Citizens United to Protect The Maurice River - Tuesdays On The Fly: reTURN The Favor at East Point Beach / 6-3-25

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 Delaware Bay to lay their eggs. Along the way, many of these ancient 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 their population. By helping individuals back to the water, volunteer stewards support the recovery of a species vital to the ecological fabric of the Delaware Bay and surrounding waterways, including the Maurice River—recognized for its outstanding wildlife habitat.

Be sure to wear sturdy shoes as you will be walking on sand and rocks. CUMR 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, use bug spray, and have plenty of water.

 In 2024, the program successfully reTURNed 135,897 horseshoe crabs from New Jersey beaches to the safety of the Bay, surpassing the one-million individuals rescued since its inception in 2013. By participating in a reTURN the Favor walk this season, you'll make a direct impact on the health of the horseshoe crab population, whose eggs provide crucial food for migrating shorebirds—part of the rich biodiversity that helped earn the Maurice River its Wild and Scenic River designation. CU Maurice River will host several guided walks throughout June. Sign up for one (or more!) of these impactful events and join the effort to protect the Bayshore’s natural heritage and remarkable wildlife.