COASTS students on a beach

Welcome to the COASTS Program Community Opportunities for Accessing Science Training on the Sound

Based at the University of New Haven鈥檚 Robert M. Lee and Linda M. Wilkins Marine Science Center at Canal Dock, the COASTS Program started as a summer coastal stewardship training program for local community members. Today, COASTS 鈥 Community Opportunities for Accessing Science Training on the Sound 鈥 has evolved into an initiative for environmental education, community outreach, and hands-on science 黑料社s centered around our most valuable local resource: the Long Island Sound, our Blue Backyard.

Through community-engaged events, school partnerships, community science, and volunteer opportunities, COASTS connects people of all ages with the coastal environment that lies just beyond our doorstep. By making marine and environmental science more accessible and engaging, we鈥檙e inspiring people of all ages to become stewards of the Long Island Sound and work together towards a healthier, more sustainable coastline.

Whether you're a student, educator, lifelong learner, or curious visitor, we invite you to join us, connect with your local community, and help protect our shared Blue Backyard.

COASTS Summer Steward Training Program
COASTS students

For this summer program, we look to recruit 20 diverse community members, ages 16 and up, from New Haven and West Haven to become trained 鈥淐OASTers.鈥 Participants will be led by experts from the University of New Haven and Gateway Community College and will learn field skills, explore the ecology and water quality of Long Island Sound, and gain tools to communicate coastal science, policy, and conservation with the public.

This training program is free and all costs for travel and supplies will be covered for selected COASTers.

    • June 28: 9 a.m. 鈥 2 p.m.
    • July 13: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
    • August 2: 11 a.m. 鈥 4 p.m.
    • August 16: 8 a.m. 鈥 12 p.m.
  • In addition to their training, COASTers without access to a computer or the internet can apply to receive a Chromebook and internet access for use during the course. After completing the program, some participants will be selected as Community LIS Experts鈥攕erving as ambassadors and helping connect coastal science to local communities through events and outreach.

  • Zoom class sessions will provide COASTers with training on the diverse environments and organisms of Long Island Sound by leading experts.

    Field days will bring COASTers to these coastal environments to put what they learn into practice. University of New Haven faculty members and experts from COASTS community partner organizations will train COASTers to recognize and identify organisms (both native and invasive), measure and interpret water chemistry, and characterize physical environments in our Blue Backyard.

    Students at a COASTS training session
    Students at a COASTS training session
    Students at a COASTS training session

Upcoming Community Events at Canal Dock Boathouse

What's In the Harbor flyer

What鈥檚 in the Harbor?

A speaker series at Canal Dock Boathouse highlighting the ecosystems and history of the Long Island Sound.

September 20, 2025, 10 - 11:30 a.m.

Join us for a fascinating look into the world of jellyfish with Mary Beth Decker, Research Scientist at Yale University. Explore the important roles these often-misunderstood creatures play in marine environments, and gain insight into how their presence reflects changes in our oceans and local coastal waters.

International Clean-up Day flyer

International Coastal Clean-up Day

September 20, 2025, 12 - 2 p.m.

Join us to protect local marine ecosystems by cleaning up our coasts! Together, we can make a tangible impact on reducing marine debris and preserving the natural beauty of New Haven's shoreline.

Stay Updated!

Interested in hearing about future community events at Canal Dock? Share your email address here to receive updates and information about our upcoming programs as they are scheduled.


Facilities

Robert M. Lee & Linda M. Wilkins Marine Science Center

Marine and Environmental Science Academic Programs