American Littoral Society
The American Littoral Society promotes the study and conservation of marine life and habitat, protects the coast from harm, and empowers others to do the same.
Since 1961 we have empowered people to care for the coast through advocacy, conservation, and education. We not only provide a voice for the coast, but also give concerned citizens the knowledge and tools they need to raise their voices with us. When we restore habitat, our objective is not only to restore a dune or rebuild an oyster reef, but also to motivate people to invest “sweat equity” into a piece of the coast, take ownership and become committed stewards. When we educate, we don’t merely provide books, CDs, or handouts. We lead students young and old into the water to get their feet wet and their hands muddy. Sitting at a computer or reading a book, people may develop an interest in the coast; standing knee deep in sea foam with sand between their toes, they can develop a passion for the coast.
The American Littoral Society promotes the study and conservation of marine life and habitat, protects the coast from harm, and empowers others to do the same.
Since 1961 we have empowered people to care for the coast through advocacy, conservation, and education. We not only provide a voice for the coast, but also give concerned citizens the knowledge and tools they need to raise their voices with us. When we restore habitat, our objective is not only to restore a dune or rebuild an oyster reef, but also to motivate people to invest “sweat equity” into a piece of the coast, take ownership and become committed stewards. When we educate, we don’t merely provide books, CDs, or handouts. We lead students young and old into the water to get their feet wet and their hands muddy. Sitting at a computer or reading a book, people may develop an interest in the coast; standing knee deep in sea foam with sand between their toes, they can develop a passion for the coast.
Helen Henderson
Ocean Planning Manager Helen joined the Society staff in 2007 and works on ocean planning, coastal programs and policy. Helen was the long-term manager of the Society's Atlantic Coast Barnegat Bay program and has implemented numerous non-point source pollution reduction projects to improve the health of the Bay. In 2016 Helen accepted the role of Ocean Planning Manager for the Mid-Atlantic region and looks forward to ensuring we all work together towards a healthy and sustainable ocean for future generations. Helen fights for clean water, sustainable development and resiliency, improved stormwater practices, and an accessible, healthy coast for all life. Helen brings a lifelong love of the coast and ocean having grown up on the south shore of Long Island, NY and now living at the Jersey Shore for over 25 years. Protecting the environment is a passion for her and Helen finds her greatest peace and inspiration where the map turns blue. 
Jenna Valente
Healthy Oceans Coalition Coordinator Jenna developed a passion for conservation through her outdoorsy nature and upbringing in Hawaii, Washington State, and Maine. A graduate of Virginia Tech's Executive Master of Natural Resources program and University of Maine's School of Communication and Journalism, she welcomes any opportunity to educate the public about the importance of caring for the environment. |
Sarah Winter Whelan
Ocean Policy Program Director Sarah is a Midwest native who fell in love with the ocean at an early age. For over twelve years, Sarah has made a career out of translating the importance of the ocean, our coasts and Great Lakes to others as both lawyer and advocate. Sarah joined the Society in 2010. Today her work focuses on translating the U.S. National Ocean Policy into concrete advances in the management and protection of our ocean, coasts and Great Lakes both nationally and regionally. Sarah lives in Boston with her husband and two children and holds a Bachelors of Science in Marine Science from the University of South Carolina and a Juris Doctorate and Masters in the Studies of Environmental Law from Vermont Law School. |
