Land Conservation as Ecological and Community Integrity

Engages in efforts to preserve Fire Island through advocacy initiatives.

Co-manages a 1.1-mile trail system in collaboration with the Town of Pound Ridge and Pound Ridge Elementary School, and maintains 2 miles of public hiking trails at Clark Preserve.

Strategically conserves undeveloped land in Pound Ridge by acquiring properties and conservation easements, including a 6-acre purchase in 2019 that connected over 1,800 acres of contiguous open space and a 3-acre donation in 2022 contributing to a 128-acre forest patch.

Facilitates research on conservation practices and sustainable systems, including hosting AP Environmental Science students’ research on alternative energy, gray water recycling, and biogas generation at the Armstrong House.

Manages 20 nature preserves totaling over 500 acres in Pound Ridge, NY, including over 12 miles of hiking trails, for biodiversity conservation, passive recreation, and educational programming. Activities include trail maintenance, invasive species control, ecological restoration, and monitoring.

Operates the Armstrong House as headquarters, residence for the Land Steward, and education center, featuring a garden for food cultivation, native plant nursery, composting facility, chicken coop, and off-the-grid green energy systems.

Provides habitat for wildlife including birds and mammals, and protects regionally rare plants such as Red elderberry and Bladdernut, as well as native species like Mountain Laurel, Solomon’s seal, and Pink ladyslipper.

Hosts hands-on workshops, educational lectures, nature documentary movie nights, guided tours, and public presentations of intern projects at the Armstrong House and on preserves, including interpretive signage on wildlife coexistence.

Conducts ecological restoration including native plant restoration by planting trees, shrubs, and wildflowers, fencing forest regeneration areas, installing beaver flow devices, and managing storm-damaged areas to support natural regrowth and wildlife habitat.

Offers annual summer internships for high school and college students focused on land stewardship, requiring each intern to lead a culminating project aligned with academic or career interests and the organization’s mission.

Acquires and protects land for conservation purposes to ensure public benefit and environmental sustainability.

Engages in the conservation of lands with ecological, aesthetic, and historical significance within the Beaverkill Valley region of New York.

Engages in land conservation activities in the Durham Valley, NY, focusing on preserving natural resources and protecting environmentally significant areas.

Finances the creation of conceptual master plans to guide future development and improvements at Nissequogue River State Park.

Organizes volunteer-based cleanup initiatives in Nissequogue River State Park, including participation in “I Love My Park Day” and fall clean-up events focused on gardens and park areas.

Plans and hosts recurring recreational and cultural events at Nissequogue River State Park, including 5K runs/walks, Turkey Trot races, Regattas, and community art projects such as the Community Quilt Project.

Engages in the preservation of public state parks, including restoration projects such as the cupola on the park's Administration Building and efforts to maintain natural habitats and public access at Nissequogue River State Park.

Advances conservation and management of fish and wildlife resources in the Northeast region by advocating for state jurisdiction over wildlife, providing input on federal programs and legislation, and promoting high standards of fish and wildlife administration. The organization reviews and comments on proposed regulations, coordinates regional responses to federal actions, and presents regional issues to national bodies.