Education is a core part of the North Shore Land Alliance’s mission and is integral to helping community members understand the benefits associated with the preservation of Long Island’s land and waters and the important role land conservation plays in ensuring a healthy quality of life.

It is particularly important in these days and times that people understand the benefits of and timely need to preserve and protect our lands and waters. Without natural, undeveloped areas our community wouldn’t have the ability to recharge underground aquifers so critical to the quality and quantity of our drinking water. Without farmland we wouldn’t have access to healthy local food and much, much more.

Throughout the year, the Land Alliance organizes a series of educational activities and programs that help people better understand the important role land conservation plays in a healthy environment.

Educational Programs

Walks in the Woods

Established in 2007, our Walks in the Woods is series of free, educational and interactive explorations. They are designed to guide visitors of all ages through Long Island parks and nature preserves, many of which are off the beaten path, for investigation while educating them about the wildlife and plants that call them home. Participants also gain an understanding and appreciation of local land conservation and its benefits to our food and water supplies and wildlife habitats and its connection to the strength and health of our communities.

Water Education Protects Long Island's Drinking Water

Long Island Water Education Program

Established in 2014, our Long Island Water Education Program educates fourth, fifth and sixth graders about Long Island’s water resources—particularly the sole-source aquifer that supplies our drinking water, as well as the streams, wetlands, bays and Sound that make Long Island such a desirable place to live.

Through interactive lessons, the program demonstrates the connection between protecting land and water and actively engages students in environmental stewardship.

2025 O'Neil Conservation Stewards

O’Neil Conservation Stewards

The Land Alliance’s William C. and Joyce C. O’Neil Conservation Steward program delivers valuable conservation-related experiences to qualified college students interested in building a career in the protection of our natural resources.

Conservation Lectures and Workshops

Lectures and Seminars

The Land Alliance hosts lectures, seminars, panel discussions and workshops featuring leading experts on various timely and relevant topics. Our mission is to promote understanding and appreciation of land use, conservation, water, farming and the value of getting children outdoors.

All Posts

Conservation News
Highlights from Our Educational Programs

  • The future of the Clean Economy

    Where Do We Go From Here? The Future of the Clean (Green) Economy Featuring Gina McCarthy

    Posted on June 5, 2017

    Gina McCarthy, former administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and a Menschel Senior Leadership Fellow at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, gave an inspiring and uplifting talk about the future of the clean economy to more than 100 Land Alliance supporters and friends on April 5th at the Explorer’s Club. Despite recent significant changes to the EPA, McCarthy was very positive about the future of clean energy.

    Continue reading
  • Scott Weidendsaul

    Climate Change and Its Impact on Bird Migration Lecture Featuring Scott Weidensaul

    Posted on June 5, 2016

    The Land Alliance hosted a special presentation featuring Scott Weidensaul – worldrenowned lecturer, bird author and photographer on Friday, October 7, 2016 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at The Hoffman Center Nature Preserve and Wildlife Sanctuary in East Norwich. Weidensaul (pronounced “Why-densaul”) discussed Climate Change and Its Impact on Bird Migration.

    Continue reading
  • Water Education Program

    Long Island Water Education Program Reaches 2400 Students at 17 Local Schools

    Posted on June 5, 2016

    North Shore Land Alliance Water Education Program is Growing As of the close of the 2015/16 school year, the North Shore Land Alliance Long Island Water Education Program has, in its two short years, reached: 2,400 students at 17 local schools within nine school districts.

    Continue reading
  • Stephen J. Small

    Land Conservation & Financial Strategies Lecture featuring Stephen J. Small

    Posted on May 6, 2016

    Updates on Land Conservation & Financial Strategies for Professionals and Landowners featuring Stephen J. Small The Enhanced Incentive for Conservation Easement Donations was made permanent by Congress at the end of 2015. This was a monumental victory for the conservation community. There will be no more doubt about the value of easement donations or whether […]

    Continue reading