The Blue Wave is self-directed, which means you turn up, pick a stretch of shoreline and work it at your own pace rather than sitting through an orientation. It runs at Conference House Park, the southern tip of New York State, where the Raritan Bay beach collects everything the water brings in. If you want a Labor Day weekend hour that leaves somewhere better than you found it, this is the low-friction option.
What to expect
Start at the Conference House Museum, where NYC Parks and the Conference House Park Conservancy set up the cleanup. The programme is self-directed, so you pick a stretch of beach or park and work it during the open window. The park's historic buildings, trails and Raritan Bay views are all right there when you finish.
Good to know
- Self-directed and free, so no formal sign-up session to sit through
- Meet at the Conference House Museum inside Conference House Park
- Wear closed shoes and long trousers; shoreline debris can be sharp
- Bring water, gloves and sun protection for working on open beach
- Tottenville sits at the far southern end of the island, so allow travel time from the ferry terminal
- Good for families and for anyone who wants to see the park's historic houses afterwards
Planning Sep 5–6, 2026 in NYC?
This list keeps changing as events are verified. We'll send you the final version the Thursday before — and you can unsubscribe right after if that's all you need.
Common questions
Do I need to sign up or bring equipment?
The programme is described as ongoing and self-directed, run jointly by NYC Parks and the Conference House Park Conservancy. Check the NYC Parks listing for what is supplied, and bring your own gloves to be safe.
Where exactly do I go?
The Conference House Museum inside Conference House Park in Tottenville, at the southernmost point of New York State.
