How the heck does this relate to signs? Well, if you're anywhere in Ocean County, NJ you have likely seen these giant clams all over the place. They're part of a
public art project designed to raise money and awareness of the
reclam the bay organization.
Our very own clam, shown above, is still a tongue in cheek work in progress. But, there are some really beautiful pieces of art on these clams, created by local artists and other signmakers whose talent is remarkable. They serve the dual purpose of attracting attention to the sponsoring business, and the reclam the bay organization.
Why is this all necessary? Besides helping to overcome prior over-fishing of the clam beds, our bay ecosystem has evolved from a downstream watershed of the pine barrens and low lying marsh into a giant collection pool for runoff created by construction and development along the mainland coast. Increased fertilizer usage at all of the new homes built, in particular, has drastically altered the chemical balance of the bay, which has led to the creation of an adverse environment for clams and other bay life. The clams, in particular, are excellent natural filtering organisms, and re-establishing their population will be a step in leading to a cleaner, healthier bay ecosystem.
Unleash your inner scientist and check out r
eclam the bay, they have some really fascinating volunteer opportunities.
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