The Land Alliance is pleased to announce our newest conservation easement in Sands Point. We applaud Joanna and Will Morgan on their successful effort to protect the natural habitat and sustainability of this part of their community. The conservation values of this nearly 4-acre easement are abundant!

The protected area lies on East Creek, a tributary to Hempstead Harbor. East Creek’s extensive tidal wetlands support a large diversity of wildlife. The State has designated much of the Sands Point area of Hempstead Harbor a Significant Coastal Fish and Wildlife Habitat (SCFWH). SCFWH areas are indispensable to a diversity of wildlife, including many species that are economically valuable such as oysters and clams.

Wetlands act as natural water purifiers, filtering sediment and absorbing many pollutants in surface waters. In some wetland systems, this cleansing function also enhances the quality of groundwater supplies. The enhanced protection of local wetlands already has led to a major increase in water quality in Hempstead Harbor. Oyster harvesting reopened in 2011 after being closed for 40 years! In 2024, 731,042 oysters were seeded and 76,000 are being raised in the Coalition to Save Hempstead Harbor’s oyster-gardening program.

Protection of the Morgan property is a wonderful example of how important easements are as a conservation tool. When landowners utilize conservation easements, they share in the collective impact of preserving the quality of land and water in their community.

The Land Alliance would like to share the story of your commitment to conservation. Contact us at (516) 922-1028 to learn more about conservation easements!