yacht clubs in long beach island

BARNEGAT LIGHT

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Barnegat Light Yacht Club is a private club located in Harvey Cedars, New Jersey. We offer a variety of sailing and social activities for members of the club and surrounding community.​

We are a member run club. Members volunteer to participate in various social and sailing committees throughout the summer.​

YOUTH PROGRAM

Our Youth Program offers summer activities for children between the ages of 5 ad 18 including swimming, sailing and many fun social events.​

UPCOMING EVENTS

Here's a list of all upcoming events at BLYC. For the full-sized calendar, click an option:​

Complete Calendar

Youth Calendar Only

Social Calendar Only

CLUB CALENDAR

Yacht Dreaming

Yacht Clubs on Long Beach Island: A Haven for Yachting Enthusiasts

The Fascinating World of Yacht Clubs

If you are fascinated by yachting, then you will agree that being a member of a yacht club is one of the most exciting experiences for any yachting enthusiast. Yacht clubs offer a unique community where people with a shared interest in yachting come together to socialize, compete, and explore different water bodies. Yacht clubs on Long Beach Island are no exception, and in this article, we will explore the world of yacht clubs on Long Beach Island.

What Are Yacht Clubs?

Yacht clubs are social organizations that are primarily focused on yachting. Yacht clubs provide a space where yachting enthusiasts can come together, socialize, and engage in various activities such as sailing, racing, and cruising. Yacht clubs can be found all around the world and are typically associated with the wealthy because of the high cost associated with yachting.

History of Yacht Clubs on Long Beach Island

Yacht clubs have been an essential part of Long Beach Island’s history for over a century. The first yacht club on Long Beach Island was established in the late 1800s, and since then, more yacht clubs have been established on the island. The yacht clubs on Long Beach Island have played a significant role in promoting yachting as a sport and a lifestyle.

Why Join a Yacht Club?

There are many reasons why you should consider joining a yacht club. Firstly, yacht clubs provide a community of like-minded people who share the same passion for yachting. Secondly, yacht clubs offer access to various yachting activities such as sailing, racing, and cruising. Thirdly, yacht clubs provide an opportunity to learn from experienced yachting enthusiasts and mentors. Fourthly, yacht clubs offer exclusive access to facilities such as boat storage and marinas.

The Benefits of Yacht Clubs on Long Beach Island

Long Beach Island is home to several yacht clubs, each with its unique offerings and benefits. Firstly, yacht clubs on Long Beach Island provide a sense of community and belonging for yachting enthusiasts. Secondly, yacht clubs on Long Beach Island offer access to some of the best yachting facilities in the world, including marinas, boat storage, and repair services. Thirdly, yacht clubs on Long Beach Island provide an opportunity to participate in various yachting events and competitions.

In conclusion, yacht clubs on Long Beach Island are a haven for yachting enthusiasts. They offer a community of like-minded people, access to various yachting activities, learning opportunities, and exclusive facilities. If you are a yachting enthusiast or looking to get started in yachting, then joining a yacht club on Long Beach Island is an excellent place to start.

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© 2024 Yacht Dreaming

Surf City Yacht Club

• 2021 Sailing Schedule
• SCYC Regatta Schedule
• SCYC Club Series Schedule
• Youth Sailing
• Sailing Instructors
• Club History
• Become a Member
• Officers & Committees
• Member’s Area
• Visitor Information
• Club Contact & Directions
• Social Calendar
• Auxiliary Meetings & Activities Calendar
• About SCYC Facility Rentals

Life’s Better by the Bay

Welcome to the Surf City Yacht Club website! SCYC has a beautiful bay front clubhouse and marina located at 9th and the Bay in Surf City on idyllic Long Beach Island, New Jersey. Celebrating almost 125 years of sailing, boating, socializing, fun and friendships by the Bay, we invite you to explore and enjoy our site.

Welcome to Surf City Yacht Club

Meet 2021 commodore dr. ron willoughby.

It is my privilege to welcome you back to your home by the bay for the 2021 season. This season promises to be one of renewal, as we carefully emerge from the restrictions of the pandemic with a resolve to restore the activities and relationships that make SCYC our home.

This renewal has taken many forms. Most visible are the renovations to the clubhouse, ensuring that we will have a beautiful and inviting home for years to come. This project will also include upgrades to the waterfront, with improved floating docks for launching small boats and swimming. We have also made a renewed dedication to our waterfront and sailing programs, upgrading our club boat fleet and increasing social opportunities for children of all ages, while maintaining our lively adult social calendar of parties and concerts. We look forward to once again hosting regattas in our prime sailing location, including two national events this season. None of these initiatives could occur without the involvement of our membership, whose devotion to SCYC is demonstrated through their donation of time, skill and energy to our club’s benefit.

