-
Important Sands Point Conservation Easement Closes at Year-end
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!
Continue reading -
The State of the Birds in the United States
The State of the Birds in the USA As spring migration nears its peak, we remain concerned about much of the data identified in the 2025 State of the Birds report. It was generated by the North American Birds Conservation Initiative. The report confirmed that 1/3 of US bird species need conservation action. 1/3!! Many of these are described as tipping point species: those species that have lost more than half their populations in the last 50 years. Habitat loss is the number one threat to birds (and other wildlife). Because many species are dependent on a single habitat for survival and are therefore indicators of habitat health, the study evaluates bird populations into the following categories: Shorebirds Grassland birds Aridland birds Western forest birds Eastern forest birds Waterfowl and waterbirds Seabirds Hawaiian birds Of these, Shorebirds have the most (19) tipping point species of any group in North America – particularly at migratory staging areas. The areas are along the Atlantic coast from North Carolina to Nova Scotia, and also on the Gulf Coast. The report urged strengthening of the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Area Network and Important Bird Area (IBA) program (including the Oyster Bay Area IBA) to protect critical shorebird sites. Funding and protection should be increased further in areas where shorebirds are hunted on wintering grounds. The news is not all doom and gloom and there are success stories. One of these is tied to the American Oystercatcher, familiar in these parts with its black and white coloring and distinctive long, orange bill. 15 years ago oystercatcher populations were in decline along the Atlantic coast. Recognizing that the species was in trouble, a combination of state, federal and private partners launched the American Oystercatcher Recovery Initiative in 2009. It featured collaborating on funding and management strategies across 16 states from Maine to Texas. The shift from isolated conservation projects to joint efforts led to a 43% increase in the regional breeding population! At this time, with attacks on federal programs like the Endangered Species Act, the future of birds is unclear. What you can do: As mentioned earlier, habitat loss is the number one threat to birds (and other wildlife). Supporting the protection of our land and water resources and letting your elected officials know how valuable they are have never been more critical. Other factors contributing to bird population decline include predation by cats, window collisions and bright lights encountered during migration. You can make a huge difference to birds’ success by keeping your cats indoors, adopting bird-friendly window practices and turning off outdoor lights (or using dark sky approved lighting products). To learn more about the State of the Birds in the USA, visit North American Birds Conservation Initiative website.
Continue reading -
The 2025 Season Has Begun at Our Community Garden
The 2025 growing season began long before the first signs of spring. In February, residents from throughout Nassau County began registering for raised-garden plots for the upcoming season (April – November). We are thrilled to see that many of last year’s garden members have returned, joined by some exciting new participants. We’re also proud to announce that all garden plots have been sold, setting the stage for a vibrant and productive season ahead. On March 28th, under the leadership of Darcy McDowell, Associate Director of Stewardship, and Carter Rogan, Volunteer Coordinator, volunteers and staff gathered at the Wawapek greenhouse to assist with starting seedlings. Crops such as tomatoes, collard greens, peppers and thyme were planted and will be transferred to the Garden during our Annual Planting Day in May. On April 25th, after rescheduling due to rain, we officially welcomed the season with our annual Earth Day event in the Garden. 30 dedicated volunteers joined us for a successful garden cleanup. From weeding to tidying up garden beds, the hard work and enthusiasm of the volunteers were instrumental in getting our community garden ready for the growing season. A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who contributed their time and energy—your support makes all the difference in the continued success of our garden! We hosted our Annual Square Foot Gardening demonstration and Annual Planting Day on May 10th. Led by Master Gardener Reese Michaels from Cornell Cooperative Extension of Nassau County, participants learned how to divide their garden space into 1-foot by 1-foot squares, each dedicated to a specific plant. This method is ideal for maximizing space, conserving water and minimizing weeding. After the demonstration, garden members dug in by planting the seedlings started in our greenhouse. We’re looking forward to another bountiful season of food, learning and community, never forgetting the vital connection between protecting land and our food sources.
