Each year for the past five years the American Littoral Society has held a “Shell-a-Bration”featuring food, fun, family-friendly activities and, most importantly, creation of reefs to protect beaches from storms, erosion and rising sea levels, and to provide habitat for marine life. Earlier this month, members of the Ocean County 4-H Cross Street Riders, a horse club, and the new 4-H Ecology Club joined the society forits fifth annual event at Cooks Beach in Cape May.

“Saving the planet is going to be hard work, but it needs to be done,” said Nora Hansen, who is a member of both clubs.