To our members- welcome back!   To those of you visiting this website to find out more about SCYC, let me tell you that as this year’s Commodore, I, along with my fellow Flag officers and Board members, are guardians of a proud tradition, 127 years in the making. SCYC is a club for the members, run by the members, and dedicated to enjoying all the benefits that Barnegat Bay can offer- boating, swimming and sailing- and to the wonderful relationships that result when these are enjoyed with others, always mindful that our Bay is a resource to be protected.

Come join us, and enjoy what we believe is the best location on the Bay- and make new friends with whom to enjoy the most beautiful sunsets on LBI!

Coming Up At SCYC

Attend our open house sunday, may 26, 10am-1pm, social events.

From May through late October the club hosts events throughout each week and every Saturday evening including barbecues, golf outings, beach parties, concerts and dances. 2021 is packed with exciting social events for everyone!

Youth Activities

SCYC is proud to offer a wide range of sailing and swimming classes for children and young adults. With fun social activities and exciting competition with the other yacht clubs on the island, SCYC is the best place for your children to spend their summer on the island.

Register to become a US Sailing MVP

Many of the learning and sailing opportunities we enjoy at the club are made available to us by US Sailing, a nonprofit, member supported organization. They are a valuable resource and their programs are essential to our club. US Sailing is committed to building participation at the local level, and we can help them do so.

US Sailing and SCYC are partners through the US Sailing MVP Program. While SCYC has always utilized a breadth of US Sailing resources, our decision to join the MVP Program will introduce even more valuable programs and services to our members, as well as savings on program materials and US Sailing membership fees.

Every US Sailing member contributes to the programs that we enjoy at SCYC. We are all “US Sailing” and I encourage you to join me and every US Sailing member by becoming a member and investing in a thriving future for our sport.

Register Now

Sailing and Boating at SCYC

The heart of SCYC is our world-class sailing and boating program. We offer races throughout the spring, summer and fall for all kinds of vessels, ages, and abilities.

Our Racing Committee has been hard at work putting together a full slate of regattas for this year.

Youth Sailing and Swimming

We offer an 8-week sailing and swimming program for children ages 4 – 18 who are either Junior members or children/grandchildren of members.

Young children can participate in our “Bay Kids” program to offer a safe and fun introduction to sailing and swimming.

Older children and young adults can join our Waterfront program and compete in weekly competitions with the other LBI yacht clubs!

Social Activities

Come join us for SCYC fun! A festive array of social events for adults is planned on weekends during the season from Memorial Day through mid-October.

Saturday night socials include sunset cocktail parties, bay front concerts, BBQ’s, clam bakes, pig roasts and theme parties. Additional social events include golf outings, game and card nights, and a wide variety of family – oriented activities.

Other LBI social events include:

•  Sunset cocktail parties
•  Bay front concerts
•  BBQ’s, clam bakes, pig roasts
•  Themed parties

Weddings and Private Events

SCYC offers the perfect venue for weddings and private events. Our facilities offer breathtaking panoramic views of Barnegat Bay and indoor and outdoor options for accommodating your guests.

Come take a tour of our facilities and see why SCYC is the perfect choice for your perfect day.

Come Visit SCYC

Physical Address

399 N 9th St, Surf City, NJ 08008

Mailing Address

PO Box 236, Ship Bottom, NJ 08008

Phone Number

609-494-1532

[email protected]

LONG BEACH YACHT CLUB

naples island • long beach, ca

THE WATER IS

Whether you are looking for an active on-the-water lifestyle the whole family can enjoy, are a competitive sailor, a recreational boater, or simply looking for a welcoming community that also happens to enjoy spectacular waterfront views...you’ve found it at Long Beach Yacht Club.

LBYC was formed to promote yachting and competitive sportsmanship on a world-class level – and for nearly 100 years our reputation has matched our mission. Sailing members take part year-round in regattas, invitationals, championships, trips and other events, and of course, access to our fleet of Catalina 37 One-Design racing yachts.  Don’t know how to sail? That’s okay, we offer learn-to-sail programs on our fleet of Soling sailboats that are also available for member use.

