The Riverhead Foundation accomplishes so much given their limited resources. Even after losing a few grants, they manage to do everything they set out to do. The staff there work SO HARD; they are constantly inundated with tasks but manage to stay afloat. I think they have great public outreach, a wonderful volunteer program, they even work with students at Stony Brook University and teach classes, not to mention they are very knowledgeable when it comes to marine animal rehabilitation!! I can only imagine what even greater things they could accomplish if they were given more grants. It truly is a remarkable place that I am honored to have been involved in.
The Riverhead Foundation is wonderful! They save the lives of countless marine creatures and are caring and compassionate. My family & I travel for over 2 hours to see the releases and we find it exciting and rewarding to watch every one of them. We never get tired of it! The staff and volunteers are awesome and deserve to be commended.
I am always impressed with the work and dedication that the RF puts forward. The staff is incredible and the volunteers have huge hearts and enthusiasm for knowledge and sharing it with the public. I hope everyone on Long Island visits and joins them in their continuous pursuit to make the waters healthy and safe for people and marine animals alike.
I have always loved the water, animals, and efforts to conserve both. I found the RF late in 2012 through a Cold Stun Lecture and while there learned of the many ways in which I could be involved in supporting such a great organization. During my comparatively brief volunteering time, I have already learned so much and now try to put myself in a position where I can share that info with others. I love promoting the Adoption Program to schools & kid's groups. Now my favorite places to help out are at the releases, in the Butterfly Exhibition Center, in the Cold Stun Lectures and Mock Strandings, and in the Seal Cruises. I've also had the opportunity to attend a Leatherback Turtle necropsy and a Rescue Team Orientation and to talk to passerby's at fairs. There is so much to do that one can never be bored, only inspired! A really cool place to go to learn about the waters that surround this Island, our home.
Staff and volunteers work endlessly to preserve and protect marine mammals and sea turtles in New York waters while educating and teaching the public what their role is in making sure ecosystems and habitat prosper for future generations to enjoy! Volunteering for The Riverhead Foundation in fulfilling their goals has given me the tools to teach others and myself how to be sensitive to the world and all the living things that surround us.
I've been a volunteer for this organization for 20 years. The work they do has always stimulated me. They are responsible for all marine mammal and sea turtle strandings for NY State, which includes seals, whales, and dolphins. They are highly regarded by similar stranding organizations across the eastern seaboard for professionalism and dedication. The sea turtles found in Long Island waters are deemed by national and international authorities as threatened with extinction. The work the Foundation does is a struggle against that pressing fate for species that have lived on this planet for millions of years and are now in peril. I have "baby sat" a young ailing dolphin in a snow storm, while searching for ways to keep it wanting to live. I have held a harbor porpoise afloat while fearing that the next heartbeat I felt with my fingers might be its last. There are few words that can describe these experiences. My efforts as a volunteer have contributed to their mission in many ways. I'm proud to be a part of it.
The Riverhead Foundation is an amazing not for profit. In addition to rescuing and rehabilitating marine life, they educate the public through seal cruises, adoption of the marine animals and release of rehabilitated seals, turtles and others. The volunteers are extremely dedicated and the heart and soul of the organization. If you have the opportunity attend one of the releases where you will see dozens of adults and children cheering on the healed patient as it returns to the sea. It is heartwarming and something that you need to experience to truly understand the organization. They also place a GPS like tracking system on select seals and turtles so if you go to their website you can track the location of the animal until the device eventually falls off.
You are all dedicated and work so hard!! You make a tremendous difference on Long Island and save so many helpless animals!! Keep up the GREAT work!!!
I have attended many Seal and Turtle releases over the past several years. I am always amazed at the great care that is taken by the workers and volunteers at these events. The foundation is truly dedicated to the preservation of these animals that reside in the waters around us. I have also visited the hospital area and seen first hand how well these animals are cared for. I feel this organization is deserving of the support of all who love animals and want to see them continue to have a long and healthy life in Long Island waters.
My third graders and I have "adopted" rehabilitated sea animals from the Riverhead Foundation for the past several years. The students recycle bottles, and donate the money to help pay for the medical care and food needed during rehabilitation of seals, turtles, dolphins and whales. The Riverhead Foundation does an amazing job in rescuing stranded sea creatures in the Long Island area and caring for them until they can be released into the wild. The best part is getting invited to the releases! I have been present for many releases and some of my students and their families have been there to experience it with me. There is nothing better than seeing an animal released back to their natural habitat, knowing you helped be a part of it. Thank you Riverhead Foundation for preserving our wildlife!
I have had experience with the Riverhead Foundation both as a visiting member of the public at their center in the Long Island Aquarium and Exhibition Center and as a volunteer, and I can confidently say they are a great organization to be a part of. The work they do to protect marine life is great and they offer great programs and education services to raise public awareness. I have donated to the Foundation multiple times and will do so again because I completely trust my money in their hands and I know it is going to a good cause.
