LongIsland.com

Young LI Artists Paints Mural For Islip Town Shellfish Hatchery

Written by Lon Cohen  |  05. February 2020

Last summer, Meghan O'Reilly, a junior at SUNY New Paltz, was picked to paint a mural on the Town of Islip’s Shellfish Hatchery located in East Islip. She is a graduate of East Islip High School.

 

The mural depicts the lifecycle of an oyster, an important organism that helps to clean the waters of Long Island naturally. An oyster can filter up to 50 gallons of water every day clearing out contaminants that choke aquatic life. Oysters are an important aspect in remediating Long Island’s waterways, helping to restore them to their former glory and contributing to the shellfish farming industry.

 

According to the Town of Islip website, the hatchery is dedicated to the responsible development of the aquaculture industry, while expanding the marine-based economy, enhancing shellfish production and improving the water quality of the Great South Bay.

 

Photo: Courtesy Town of Islip.

 

"Meghan volunteered her time to create this beautiful mural, and we appreciate her dedication to community service," said  Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter. "It is certainly an enhancement to our hatchery," she added.

 

O'Reilly was recognized recently at Town Hall for her work.

 

The 10' X 8' mural took about three weeks to complete.

 

"This mural illustrates the oyster life cycle in a tangible way, and is especially helpful to those young students who tour the hatchery," said Town DEC Commissioner Martin Bellew.

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