We take an all-inclusive and laid-back approach to what it means to be a yacht club, featuring a range of power and recreational boating programs, stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking, fishing trips and travel...nearly any and every recreational activity you can enjoy on, in and around the water.

Our heated pool is a relaxed and relaxing Naples Island gathering spot for those who love to be in the water...as well as close to the water. From lap swimming to soaking up the sun, recreational activities to group lessons and more, this is an active family-friendly amenity that can be enjoyed year-round. We offer members and guests light dining menus, and locker rooms that feature showers and saunas.

Our clubhouse on Alamitos Bay is a casually refined destination that features some of the best views in Long Beach...and Southern California. Led by chefs with decades of experience, LBYC features a variety of menus — and a variety of venues, including our 225-foot private dock. In fact, every table is guaranteed to offer a spectacular visual presentation matched only by our culinary, cocktail and wine selections. From casual family meals to more formal dinners and breathtaking sunset celebrations, this is a private gathering spot that also feels remarkably like a home, away from home.

We regard the younger set as an important part of our Club as well, with both sailing and non-sailing programs for children from ages 4 to 17 years old. LBYC’s well-regarded Junior programs offer world-class sailing lessons, safety instruction and competitions in Sabots, CFJs and Lasers, and a range of fun year-round programs and summer camps led by experienced instructors and coaches.

LBYC is a lively, fun and inviting gathering place, defined by people who will always offer a warm smile, friendly conversation...and an invitation to the next adventure. 

As an equity club, members are owners here, with a say in every decision about our operations and plans for the future. Club reciprocity also means our membership community extends to yacht clubs from just down the coast to around the world, fostering connections and friendships that extend across the years and across the oceans.

Complete the form below to learn more about Long Beach Yacht Club membership and our active, welcoming on-the water lifestyle.

YOUR INVITATION TO

We are families, friends, fellow members and staff brought together by a love of the water, the pleasures of sailing, boating, fishing, swimming, waterfront dining, lively social events — and of course, spending time together at our Naples Island destination.

our playground

SAILING EXCELLENCE

nearly a century of

POWER BOATS, PADDLEBOARDS, FISHING

POOLSIDE FUN &

WATERFRONT DINING

spectacular

youth & junior

THE ADVANTAGES OF

come aboard

© 2024 Long Beach Yacht Club . Powered by Pipeline .

6201 e. appian way, long beach, ca.

JOIN A WORLD OF

on-the-water fun

Visitors and guests are often surprised to learn that many members don’t own boats or consider themselves sailors. That’s because LBYC represents a larger experience that celebrates camaraderie, connection, friendship, and fun.

The mission of Long Beach Yacht Club is to promote yachting and competitive sportsmanship on a world-class level. Our Club’s premier waterfront location, yachting assets, facilities and programs make it the first choice for our families' social and recreational enjoyment.

our mission

Sailing Club, Sailboat Rentals & Sailing Lessons

Closure of long beach facility.

The marina we operate out of in Long Beach has not been able to negotiate a lease extension with the Hotel Maya and the hotel has decided to close the marina. We are therefore forced to close our Long Beach club and are in the process of moving the fleet back to San Diego. There are unfortunately no other marinas in the Long Beach/Los Angeles harbor that can accommodate the fleet along with an office to run the operation. We regret having to close the Long Beach club but at this point we have no other viable options. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to call us at 619-291-7245 or email at [email protected]

Harbor Yacht Clubs offers sailboat rentals, US SAILING instruction, learn to sail packages, private and group sailing lessons, skippered and bareboat sailing charters, catamaran rentals, and catamaran instruction in our Southern California location:

Harbor Island Yacht Club in San Diego

For over 35 years, we have catered to sailors of all levels of experience with our award-winning sailing school and the largest, newest fleet of sailboats available in the area. We carry over 60 of the most popular sailboat models from Hunter, Beneteau, Catalina, and Lagoon. We teach the highest standard of sailing instruction at our sailing school through the internationally recognized US SAILING Keelboat Certification System. Whatever your sailing needs and goals may be, you can be sure that you will enjoy the best sailing experience possible at Harbor Yacht Clubs.

SAILING CLUB

Membership at Harbor Yacht Clubs entitles you to discounted rates on all of our sailboat rentals as well as our US Sailing classes.

LEARN TO SAIL

HYC provides the national standard for quality sailing instruction through the US SAILING Keelboat Certification System. Learn to sail anything  up to 45′. Private & Group Classes are available.

