Littoral Society Honors Jamaica Bay Program Director
On February 11, in honor of International Day of Women and Girls in Science, a global recognition of the women whose research, leadership, education, and fieldwork are shaping a more resilient future, the American Littoral Society (ALS) recognized seven women on their staff who strive to advance coastal science every day—restoring marshes, protecting horseshoe crabs and terrapins, empowering communities, educating the next generation, and leading large-scale conservation initiatives. And among them was Jamaica Bay Program Director, Alexandra Kanonik.
Kanokik joined the ALS’ Northeast Chapter in 2017 as a Youth Coordinator for the Jamaica Bay Restoration Corps. Now she leads the Jamaica Bay program, an area ALS calls “one of New York City’s most ecologically significant estuaries.” And Kanonik’s involvement in the area runs deep. “For many summers, she worked alongside researchers studying nesting Diamondback Terrapins at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge—New York City’s only easily observable population of resident turtles. She has co-authored peer-reviewed research on terrapins and holds a B.A. in Biology from Eckerd College,” ALS said in its announcement. “Whether she’s knee-deep in marsh mud or coordinating partnerships across Brooklyn and Queens, Alex embodies applied coastal science—rooted in research, powered by community, and grounded in a lifelong passion for turtles and marine conservation.”
Congratulations on the recognition, Alexandra!