Continue reading -
Building Environmental Awareness through the Life Cycle of the Monarch Butterfly
Building Environmental Awareness through the Life Cycle of the Monarch Butterfly Butterflies are some of the most beautiful insects in the world. These enchanting creatures seem to float effortlessly through the air. They undertake a remarkable multi-generational migration, with some traveling up to 3,000 miles from breeding grounds in the northern United States and southern Canada to overwintering sites in central Mexico. They come in all sizes and colors and show up in the mythology and folklore of many cultures around the world. Butterflies were believed to move between worlds, bringing messages and guidance, representing transformation, rebirth and hope. Today, over 60 butterfly species are endangered. In 2024, the US Fish and Wildlife Service announced a proposed rule to list the Monarch butterfly as threatened under the Endangered Species Act, accompanied by a critical habitat designation. Further, a recent publication indicates substantial probability for “quasi-extinction” of the Eastern Monarch butterfly migratory population within 20 years if ambitious habitat restoration and conservation goals are not achieved. To bring awareness of the plight of this flagship species, we are declaring this the summer of the Monarch butterfly. We will mark the occasion with a series of programs and initiatives chock-full of lessons to be learned from the Monarch. First, Monarchs are pollinators and need the same habitats (native milkweed and other nectar flowers) as many other pollinators and other wildlife. Monarch butterflies fill the role of the canary in the coal mine, if Monarchs are threatened because of habitat loss many other pollinators and wildlife that share their habitat are in jeopardy as well. Second, the declining Monarch population parallels other declining pollinator populations. This in turn impacts human food systems, illustrating that Monarchs and other pollinators are part of a food web and ecosystem. Providing enough habitat, like milkweed for Monarchs, is essential in maintaining a balanced food web within the ecosystems that are critical in sustaining us. Third, Monarchs carry out a unique migration, which inspires interest in the natural world across the entire continent. The fact that these insects, weighing no more than a paperclip, travel for thousands of miles to a destination unknown to them, is a phenomenon that deserves protection for its own sake. Their dramatic migration also serves as an amazing way to teach the next generation about science and caring for the environment. If you’ve ever seen a monarch caterpillar pupate, or an adult emerge from its chrysalis, you too know how amazing their metamorphosis is, and the excitement it generates in kids and adults alike. Fourth, the threats to Monarchs presented by habitat loss, global warming, pesticides and predators are real. The availability of safe and quality feeding and breeding habitat is essential for populations but that is becoming increasingly hard to find. Every year approximately 1 billion pounds of pesticide is used across the country. An estimated 70 million pounds of that are used for purely cosmetic purposes on people’s lawns. Humans are making it difficult for pollinators to survive. Yet, thanks to increasing awareness about the plight of this charismatic species, there is hope that by working together we can take the actions necessary to protect the Monarch and, in turn, the future of our planet.
Continue reading -
Protecting Land Through Good Local Ordinances
Environmental laws exist at every level of government, but some of the most important and impactful are our local town and village ordinances. These regulations can be far more specific and nuanced than state or federal laws, often differing from village to village. More often than not, they help uphold important environmental practices. In Mill Neck, for example, local ordinances regulate lighting, ensuring it isn’t excessive and that it is directed downward. While this regulation was initially enacted with human quality of life in mind, it also has incredible secondary benefits for wildlife. Properly regulated lighting reduces the impact on nocturnal animals such as birds, bats, and insects, which are far less affected by downward facing light than by broad, scattered illumination. Mill Neck also prohibits feeding waterfowl, which, while seemingly harmless, can lead to poor nutrition, pollution, delayed migration and the spread of disease as the town code explains. Over in Old Brookville, there are also numerous pro-environment ordinances in place. Extensive wetland protections go above and beyond the regulations set by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. The village also tackles invasive species issues, to the extent that property owners may be charged with trespass if an invasive species migrates from their property to a neighboring one. Good town and village ordinances can have a positive impact on the environment. However, these laws are not set in stone and can be subject to change. A prime example is the Town of Huntington’s regulations regarding steep slope development. In 2005, the town enacted critical codes designed to protect both the environment and the community from the adverse effects of development on steep slopes. At that time, a steep slope was defined as any slope of 10% or more across a 25-foot stretch. Now, there is a push to redefine what qualifies as a “steep slope.” Depending on the proposed changes, this could have drastic implications for the environment. The environmental importance of steep slope regulations cannot be overstated. Steep slopes are highly vulnerable to erosion, and development only exacerbates this issue. Vegetation removal and soil disturbance during construction make it much harder to prevent natural erosion from stripping away valuable topsoil. With increasingly intense storms, the impact on slopes becomes even more pronounced. When heavy rain washes away topsoil, it can take decades to regenerate. The loss of topsoil also leads to the loss of fertile land and microorganisms, which are essential for growing healthy vegetation and maintaining natural habitats. Furthermore, removing plants and trees that are critical for stabilizing the soil with their root systems leaves these areas even more vulnerable to landslides and further erosion. The ecological consequences extend beyond the immediate site. Erosion from steep slopes can pollute nearby water sources and disrupt local ecosystems. Steep slopes often also represent ecotones, where distinct ecosystems or elevations meet. These areas are vital for biodiversity and serve as transition zones for migration. By allowing development in these sensitive regions, we risk fragmenting populations and disrupting the natural flow of ecosystems. If the definition of steep slopes is reduced in the Town of Huntington, it could open up a significant portion of the town to development. Under the current definition, nearly 60% (37,000 acres) of the Town is classified as steep slopes. If the definition changes from 10% to 15% or, even worse 25%, an additional 8,000 to 18,500 acres could be open to development. Please see Figures 1-3 with the steep slopes shaded in brown. The environmental impact of this much development alone would be severe. It would be even more so when the potential erosion and ecological damage that could result from building on these specific sensitive areas is considered. The good news is that these laws don’t change without public input. They require the support of the community. Together, we can raise our voices to protect these vital areas. Ways to get involved include attending town council meetings, organizing letter writing campaigns and commenting at public hearings. Even engaging with and educating your neighbors can have a lasting impact. When we stand united, we can emphasize the importance of protecting our environment through strong, sustainable ordinances.
Continue reading