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North Shore Land Alliance Partners with New York State to Acquire Five Critical Acres in Oyster Bay Cove: Pulling Property
Mill Neck, NY – The North Shore Land Alliance has been awarded a $1.285 million grant through the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Water Quality Improvement Project (WQIP) program to support the acquisition and permanent protection of nearly five acres of the Pulling property in Oyster Bay Cove. This ecologically significant land lies within the Oyster Bay Special Groundwater Protection Area, one of Long Island’s most important groundwater recharge zones. Its protection is essential to maintaining the quality of the aquifer that supplies drinking water to thousands of Long Island residents.
The grant will fund a significant portion of the purchase price along with transaction costs like surveys, appraisals, legal and closing costs. The remaining funds needed to acquire the property, make improvements and steward the land in perpetuity have already been raised by the Land Alliance thanks to the generous support of the Land Alliance board, foundations and individual donors.
The Pulling Property has been owned and cared for by the Pulling Family for over 100 years. It contains a mix of woodland and wetland habitats, which are critical to the region’s environmental health. Its open meadows host several native species that encourage pollinators and provide food sources and refuge for birds, box turtles and small mammals. The site is located just off Yellow Cote Road, adjacent to the 30-acre Red Cote Preserve, which is managed by the Land Alliance.
“The Land Alliance is extremely grateful to Governor Hochul and New York State for this major investment in the long-term protection of our region’s water resources and natural landscapes,” said Lisa Ott, President and CEO. “By conserving this property, we are safeguarding drinking water, protecting wildlife habitat and expanding open space for the community.”
More than $208 million was awarded to 131 projects in New York State in January through the DEC’s WQIP grant program. This competitive, statewide grant program funds projects that directly improve water quality or habitat, promotes flood risk reduction, restoration and enhanced flood and climate resiliency or protect a drinking water source.
In addition to its water quality benefits, the parcel will expand and strengthen the 30-acre Red Cote Preserve by enhancing habitat connectivity for native plants and animals and preserving a scenic and historic landscape in perpetuity.
The Land Alliance applied for the WQIP funding in 2025 as part of its ongoing mission to protect and steward Long Island’s natural and historic lands, waters and environmental resources. If you are interested in learning more about how to protect local lands, please visit www.northshorelandalliance.org. You can also learn more about other ways to get involved including attending events or nature walks, becoming an annual member, volunteering and more.
About the North Shore Land Alliance
The North Shore Land Alliance is a nationally accredited nonprofit land trust. Since its inception in 2003, the Land Alliance has preserved in perpetuity over 1,500 acres of vital conservation-worthy lands and opened 15 preserves to the public. Through its various educational programs, events and volunteer opportunities, the organization fosters a strong connection between people and nature, inspiring a community-wide conservation ethic.
