OceanFirst reTURNs the Favor with The Wetlands Institute

OceanFirst Foundation team members and OceanFirst Bank WaveMakers recently partnered with JOIN! grant recipient, The Wetlands Institute, and an incredible group of community volunteers, to take part in the inspiring reTURN the Favor program.

This unique initiative, launched in 2013, is a collaborative effort to rescue American horseshoe crabs that become stranded on the beaches of the Delaware Bay in New Jersey. Every spring, these ancient creatures—often called “living fossils”—gather in large numbers to spawn. Unfortunately, many become overturned by waves or trapped by beach structures, leaving them vulnerable to the elements and predators.

That’s where reTURN the Favor steps in. Through a partnership of conservation organizations, New Jersey Fish and Wildlife, and a network of trained volunteers, the program works tirelessly to return these stranded crabs to the water—giving them a second chance at survival and helping to preserve a species that plays a vital role in coastal ecosystems. Lee Keiluhn, OceanFirst Bank Wavemaker and Ocean City Branch Manager shared his thoughts on the volunteer rescue program – “What a fantastic experience! I really loved spending that time with my kids—we had an absolute blast once everything was said and done.”

Learn more about the program and how you can get involved at wetlandsinstitute.org.