Learn how to help beached animals

The Town of Hempstead Department of Conservation and Waterways, in cooperation with the Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation, will host a free seminar next week on sea turtle and marine mammal strandings.

The seminar will be held at 6 p.m. Nov. 17 at the town’s Department of Conservation and Waterways Administration Building on Lido Boulevard in Point Lookout.

A biologist from the foundation will talk about the marine mammals and sea turtle species that live in the waters of Long Island. The seminar will show residents what to do if a seal, dolphin, whale or sea turtle is stranded on the beach.

The event also will focus on a phenomenon called “cold stunning,” which causes sea turtles to become immobile and appear dead from a dramatic decrease in water temperature.

Reservations are required by emailing volunteers@riverheadfoundation.org or calling 631-369-9840.