Bivalve Ball Backs Mastic Beach Trail Vision

The Mastic Beach Conservancy is preparing for its annual Bivalve Ball, a fundraiser that President Maura Spery says is helping turn a long-envisioned waterfront trail into reality.

The event, to be held at the Moriches Yacht Club on Sept. 26, will feature oysters, shrimp, grilled foods, vegan selections and an extensive online auction, with proceeds supporting the nonprofit’s programs and its centerpiece project — a 6.5-mile blue-green trail around the Mastic Beach peninsula.

“It will be transformative for Mastic Beach,” Spery said of the trail, which is envisioned as a public waterfront route for walking, bicycling, kayaking, fishing, crabbing and birdwatching.

The concept builds on community planning efforts stretching back years and takes advantage of existing waterfront parkland and roads. Spery describes the project as an “eco-green” version of Manhattan’s High Line, creating public access for walking, bicycling, kayaking, fishing, crabbing and birdwatching.

The Conservancy is concentrating heavily on a roughly two-mile stretch where much of the route is already an unpaved road alongside the waterfront.

“That is going to be amazing,” Spery said.

Plans developed with international design firm Snøhetta envision a trail beginning at Bayview Park in Mastic Beach, crossing by bridge to Riviera Drive and continuing along the waterfront. The project will include removal of invasive vegetation, native plantings, small bridges, walking paths and docks providing access to the bay.

Fundraising events such as the Bivalve Ball have allowed the Conservancy to move beyond the concept stage, Spery said, including raising $50,000 to hire Snøhetta for design work.

The organization has also expanded into environmental education, ecology and art programs and waterfront restoration.

“The opportunity here is tenfold,” Spery said. “It’s just amazing and unlimited.”

And she promises the fundraiser itself won’t be short on entertainment. “Our Bivalve Ball is the most fun party of all of them,” Spery said. For more information, visit their website at masticbeachconservancy.org