Pulling Campaign Update: Red Cote Preserve Expansion Becomes a Reality

In January 2026, the Land Alliance received exciting news that we had been awarded a $1.285M grant from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (through its Water Quality Improvement Project program) for the acquisition of the 5-acre Pulling property in Oyster Bay Cove. When combined with the contributions from community members, we now have the funds to both purchase the property and care for it far into the future.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who helped make this achievement possible. Our community’s commitment to conservation has ensured the permanent protection of a treasured part of Long Island’s natural heritage for generations to come. This project is a powerful example of what partnership and community action can accomplish.

The acquisition of the Pulling property marks a rare and significant conservation win for our community. It enables us to continue to safeguard groundwater quality within New York State’s designated Special Groundwater Protection Area, expand the adjoining Red Cote Preserve and preserve a cherished local landscape in perpetuity. It will also strengthen connections to nearby protected lands and help us conserve woodlands, vernal pools and open meadows. They are homes to pollinators, birds, box turtles and other native wildlife.

Following the acquisition, the Land Alliance will begin stewardship planning and initial improvements, which include tree pruning, selective fence removal, invasive species management and the creation of a native pollinator garden.

We give eternal thanks to our community, which stepped up to help us acquire this beautiful land. A celebration will be planned once the deal has closed.