Migratory Connectivity Conservation

Co-develops management plans and ecological strategies with regional partners, including a NYS DEC-supported plan for Angle Fly Preserve and a Live Tree Management Strategy with regional foresters, to guide long-term conservation and forest health.

Engages in invasive species removal, tree and native plant planting, deer exclosure construction, and erosion control to restore and preserve natural habitats across managed properties, including Rhinoceros Creek Reservation and Angle Fly Preserve.

Provides environmental education and outreach through guided hikes, annual member meetings, open house events, native plant gardens, and educational signage to engage residents of Somers and surrounding areas in conservation efforts.

Designs, constructs, and maintains trails, bridges, stairs, kiosks, pavilions, composting toilets, and viewing structures to support public access and recreational use at Rhinoceros Creek Reservation and Angle Fly Preserve.

Organizes and relies on volunteers for trail maintenance, invasive species removal, infrastructure projects, and scout-led conservation enhancements at managed properties.

Implements a controlled bow-hunting program at Angle Fly Preserve to manage white-tailed deer populations, requiring hunter proficiency testing and mandatory reporting; operates a catch-and-release fishing program using artificial lures and barbless hooks to protect native brook trout.

Owns and manages the 115-acre Rhinoceros Creek Reservation and holds conservation easements in partnership with Westchester Land Trust; also manages a 654-acre preserve at Angle Fly on behalf of the Town of Somers, including trail systems, habitat restoration, and public access infrastructure.

Participates in the Hudson to Housatonic Regional Conservation Partnership to create pesticide-free, native-planted pollinator corridors; manages lands to protect forest, wetlands, and watershed areas that filter drinking water for the surrounding community.

Conducts periodic beach cleanups to remove marine debris and supports turtle rescue efforts as part of broader conservation initiatives to reduce plastic pollution on the North Fork.

Hosts an annual outdoor art and music event featuring bird-inspired sculptures at Inlet Pond County Park, combining immersive art and live music to engage the public with bird conservation themes.

Constructs and distributes birdhouses and birdhouse kits to local elementary school children and community members to promote bird conservation and habitat support.

Reviews environmental impacts of proposed developments, submits written testimony to local hearings, and advocates for conservation policies such as the successful passage of New York State's Clean Air, Clean Water, and Green Jobs Bond Act.

Organizes beginner birdwatching walks, educational birding events, and nature walks for adults, families, and children at locations including Wolf Preserve, Veteran’s Memorial Park, and Inlet Pond County Park, often in partnership with local agencies.

Conducted field visits to key bird habitats in Honduras and published a photo gallery showcasing migratory bird species and habitats to support international conservation awareness.

Manages and maintains native plant gardens including the Berries for Birds Garden and Rain Garden, and hosts an annual native plant sale featuring over sixty species of locally grown native plants to support bird habitat and public education.

Builds and installs osprey nesting platforms to support the growing osprey population on the North Fork of Long Island.

Maintains the Roy Latham Nature Center at Inlet Pond County Park, including the Red House, gardens, and trails, and hosts educational programs, hikes, and family events.

Conducts annual shorebird monitoring on approximately 18 beaches across the North Fork and installs string fencing around nest areas to protect species such as Piping Plovers; data is submitted to Southold Town, NY DEC, and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.