The Riverhead Foundation is an amazing foundation that truly works for the preservation of the marine life on Long Island. They have a dedicated and caring staff that do a wonderful job of rehabilitating the animals. They are excellent on fundraisers, and even do seal and turtle releases for the public. My business has contributed to this organization every year and we will continue to with all of the good work they have done.
They give the best care to their animals and then when they are well they release them back into nature.
I love the Riverhead Foundation!! I am updated constantly on the seals and turtles that they save and care for before being re released back into the ocean! We love to visit the aquarium, and see the fabulous work of their dedicated volunteers first hand. They are a much needed and much loved organization working every day to save marine animals who are injured or sick, usually due to some kind of man made hazard (plastic lines in the ocean, trash, etc.).
A staff of extremely dedicated people helping all marine life. They study each animal and are so informed about their particular needs and in turn can convey that info to the public. Wonderful rehabilitation and release programs.
I am so impressed with the dedication and passion that is the driving force of this wonderful not-for-profit. Above and beyond the rescues they do, they keep all of us so involved with the personal stories they keep us informed about for each animal they rehibilitate. I know that I always feel a personal connection to every animal they take under their care. I am so thanful that they are so full of heart and treat each animal with care, comfort and respect.
I have witnessed the Foundation at work rehabilitating injured and sick marine animals. I have been there when they've released these animals after they have been brought back to health. It is indeed a wonderful and much needed organization.
I came across this great folks while visiting Riverhead a few years back. I was born and raised here on LI, and cherish the waters and marine life that surround me and realize that they are precious. While strolling one of our beaches I encountered a seal that was in the dunes well away from the shoreline. I didn't know what to do and didn't want to cause any further harm to it. Thankfully, I had added The Riverhead Foundation to my contact list, just in case, and sure enough, I was told they were already on their way! I was so relieved, knowing that this little baby would be in the best hands. I learned later on on facebook, that she was indeed, being monitored and expected to be released. I didn't attend her release, but have been to others and it is a truly emotional experience. The folks have hearts of gold and are a blessing to all of us here on LI. If I win the lottery, I would make sure The Riverhead Foundation got a nice big check. May God Bless them.
The Riverhead Foundation is unique in its mission to rescue, rehabilitate and return to the wild marine animals in the Long Island and New York area. I am originally from Long Island and have never lost my connection to my roots. Currently I live in Wisconsin and have visited their facility. The dedicated staff are devoted to the animals that they are helping. One summer I was fortunate enough to witness the release of a harbor seal that had been rehabilitated. It was an inspiring and moving experience. There were so many people there to cheer the seal on as she returned to the Great South Bay. I realized I wanted to support this important work and have been a dedicated donor.
I made the decision to volunteer with this organization due to the many efforts I have seen in the past, and couldn't wait to be a part of it. I have never met the most kind, caring and EDUCATED staff and volunteers in my life. Each and everyone is dedicated to saving and rehabilitating marine life, along with educating the public. From the top biologist Rob, to the office staff, Joann, Ally and Kim, to the volunteers I have worked with, all and every question are answered in a professional way, with tons of knowledge behind it. I have volunteered with other organizations, but have found this is where I belong. Proud to be a part of the Riverhead Foundation, and looking forward to learning all I can!!
After a year & a half volunteering, these folks continue to amaze me with their efforts & caring both for the volunteers & animals they rescue. Last summer, I added volunteering at fairs; the people you work with & meet are terrific. I added some wonderful folks to my friends list on the East End. It all serves to balance my life here & continue to spread the message of the Riverhead Foundation for they truly care about animals & people.
Previous Stories
This fall I wanted to find a new volunteering opportunity which would bring me closer to people who were positve thinkers and at the same time, make a difference in my life. I ran in the Ridley 5K and signed up to be a volunteer. I also had been a cold-stunned turtle volunteer for 3 winters. This Fall, my husband found a cold-stunned turtle, while I was at work, as he walked the beach near our home. He called me and I immediately called the Foundation. Julika sent James to the rescue and with the help of another man at the beach, they lifted the 120 pound Loggerhead turtle into the truck. Unfortunately upon arriving at the marine hospital, it was determined that the turtle has already expired at sea.
This experience has been the most wonderful of my life. The atmosphere at the Foundation is always positive and fun. People with whom I work both volunteers and staff are incredibly nice, caring individuals. I have made friends there which was important as I am new/old to the area, having grown up on the East End many years ago. The organization itself is terrific and we are truly dedicated to helping marine mammals.
I've had nothing but the most amazing experiences volunteering for the Foundation this past year. The work and dedication of everyone is nothing short of amazing!
This organization is truely amazing. The work they do helping New York's marine mammals and sea turtles is wonderful. I have had the pleasure working/volunteering with the foundation for about a year now and have enjoyed every minute of it! Keep up the good work guys and you will always have my support!
