Citizens United To Protect The Maurice River - reTURN The Favor Training / 4-11-26

Each spring the beaches of the Delaware Bay host thousands of horseshoe crabs as they come ashore to spawn, continuing a cycle that has endured for millions of years. During this critical period, many crabs are overturned by waves or obstructed by natural and manmade barriers, leaving them vulnerable to predation, heat, and dehydration. The reTURN the Favor volunteer community science and wildlife management program works to reduce these strandings and support population recovery following decades of overharvesting. These efforts also benefit migratory shorebirds, which rely on horseshoe crab eggs as an essential food source during their long journeys.
 
Since its launch in 2013, reTURN the Favor volunteers have returned 1,335,677 horseshoe crabs to the safety of the Bay through 7,310 beach walks supported by 26,358 volunteers. You can contribute to this impactful initiative by attending this year’s in-person reTURN the Favor training on April 11.

New volunteers must attend an in-person session to participate independently and obtain the required NJDEP permit. Returning volunteers can attend either in-person or virtual training. For more training dates, click here. The session will include a workshop hosted by the Wetlands Institute, followed by a guided demonstration beach walk led by CU Maurice River, equipping participants with the knowledge and skills needed to support this important conservation effort. The Wetlands Institute offers a variety of training opportunities besides this one for volunteers.

Registrants should be prepared for both indoor and outdoor portions of training. Dress appropriately for the weather.