The adage, "Many hands make light work," can find no clearer local application than the completion of ReClam the Bay's newest clam and oyster nursery at Traders Cove Park and Marina in Brick Township.

Traders Cove (Facebook)
Traders Cove (Facebook)
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The official opening, July 5 at 7 PM, marks the culmination of effors by the group that's gradually restoring Barnegat Bay's shellfish population, with help from township workers, students, teachers, and neighbors who rolled up their sleeves.

The Traders Cove nursery is the newest of 10 that the group has situated around Barnegat Bay. Once released into the open waters, the shellfish help filter it and support water quality.

According to ReClam the Bay's Charlie Brandt, a highlight of the ceremony will be the unveiling of the Giant Clam, painted by the Art Clubs of Brick Township and Brick Memorial High Schools, and a family-friendly screening of "Spongebob Squarepants."

The Giant Clam, one of more than 30 around the bay, constitutes part of the group's Clam Trail Map, an environmental treasure hunt that's won the Governor's Award for Environmental Tourism.

Lou Feller, Clint Lehman and Frank Vives landscape the Clam Trail (ReClam the Bay)
Lou Feller, Clint Lehman and Frank Vives landscape the Clam Trail (ReClam the Bay)
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The nursery will serve as an incubator for about 100,000 clams. Attendees can hold, and learn about, baby clams and oysters, with the help of shellfish gardeners trained by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Ocean County.

They'll be on site each Wednesday at 10 AM, for anyone who wants to stop by and lend a hand.

The Giant Clam project developed with the cooperation of the Brick Board of Ed and Princpals Jennifer Joseph of Brick Memorial and Dennis Filippone of Brick Memorial High.

Township high schoolers, under guidance by instructors Jude Harzer and Fred Lucchetti, created three designs, whic were judged by a committee headed by Mayor John G. Ducey. The creation is surrounded by a native plant garden.

ReClam the Bay volunteers also cite township office and marina workers, Master Gardener Ann Earon of Barnegat, landscape architect Larry Tencza of Spring Lake, and Cicconi Farms of Jackson Township.

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