They do great work but have a bit of a scam mentality when looking for "volunteers". They openly solicite for volunters for the foundation, and are very friendly right up until they get their orientation fee. Then it's: volunteer for the aquarium, and maybe after a year there, they might, emphasis "might" ask you to join the team at the foundation. Before they get their fee, they make it seem like it's a sure thing that you can volunteer at the foundation after doing your time at the aquarium. After they get their fee, they don't want to know you.
These good folks at Riverhead Foundation are the REAL DEAL, They do what they say they do, RESCUE & REHABILITATE & RELEASE and great educational programs as well.
They have excellent communication with their supporter and donors . If you call a human picks up the telephone and can answer your questions.
I am just fed up with most of these national conservation organizations always with their hands out and after years have a only track record of proven ineffectiveness and failure.
Riverhead Foundation uses its money wisely. if you want to make a difference and really save lives of marine mammal and turtles this is the organization that deserves your support.
Several times now, I have "adopted" an animal from the Riverhead
Foundation for Marine Research. The adoption was always for a gift for someone. This last adoption was for a seal named Cupid, which we adopted for an 11 year old girl. She was so overwhelmed that she "got" a seal for her birthday. We went and visited him at the aquarium and she cried when she had to leave. The people at the foundation were wonderful to work with to set these adoptions up and the packages always were received pretty quickly. I will continue to support this foundation in the future.
I have had nothing but good experiences with the Riverhead Foundation. They are dedicated to their cause and create interesting and fun ways for donors to help save marine wildlife. I fully support what they do and hope that more people get inspired to help.
My family and I absolutely love and wholeheartedly support the Riverhead Foundation. After meeting its Director and several staff members, I was so impressed by their dedication and compassion for the injured animals that they rescue and bring under their care. Their enthusiasm to educate the public about their mission and raise awareness to the plight of these creatures is palpable. It's wonderful to learn about a successful rehabilitation and release, but so heartbreaking to hear of those cases when all the dedication and expertise in the world was simply not good enough to save a life. It's not an easy job, but they do it with unadulterated passion for helping our ocean friends.
The staff at the Riverhead Foundation are wonderful role models for children and adults alike and I applaud their efforts to assist these wonderful creatures when they're in distress and they are their last resort.
I am most impressed with the dedication and passion of the Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research; as well as inspired by the dedication I have witnessed from the individuals involved. It is refreshing to have found an organization that truly cares. I am able to smile with pride knowing that this organization is in my backyard, here on Long Island, New York. Thank You for all the work you do!!!!!!
I was a volunteer and now I am a general member of the public. As both, I am most impressed by the dedication of the individuals involved in this organization. They are professional and caring people who are not nearly compensated enough for their efforts. I was able to work with them behind the scenes and be a part of the team. I was always impressed by the level of commitment exhibited by all the members of the Riverhead Foundation.
We really enjoy working with this professional group of individuals. Over the years we have shared ideas, enhanced and improved the techniques used on both live and dead marine animals. A fantastic group of people!
I first became aware of the Riverhead Foundation during a family trip to Atlantis Marine World Aquarium last October with our daughters.I was amazed at the information I learned from the volunteers and staff regarding the foundation's program.The pride and dedication displayed by these wonderful ,caring people left a tremendous impression on my family and to know that they are willing to help an animal in need anytime of the day or night is a wonderful thing.I was so impressed with Riverhead that I have adopted 2 of their patients since and have become a member.
I have a Family Deluxe Membership for years. My entire family love to go to the Aquarium. It is educational and enjoyable for a days outing. It is very clean for the fish and visitors. The staff are polite and knowledgeable. My grandson and son visit each summer from Phoenix Arizonia and the first plan on the agenda is the Aquarium. Members receive a discount on purchases. My grandchildren love it there and have learned to appreciate the sea animals more than ever!
I recall walking on the beach in Montauk when I came upon a stranded seal that wen to Riverhead.
The Riverhead Foundation were amazing in their caring and re-releasing of the seal which I "followed".
Happy ending for all, as it's a sad world today that conservation does seem to be waning.....
Go Riverhead, you're fantastic!
Although I live in Texas, I visit family in New York once or twice a year. I have been to the Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research (known to my family as "The Aquarium") many times and have enjoyed the visit each and every time. The aquarium is small enough to not be overwhelming; it can be seen without hurry in half a day. My kids and I enjoy all of the exhibits, but we especially like the seahorses and the enormous sea turtle. Feeding and touching the rays is a treat for all ages. We are always interested in the animals who have been rescued and their stories.
The Aquarium can get crowded. I suggest going as early as possible, and on a weekday if possible.
I have "adopted" two animals from the Riverhead Foundation. The information they sent me was very informative and they do great work.
These folks serve a critical role in this area and they do so in a friendly and professional manner. By allowing the public to participate in releases my children have learned about our local Marine Mammals.
I once had to call these folks to rescue a cold-stunned seal and they were on the job in no time. Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research is a fabulous organization well deserving of both your digital support and your fiscal support.