Float Hunting Tips + Etiquette
The Glass Float Project is an act of love and respect for our community and the natural world around us. Help us continue to be good stewards of our planet and Block Island by taking ALL of these guidelines to heart. Floats will never be hidden on private property, or concealed in such a way that any harm might be done to the environment or historic structures in order to retrieve them.
95% of Floats are Hidden on Beaches and Greenway Trails
Participants are encouraged to explore the unique natural landscape of the island.
5% of Floats are Hidden in Developed Public Areas
Not everyone can hike beaches and unpaved trails, but everyone deserves a chance to find a float.
Stay on Established Trails
Floats are only hidden up to 18" from the edge of established trails.
Please don't trample vegetation looking to chart your own path.
Floats are Not Hidden on Dunes or Up Bluffs
Walking or climbing on these delicate features can cause irreparable damage to a unique ecosystem and the creatures that call it home. Let's protect it for everyone to enjoy.
Floats are Not Hidden in The Labyrinth
The Sacred Labyrinth is a piece of art that we won't interfere with. Visit it to practice mindfulness and focus within. You may find yourself there, but you won't find a float.
Floats are Not Hidden in The Maze
The Maze, a winding series of inland trails connected to the Clayhead Trail, is on private property and therefore excluded from the project.
Floats are Not Hidden on School Grounds or Private Properties
Some places are just meant to be appreciated by the people who belong there. We don't want to disrupt the day to day of the island or its residents.
Floats are Not Hidden in Maintained Flowerbeds
Someone worked hard on those, and we don't want any single-minded float hunters to accidentally undo that effort!
Floats are Not Hidden in The Statue of Rebecca
This icon of the island and her surrounding landscaping are off-limits for float hiding, but is a fascinating and beloved piece of art in its own right.
Keep One Float Per Person
If you find a float, feel free to keep searching! But if you find another, choose your favorite and hide the other one for another person to find. We think hiding is even more fun than finding!
Take Nothing but Photos... and Garbage!
The search for a clear glass float often turns up other, less desirable items. Don't leave them behind. Bring a trash bag and fill it if you can. We try to leave nature better than we found it!
Don't Forget to Look Up!
Sometimes we hide floats in trees.
No Off-Leash Dogs, Please!
We love our pups and we love yours, too. Our nesting shorebirds? Not so much. There are a lot of places for your dog to run free, but Block Island is the only nesting site for the birds that live here. And let's be real... we've all lost track of a poo or two.
No Whacking Vegetation
Gently shifting tall grasses and plants to the side may be necessary to find a float. But interacting with flora in a way that can knock off leaves or break stems causes harm to the plants that make our trails so gorgeous!
No Moving or Removing Stones from Walls
The stone walls that criss cross historic farmlands of New England are a huge part of the area's character and culture. Floats are never hidden in a way where stones need to be moved (even momentarily) to find them. Help preserve our history and don't tamper with the walls!