BAREBOAT  CHARTERS

Already have sailing experience? Bareboat charters are available to the public as well as to our club members.  Upon completion of our  qualification process, you are ready to set sail.

CRUISING CATAMARAN

Our Lagoon 380 catamaran “In the Shelter” is perfect for day sailing in the San Diego area with a large group or a weekend excursion to Catalina Island.

San Diego Location

Harbor island yacht club.

1880 Harbor Island Drive San Diego, CA 92101 Local Phone: (619) 291-7245

• Sailing Club
• Membership Fees
• Referral Program

INSTRUCTION

• Basic Keelboat (Beginner)
• Basic Cruising (Intermediate)
• Bareboat Cruising (Advanced)
• 3 Day Liveaboard – Intermediate
• 3 Day Liveaboard – Advanced
• 5 Day Liveaboard (Beginner & Intermediate)
• 5 Day Liveaboard (Intermediate / Advanced)
• San Diego Fleet Rates
• San Diego Fleet Specs
• Catalina Getaways
• Submit Sailing Resume

Expert Planning & Advice

BWE Venue Spotlight | Mallard Island Yacht Club

Bwe venue spotlight.

August 6, 2020

Mallard Island Yacht Club is often mentioned as one of the most sought-after venues near Long Beach Island. Don’t be fooled by the address, Manahawkin, is the town just before you go over the bridge. And while Mallard Island Yacht Club might not technically be on the island, it might be even better. With stunning views of Barnegat Bay. The unique setup has a two story dance floor with glass walls and outdoor space for cocktail, as well as a boat house chapel to make all your wedding day dreams come true. And it certainly does live up to the hype! It is one of my favorite Long Beach Island venues. It provides a stunning view, incredible views, and a beautiful backdrop that many brides simply swoon over.

The Mallard Island Yacht Club Investment

Choosing Mallard Island Yacht Club for your wedding day requires a large investment, but it’s well worth it. The Yacht Club has what is called a site fee. If you are new to shopping for wedding venues, this means that you are paying a fee to use, or rent, the venue for a specific period of time to host your event. This is in addition to what you will spend on food and in some cases, additional rentals. The site fee is different depending on both the day of the week and the time of year. Most expensive days will be prime wedding season and Saturdays.

Mallard Island Yacht Club offers two options for renting, the first allows couples to rent the entire yacht club for 24-hours and will accommodate 24 guests staying on the property.  The second option is for renting the estate for 5 hours. This will allow you to have your ceremony and reception their, without using the Yacht Club for guest accommodations. For the 5 hour site rental, couples are limited to a Friday or Sunday wedding. Saturday weddings dates are reserved for those couples wishing to rent the entire property.

Mallard receptions can, technically, host up to 250 guests. But my suggestion is that you try to limit your guest count to 225 for comfort.

Mallard Island Yacht Club Wedding Inspiration

I recently did a photoshoot for Bay Magazine featuring Mallard Island Yacht Club. I’d love to know what you think. BWE got to work with a number of experienced wedding professionals to showcase Mallard Island Yacht Club in a unique way.  You can see the entire recap here. But a few of my favorites are below.

The Creative Team

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The Gables Wedding | Beach Haven, NJ | Jill & Justin »

« nj summer beach wedding inspiration | published | bay magazine.

Thank you to the photographers who allow us to use their images on our site: Ashley Mac Photographs, Heather Palecek Photography, Idalia Photography, Jessica Erb Photography, Susan Elizabeth Photography, Delaney Dobson Photography, Ann Coen Photography, Lovesick Inc., K Hulett Photography & Melanie Cassie Photography BWE | 825 Devon Street | Forked River, New Jersey 08731

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(973) 477-1392 | [email protected]

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Weddings of Distinction

Mallard Island Yacht Club

A breathtaking yacht club surrounded by water.

An Elegant Waterfront Estate

Surrounded by the beautiful Barnegat Bay, Mallard Island Yacht Club captivates guests with spectacular views and incredible attention to detail. Once on the property, you are transported to another place where every step you take increases your anticipation of the most exciting day of your life.

From the luscious gardens to the luxurious interiors, this is a place where hopes and dreams become reality.

Explore Mallard Island Yacht Club

Take a tour of our elegant yacht club and immerse yourself in the beauty of the waterfront mansion.

Exclusive Catering from Merri Makers

Guests will savor each bite from the delectable hors d’oeuvres to the fine desserts. Our culinary artisans will create a presentation that is sure to impress.

