5th Annual Horseshoe Crab Festival

5TH ANNUAL HORSESHOE CRAB FESTIVAL
Saturday, May 15, 11am-12:30pm
With American Littoral Society, Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy, and Gateway National Recreation Area

Virtually celebrate the annual arrival of the 400-million-year-old Atlantic Horseshoe Crab with this activity-filled and information-packed webinar. During the full and new moons of May and June, female horseshoe crabs lay billions of eggs at the high tide line. At the same time, thousands of migrating shorebirds arrive to feed on the eggs, regaining the bodyweight they've lost during their long journey north. During this virtual festival you’ll see experts handle live horseshoe crabs and learn about their important ecological and medicinal values. You can also participate in our many family-friendly activities and expert talks. Registration required. Limited to 500. Free

Program Highlights:
11:00am - Festival Start!
11:10am - Live Horseshoe Crab Demonstration with Don Riepe (on the beach!)
11:25am - Live Horseshoe Crab Talk and Q+A by NYC Audubon Scientists

Kids Corner!
11:45am - Live Touch Tank Presentation from New York Aquarium
12pm - Build a Horseshoe Crab Activity from New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium and the National Park Service: Click here for activity instructions!
12:05pm - A Horseshoe Crab's Crown by Heather Feather and Valentina Gallup

Webinar details will be emailed out to those who have registered prior to the program.

A limited number of people will be able to join us in person at Broad Channel American Park to learn about Horseshoe Crabs. Registration is required. Click on one of the sessions below to sign up for an in-person time slot. Use the link at the top of this page to register for the virtual festival.

Session 1, 11:30am - 12pm
Session 2, 12 - 12:30pm
Session 3, 12:30 - 1pm

Photo credit: Camilla Cerea