If you’ve noticed new work along Ocean Boulevard during your walks, here’s the story: the Parks Committee of the Point Lookout Civic Association is reclaiming and re-greening the dunes with native plants while removing the invasive species that weaken them.
Last year the committee opened a pilot project plot just west of Civic Beach. After clearing out Trees-of-Heaven and other invasive species, volunteers planted bayberry, beach grasses, holly, and other native flora. A low sand fence was placed at the rear of the plot to buttress the storm-scarred dune and discourage foot traffic—important, because poison ivy still thrives farther in.
Over the past two weeks the project has moved into Phase Two. With machinery, manpower, and guidance from the Town of Hempstead Department of Conservation & Waterways, volunteers have removed additional invasives and debris, installed full-size native pitch pines, hollies, bayberries, beach plums, black-eyed Susans, beach roses, and more, and begun taking down the rotting stockade fence. Eliminating that fence lets Town crews maintain the dune system more easily; a new sand fence will soon be set behind the plantings to provide extra protection. These improvements strengthen our storm resilience, restore habitat for birds and pollinators, and create a more natural shoreline view.
More planting days are coming, so watch for the next call for hands. If you’d like to help clear, plant, or water—or if you’d like to make a tax-deductible donation to support future plantings—please contact Parks Committee Chair Ed Wengler at info@pointlookoutcivic.org.
We extend special thanks to Ed Wengler; volunteers George Monasterio, Brendan Cahill, Mike Suydam, and Mary Stack; neighbor and local business owner George Urich of Top-Notch Landscaping for equipment and guidance; and our Town of Hempstead partners Jay Podolski, Rob Longiaru, Chris Smith, and the Conservation & Waterways crew, whose expertise, native plants, manpower, and heavy equipment have been invaluable.
Together we’re making our dunes stronger, healthier, and more beautiful—take a stroll down Ocean Boulevard to see the progress!
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