SoundWaters

The Schooner SoundWaters has been a familiar sight on Long Island Sound for a number of years, as it fulfills its mission of education by showing guests up close the beauty of the Sound and its denizens. The 80-foot replica of a Chesapeake Bay sharpie takes groups as well as individuals and families out on the Sound for public ecology and sunset sails. There are afternoon sails most weekends till mid-August and both weekday and weekend sunset sails from 6:30 to 8:30. The SoundWaters mission is not just on the water. When the schooner is docked (its home is Brewer Yacht Haven, 69 Dyke Lane, Stamford), there is also the SoundWaters Community Center for Environmental Education in Holly House, a National Register house that was built in 1791 and 1835.

The center is on Cove Island in Stamford’s Cove Island Park (1281 Cove Road), open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 to 5. It has two rooms of exhibits, including aquaria and a touch tank. There are summer camp programs including a sailing day camp for kids. Parking is free before Memorial Day and after Labor Day, but it’s limited to sticker-holding Stamford residents during the summer. Non-residents who wish to participate in programs at the center must pre-register.

Details

The SoundWaters offers public environmental cruises from May 30 to Oct. 9. For more information, call 203-323-1978 or visit the Web site at www.soundwaters.org.