Rates and Booking Information

From single event weddings to luxurious overnight accommodations in our ten finely appointed suites, we have the plan you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to commonly asked questions about our wedding venues, accommodations, and event policies.

Contact & Directions

Contact us for more information on Mallard Island Yacht Club and to schedule your personal tour of this exquisite, one of a kind wedding venue.

• Schedule a Tour
• (609) 494-9100

LONG ISLAND YACHT CLUB

WELCOME ABOARD

Family, fun and tradition.

The Long Island Yacht Club, located in the heart of Babylon Village, is the perfect place for families to gather and enjoy the great outdoors. Our club offers various amenities, including a swimming pool, a 74-boat slip marina, a private beach, a sports court, and a day camp. You can also enjoy breathtaking views of the Great South Bay. Our commitment is to provide the best experience for our members and their families, and our staff is always available to assist in making your time with us as enjoyable as possible.

Long Island Yacht Club has hosted exclusive events and provided beautiful facilities for members and non-members. Over the years, this Yacht Club has become a home away from home for many, offering peace and serenity away from the busy hustle and bustle of everyday life. Come and experience everything the Long Island Yacht Club has to offer. 

Anchor Camp and Youth Activities

At the Long Island Yacht Club, there is something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to learn the fundamentals of sailing, tennis, or swimming, our experienced instructors have you covered.

Our popular Anchor Day Camp provides a traditional camp experience while offering a one-of-a-kind sailing program onsite.  In addition, with our wide array of summer camp activities such as sports, arts and crafts, swimming & STEAM fueled activities, our day camp is the perfect summer home for pre-schoolers up to 7th graders.  We are open to both members and non-members alike, allowing our entire community to make lasting memories with new friends.  We invite you to explore our site and learn more about our many activities.  Join us and make this summer one to remember!

Anchor Camp

Our Anchor camp will provide children ages 5-15 with a unique camp experience.  In addition to traditional camp activities, our location allows us to offer amazing adventures in sailing, paddleboarding, and fishing. 

Youth Lessons

Learn the fundamentals of sailing, tennis, and swimming.  Children aged 5 through 15 have the opportunity to develop their skills in each area from our experienced instructors.

For swimmers who want to take their skills to the next level, our competitive swim team meets twice weekly for practice and meets throughout the summer. 

Catering & Special Events

"let the long island yacht club cater your next event".

Long Island Yacht Club offers options for many outdoor and indoor events, large or small. Our historic clubhouse, picturesque South Bay views, delicious food, with caring and attentive staff contribute to making your event memorable. We can host your life celebrations, including weddings, showers, engagements, birthdays, and corporate functions.

Whether a 125-person wedding or a small intimate gathering, our formal dining room, second-level event space, private beach, or any other outdoor/indoor options will be the perfect setting for your event. Our experienced culinary team will work with you to create a unique menu and bring your vision to life. 

Coastal Connecticut hike a stone's throw from Westerly is a magnet for migrating birds

• Barn Island takes its name from a barn on the southern tip of the island that the U.S. Navy used for dive bombing and machine gun target practice during WWII.
• The 1,013-acre preserve has a sweeping ocean view, with Watch Hill in the distance, as well as a sprawling tidal marsh teeming with birds.
• Inland is an old farm site where slave Venture Smith worked for 26 years to win his and his family’s freedom and went on to become a landowner and author.

STONINGTON, Conn. – Walking Rhode Island seldom wanders outside the state.

But a few years ago, when I hiked on the Pachaug Trail , which skirted Beach Pond in Exeter, crossed the border into a state forest in Connecticut and then wound by steep cliffs, deep caves and ledges, readers told me they liked following the path into another state.

So, when a hiking buddy invited me to hike at the Barn Island Wildlife Management Area on Connecticut’s coast, just across Little Narragansett Bay from Watch Hill in Westerly, I decided to give it a try.

From a tidal marsh in the preserve, I spotted the Watch Hill Lighthouse and realized that the salt marsh, migratory birds and vegetation I saw at Barn Island are affected by the same issues I’ve seen along Rhode Island’s coastline.

There was also a unique, unexpected finding. When I hiked inland, I passed an old farm site where a slave worked for 26 years to win his and his family’s freedom.

Though it was a short trip, the venture into Connecticut taught me quite a bit.

We set out on a cool but sunny March morning from the trailhead off Palmer Neck Road, which skirts the west side of Barn Island, a 1,013-acre preserve managed by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). At a gate, a flat granite stone is etched with a dedication to Louis Bayer (1906-1996), the late state game warden and artifact collector who worked to preserve the marshes at Barn Island.

