MCAA’s first spring meeting on May 28^th brought together friends, neighbors, and organizations that share MCAA’s commitment to monitor, maintain, and preserve Middletown’s coastal access points.  With generous support from our hosts at the Norman Bird Sanctuary and snacks provided by the Clambake Club of Newport, about 30 supporters gathered to hear the latest updates on MCAA’s activities.

MCAA president Melissa Welch provided an overview of the group’s progress to date, including the launch of the MCAA website, coastalaccess.org, and development of an online system for monitoring Middletown’s shoreline rights-of-way (ROWs).  She also described the new Adopt-an-Access agreement with the Town of Middletown and the Coastal Resource Management Council, which assigns MCAA responsibility for monitoring the majority of the ROWs in Middletown.  [Click here to view presentation slides.]

The meeting also featured a presentation by Norman Bird Sanctuary’s Kathleen Matthews, who provided a detailed overview of the Sanctuary’s program for monitoring and testing the waters that flow through the Sanctuary and out to the sea via the Y-4 ROW at Peabody Beach. More information about Kathleen’s terrific work is available on the Norman Bird Sanctuary website.

A highlight of the evening was an exhibit by eco-artist Teresa O’Connor, who displayed several marine-themed pieces she has crafted from hundreds of recycled balloons collected along local shorelines.  Check out the photo gallery for images of her creative and thought-provoking work.

Read more about the MCAA Spring Meeting in Newport This Week and the Providence Journal.