Nature-Based Systems Change

Collects data and information on the environmental impacts of factory farms, with a focus on effects to freshwater resources.

Conducts undercover investigations into animal facilities, including industrial slaughter systems, to expose animal welfare conditions and raise public awareness about the impacts of factory farms and other animal-use facilities.

Submits formal public comments to federal agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on strategic plans and climate-related initiatives, including the EPA’s FY 2022–2026 draft strategic plan and USDA actions related to the climate crisis.

Engages in the preservation and restoration of forest land, contributing to environmental sustainability and ecosystem resilience.

Engages in public advocacy to support New York State Bill S1856, the Birds and Bees Protection Act, aimed at restricting the use of neonicotinoids. Promotes policy change as part of broader efforts to protect pollinators and reduce toxic chemical use in landscaping.

Organizes community events such as annual spring clean-ups, electric landcare equipment showcases, free children’s art events in pollinator gardens, and volunteer recognition ceremonies to promote non-toxic landscaping and community engagement in environmental health.

Produces and hosts the podcast ChangeHampton Presents to amplify local environmental storytelling and sustainability topics, and co-founded ClimateChangeResources.org, a national resource hub with over 350 pages of curated climate action information.

Designs, installs, and maintains pollinator gardens and native grassland meadows as sustainable, non-toxic alternatives to conventional lawns, including the Community Pollinator Garden at East Hampton Town Hall. Activities include planting native species not exposed to neonicotinoids, suppressing turf with cardboard and mulch, and expanding native meadows through public-private partnerships and community support.

Provides public education through guided tours, resource sharing, and demonstrations on converting lawns to native pollinator gardens, building rain gardens to reduce runoff, and sustainable landcare practices. Includes publishing member transformation stories and practical methods for lawn conversion.

Maintains long-term conservation and sustainable land management across a large forested area in the Adirondacks, with continuous stewardship since 1890. Implements a forest management plan to address ecological imbalances such as overabundance of certain tree species.

Has sustained a 65-year research partnership with Cornell University studying the effects of airborne industrial pollutants on soil and water quality, contributing to major policy outcomes including the Federal Clean Air Act of 1970.

Conducts and collaborates on scientific research related to the preservation of the Adirondack forest ecosystem, including fish and game protection, forest regeneration, wildlife populations, and invasive species. Partners with public and private research institutions to advance conservation science.

Engages in activities focused on the conservation of trees and environmental protection.

Advocates for the adoption of toxic-free land care practices to protect human, pet, and environmental health through public education and outreach initiatives.

Distributes a free 12-step guide titled 'Nature-Based Gardening' in digital and print formats, available in English and Spanish, to support sustainable landscaping practices among the public and professionals.

Provides workshops, symposia, lectures, site visits, and educational materials to promote toxic-free, nature-based, and climate-responsible landscaping practices for landowners, landscape professionals, and decision makers, particularly on Long Island’s East End.

Hosts customizable multi-part events, co-presents the Grounded Conversations series with LongHouse, and launched an Ecological Land Care Course in Southampton to support adoption of ecological land care practices.

Offers one-on-one coaching and education to private landowners, garden designers, and landscapers to support their shift from conventional to nature-based land care practices, including free 60-minute site visits for South Fork residents.