After the war, the state purchased the land in several pieces over many years. The funds came from local, state and federal sources, including an excise tax on sporting arms and ammunition through the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act .

The preserve’s name comes from a barn on the southern tip of the island that the U.S. Navy used for dive bombing and machine gun target practice during World War II.

Trail begins in a sustainable garden of native plants

The trail starts out through a sustainable garden of plants that thrive in a coastal environment and require little maintenance, except weeding. The plants also slow the spread of invasive species, such as Japanese barberry, Oriental bittersweet and Japanese honeysuckle, while providing food for birds, insects, mammals and microorganisms.

From an overlook at the garden’s edge, there’s a sweeping, panoramic view to the south of the ocean, with Watch Hill in the distance. With binoculars, you can see some of the cabanas near the Watch Hill Yacht Club, but Napatree Point is partially blocked by an island. The Pawcatuck River flows into the bay from the east.

Just below the overlook is a sprawling marsh – a mixture of inland freshwater and ocean salt water. The tidal marsh was formed thousands of years ago as rising ocean waters flooded the coastal land and deposited marine sediments that supported the growth of wetland grasses.

I was intrigued by the tidal creeks that run inland from the ocean and are crossed by man-made, straight-as-an-arrow trenches that form a crosshatch in the wetlands. I learned later that the trenches were dug in the 1930s to drain stagnant water from the marsh to eliminate mosquito-breeding habitat.

But the trenches drained too much water and damaged the habitat of migrating ducks, geese and birds. So, a network of low earthen dikes was built to create shallow ponds with interconnecting channels to hold water on the marsh surface. The open water provides a habitat for minnows, which feed on mosquito larvae.

After a long look, we followed a flat, wide path of crushed stone that turned downhill and crossed a low impoundment across the marsh.

Why are salt marshes so important to the shoreline ecosystem?

The dike was lined with tall reeds and some salt-tolerant plants, such as salt-meadow cordgrass. We also passed what’s called salt panne, a shallow depression in the marsh surface where plants that have adapted to high levels of salinity live. They also provide a feeding habitat for shorebirds, wading birds and waterfowl.

Along the impoundment, we studied several round metal culverts installed under the dikes in the 1970s that allow the flushing of tidal water, called a tidal exchange, which helps native plants to thrive. I had learned while walking along Rhode Island’s coast that salt marshes are a critical part of the shoreline’s ecosystem because they support nurseries for fish, feeding grounds for wading birds and nesting areas for migratory birds. They curb erosion, prevent flood damage and improve water quality.

I also remembered a hike at Touisset Marsh in Warren , where rising water from Chase Cove sometimes floods a tidal creek and had degraded the low saltmarsh.

Also, Alex Kuffner, a Providence Journal writer and a former colleague, has written extensively about the impact of climate change and rising seas on the Rhode Island coastline and endangered birds such as the saltmarsh sparrow .

200 species of migratory birds visit the marsh

Farther down the path, we reached a junction and turned right on a wide dike flanked by marsh on both sides. We saw ducks, egrets, herons, mergansers and an empty osprey nest.

We met a pair of birders, who said that in various seasons they had identified many of the 200 migratory birds that fly into the marsh. They also told us a tower off the beach is part of a network from Canada to Florida that collects the signals of 40 migratory birds that are tagged with transponders. The information is used to track the birds and preserve the habitats where they land along the East Coast.

Environment: The quahog holds a dear place in RI’s culture. Could its days be numbered?

The trail continues for about a half mile, passing a cemetery that dates to the 1600s, before ending at the property line. We decided, however, to explore the high ground of the preserve, so we turned, retraced our steps to the junction and turned right on a red-blazed trail that passed through a stand of trees painted with faces. The path led slightly uphill into an upland forest of oak, hickory and maple trees.

Side spurs led to fields that are managed to provide cover and food for Eastern bluebirds, blue-winged warblers, cottontail rabbits and bobwhite quail.

A golf course was once proposed for the wooded area in the northern part of the preserve. But when environmentalists raised concerns that the downhill drainage of fertilizers and other chemicals would damage the coastal marsh, the state purchased 144 acres in 2004 with funds from the federal government and The Nature Conservancy , a nonprofit environmental group.

