Lunch n’ Learn Returns in January

The American Littoral Society will host the second installment of its "Lunch n' Learn" series at noon on Saturday, January 3, 2015.

The session is entitled "Bringing Back Wild Oysters to Bring Back Clean Water."  Attendees will dine on fresh, locally-grown oysters while hearing from experts such as Habitat Restoration Program Director Captain Al Modjeski, Society Executive Director Tim Dillingham, Dale Parsons, Jr., of Parsons Seafood and Aquaculture, and SandrA Meola with NY-NJ Baykeeper.  There will also be a screening of the award-winning documentary Shellshocked:  Saving Oysters to Save Ourselves.

Society Director of Development Laurie Bratone says learning how wild oyster populations help keep our coastal waters clean while enjoying their culinary qualities makes perfect sense.

"It's sort of the sustainable concept," Bratone said.  "When you harvest oysters and they live and grow in a healthy environment, then we all benefit from that.  Not just the environment, but people as well, because people like to eat oysters."

The "Lunch n' Learn" events are hosted by Asbury Park's Langosta Lounge, and Bratone says that's a great match as well.

"They have been a very significant partner to us," Bratone said.  "Their owner is very interested in environmental issues, so they have very graciously offered to partner with us."

Future "Lunch n' Learn" topics include Native Plants on February 7, 2015, and Beach Grass planting on March 7, 2015.

Tickets for Saturday's session are $30 per person, and pre-registration is encouraged. Just call the American Littoral Society at 732-291-0055 ext. 110 or register online. Langosta Lounge is located at 1000 Ocean Avenue in Asbury Park.