Title: 'Bits and Pieces Puzzles On Sale: Exploring Marine Life and Environmental Conservation on Martha's Vineyard'

Martha's Vineyard, known for its stunning beaches and picturesque landscapes, is also home to a diverse array of marine life. In fact, according to Richard Couse of MV BiodiversityWorks, the island has logged an impressive 4,000 species so far in their Atlas of Life project. To encourage attendees to get involved, Couse suggested downloading the free iNaturalist app and contributing to the Martha's Vineyard Atlas of Life.

At this year's Environmental Festival on the Island, attendees were treated to a variety of exciting exhibits and activities that celebrated marine life and environmental conservation. One popular booth was the 'Invaders in Our Lagoon' display, hosted by the Lagoon Pond Association, which showcased a lineup of invasive species in fishbowls. Visitors also had the opportunity to learn about local and regional environmental groups and sign up for their newsletters.

Samantha Look, executive director of the conservation society, noted that while there is still much work to be done to protect the Island's beaches from man-made trash, progress is being made thanks to efforts like monthly cleanups by Beach BeFrienders. This collaborative program with the conservation society distributes cleanup kits for individuals and holds regular beach cleanups.

In addition to its environmental focus, the festival also featured a new category of upcycled art pieces, encouraging attendees to think creatively about reducing waste and promoting sustainability. As Rich from Beach BeFrienders emphasized, 'We can do our part by grabbing out of that circular disintegration process and put it in the landfill.'

Overall, this year's Environmental Festival on Martha's Vineyard provided a unique opportunity for attendees to learn about and engage with the Island's marine life and environmental conservation efforts. Whether through interactive exhibits, educational workshops, or community cleanups, there is no shortage of ways to get involved and make a positive impact on this beautiful island and its inhabitants.

Bits and pieces puzzles on sale