-based conservation,” said Frank Quevedo, Executive Director of SOFO. “By connecting two coastal communities through shared environmental action, we are inspiring the next generation of stewards and strengthening our collective responsibility to protect our shorelines.”
Reports Jennie Coyne, Co-Founder of Chickadeeds, “Our mission is to make environmental action accessible, family-friendly, and deeply educational. This partnership allows two coastal communities to share resources, compare outcomes, and learn from one another. Coastal Connections: Shared Shores, Shared Futures is building a culture of collaboration, strengthening stewardship on both shores.”
Adds Lauren Glennon, Co-Founder of Chickadeeds, “At Chickadeeds, we believe environmental stewardship begins at the neighborhood level. SOFO is creating meaningful environmental conservation service opportunities in its community just as we are up the coast. Connecting hyperlocal efforts compounds inspiration, impact, and collective action. We are grateful for our partners in South Fork and can’t wait to assess the results of this collaboration for both of our communities!”
Additional youth-focused programs are planned throughout the year in both locations.
About SOFO
Founded in 1988, the South Fork Natural History Museum & Nature Center is dedicated to promoting nature education and conservation awareness in the East End of Long Island. As the only state-of-the-art natural history museum on the South Fork, SOFO provides immersive exhibits, guided nature walks, hands-on programs, and conservation initiatives designed to connect visitors of all ages with the region’s rich biodiversity.
From its interactive indoor exhibits to its expansive nature trails and wildlife observation areas, SOFO serves as an essential hub for environmental education and outreach. The museum regularly collaborates with conservation organizations, scientists, and local schools to offer programs on marine life, birding, forest ecosystems, climate change, and sustainable living. Its commitment to fostering a deep appreciation for nature ensures that future generations remain engaged in protecting the environment.
Located at 377 Bridgehampton-Sag Harbor Turnpike, SOFO is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For more information, please contact Melanie Meade at mmeade@sofo.org, 631.537.9735, or visit sofo.org and subscribe to the SOFO Naturalist quarterly newsletter.
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