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

Based at the University of New Haven’s 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 – Community Opportunities for Accessing Science Training on the Sound – has evolved into an initiative for environmental education, community outreach, and hands-on science experiences 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’re 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

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 “COASTers.” 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.

Tentative Training Schedule for Summer 2026

• June 27: 1:30 – 5:30 p.m.
• July 18: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
• August 2: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
• August 16: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Benefits for COASTers

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—serving as ambassadors and helping connect coastal science to local communities through events and outreach.

Training and Visits to Local Coastal Environments

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.