The story of Venture Smith, a former slave turned landowner, businessman and author

We followed an old farm road through the woods to a marker for the Venture Smith farm site. After the hike, I learned Smith was enslaved in West Africa at age 10 and shipped to New England, where he worked for 26 years before buying his freedom and that of his two sons, his wife, his daughter, and several other Africans.

As a freeman in 1770, Smith bought acreage, including the farm where he had previously worked, on the current Barn Island site.

He later sold the land and died on Sept. 19, 1805, at age 76 as an American citizen, businessman, landowner and author, who some believe is among the first African Americans to write and publish his own autobiography.

In April 2022, the U.S. Congress recognized April 10 as “Venture Smith Freedom Day” and cited a phrase from his book: “My freedom is a privilege which nothing else can equal.”

Continuing on the trail, we passed through old farmland marked with lines of stone walls and small earth-and-stone bridges that crossed streams and rivulets carrying runoff from the hillside. 

After about a mile, the trail opened on Palmer Neck Road at a narrow bridge over railroad tracks that carry Amtrak trains. We turned left and followed the road, with houses on the right with waterfront views of  Wequetequock Cove. The road led back to where we parked. In all, we hiked 4.2 miles over two hours.

Before we left, we wanted a last look at the bay and walked a short distance down the road to a boat launch. From a short rock jetty, we studied the marsh in the foreground, the ocean and Rhode Island’s coastline in the distance. After hiking on both sides of the border, I realized there were more similarities – including environmental challenges – than differences between the states.

That lesson was worth the walk.

If you go ...

Access: Off Interstate 95 south, take exit 91 and turn left on Connecticut Route 234 east (Pequot Trail). Turn right on Farmholme Road and turn right on Route 1. Take a left on Greenhaven Road and a left on Palmer Neck Road to the trailhead on the right.

Parking: Available in roadside lots.

Dogs: Allowed, but must be leashed.

Difficulty: Easy on wide paths with some hills.

GPS Coordinates: 41.3295, -71.8684

Trail Tip: R.I. Cemetery Weeks

Dozens of free tours, clean-ups, gravestone conservation demonstrations, talks and other programs about historical cemeteries will be held in April and May, organized by the Rhode Island Advisory Commission on Historical Cemeteries and the Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission .

For a calendar of events, visit rihistoriccemeteries.org/events.aspx .

Lectures and signings for 'Walking Rhode Island' book

John Kostrzewa’s book, “Walking Rhode Island: 40 Hikes for Nature and History Lovers with Pictures, GPS Coordinates and Trail Maps,” is available at local booksellers and at Amazon.com. He’ll sell and sign books after the following presentations:

Monday, April 29: Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at URI, 10 a.m. Registration required at tinyurl.com/a3srcux5 .

Wednesday, May 15: Walking for Your Health, with Dr. Michael Fine, William Hall Library, Cranston, 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, May 23: Greene Public Library, Coventry, 6:30 p.m.

The Walking Rhode Island column runs every other week in the Providence Sunday Journal. John Kostrzewa, a former assistant managing editor/business at The Journal, welcomes email at [email protected] .

On the radio: Here's the music that powers Daytona Jeep Beach

When tens of thousands of Jeeps roll into Daytona Beach in mid-April for the annual Jeep Beach event, expect the music blasting from custom sound systems to reflect the free-spirited lifestyle long associated with the iconic brand.

Now in its 21st year, Jeep Beach has harnessed that connection through its own Internet radio station, Jeep Beach Radio , a year-round 24/7 platform for music and Jeep-oriented programming.

This year, the radio station, which debuted in 2021, has spawned its own daylong Jeep Beach Radio Music Fest on the closing weekend of the 10-day event that runs from April 19-28 in Daytona Beach.

For Charlene Greer, the event’s executive director and chairwoman, the connection between the Jeep lifestyle and music is a potent one that’s too big to ignore.

“It’s such a life of adventure and freedom, riding with the top down, the doors off, the music playing, just singing songs making memories and connecting the Jeep experience to songs,” Greer said.

“I can hear a song and immediately connect it to a moment we had cruising down (State Road) A1A with the top down.”

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In surveys of those attending the event, others shared the same passion, she said.

“Jeep Beach Nation really wanted more music. It becomes such as iconic moment in their lives, so we’ve connected the Jeeping experience with some of their favorite artists.”

Playlist reflects that ‘no two Jeepers are alike’

On Jeep Beach Radio, based in a studio on North Halifax Avenue in Daytona Beach, the mix is primarily music from an array of genres and musical acts seemingly unbounded by traditional radio formats.

On a recent afternoon, the playlist included “Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” by U2, “Castaway” by Boston-based reggae act Elovaters, “Flood” by Christian rockers Jars of Clay, “Good For You” by pop star Selena Gomez (featuring A$AP Rocky) as well as The Who’s classic “Pinball Wizard.”

“The audience is as eclectic as Jeep Beach Nation is,” Greer said. “They represent every walk of life.”

Programming for the station is handled by Rob Fiorino, Ed LaComb and Tom Karkut, a trio of radio veterans who now own and operate Daytona Beach-based Digital Sound and Video. The company produces digital programming such as commercials, voiceovers and imaging to radio stations nationwide.

Although Jeep Beach is a client, there’s a more personal relationship, said Fiorino, who first teamed with LaComb to host and DJ Jeep Beach events roughly 15 years ago when the duo had launched their own Internet radio station, Daytona Surf.

They talked with Greer and her husband, Kurt, the event’s vendor director, about the possibility of launching an online radio station tied exclusively to the Jeep Beach.

When the station launched, just ahead of Jeep Beach in 2021, the focus was solely on offering information and promotion tied to the event, its schedule and other important updates for those attending. In the years since, a formidable array of music has been added to the mix, as well as an assortment of weekly themed programs produced at the Daytona Beach studio.

Listeners can stream programming 24/7 by visiting jeepbeachradio.com , through the Jeep Beach mobile app, through the TuneIn or Live365 online radio apps or Amazon's Alexa.

Musically, the station specializes in defying traditional formats, Fiorino said.

“No two jeepers are alike and that’s how we do the music,” he said. “There’s rock, classic rock, alternative rock, country, pop, yacht rock, reggae, Caribbean. We have about 400 to 500 songs for each of those formats.”

Jeep Beach Radio Music Fest builds connection

Additional programming includes the weekly “Tiki Island Happy Hour,” free-wheeling conversation from Charlene and Kurt Greer that airs at 5 p.m. Fridays. There’s also a weekly podcast, “Jeep Beach News & Views,” that typically debuts midweek. More user-oriented shows such as “Off Road Tool Box” and “Behind the RV” offer technical tips for making the most of the Jeep experience.

Over the past year, the number of Jeep Beach listeners has grown 15% to roughly 40,000 listeners that have tuned in for more than 60,000 hours of programming, according to the station’s tracking. Those listeners represent more than three dozen countries internationally, ranging from England, Germany, Canada and Brazil to Austria, the Philippines, Nigeria and South Africa.

That interest has inspired a bigger foray into live music at this year’s Jeep Beach.

On April 26, the event will host the inaugural Jeep Beach Radio Music Fest on the infield at Daytona International Speedway.

On the bill for the show is country singer-songwriter Lee Brice (“One of Them Girls”), country star Craig Morgan, the Wailers, singer-songwriter Maggie Rose and California-based sibling duo the Wheeland Brothers.

Those registered for Jeep Beach can buy reduced price tickets to the music fest during registration. For others, general admission tickets are available for $75 at jeepbeach.com .

The multi-act music festival expands on a "post-Main Event" concert by pop singer-songwriters Colbie Caillat and Tim Montana on the closing weekend of last year’s event.

“That was really an ice breaker to see if we can integrate music into this,” Greer said. “When we did surveys at last year’s event, that’s the thing we heard the most from people: ‘More live music! More live music!’”

At the same time, Greer hopes the music festival will entice more local residents to attend Jeep Beach, an event that has become beloved for its charitable contributions to an array of organizations throughout Volusia and Flagler counties.

Incorporated as a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charity in 2017, Jeep Beach Inc. has donated over $4.3 million to area charities over the past decade through the event’s annual weeklong fund-raising efforts. Recipients include the Boys & Girls Clubs of Volusia & Flagler Counties; the NASCAR Foundation; the Childhood Cancer Foundation, as well as more than 70 additional nonprofit groups.

“We exist to raise funds for those nonprofits, and they are serving so much of our population here,” she said. “We want our general public here to embrace the experience of Jeep Beach. It’s not just for jeepers. We want our community, neighbors and friends to be able to come out and enjoy the show, to be entertained by the music that we absolutely love.”

WHAT: Jeep Beach

WHEN: April 19-28

WHERE: Jeep-oriented events throughout Daytona Beach, including Daytona International Speedway, Hard Rock Hotel, One Daytona.

ONLINE: jeepbeach.com