Over the last two weeks, volunteers— with the help of Town of Hempstead’s Department of Conservation & Waterways—tackled the next phase of our dune-restoration / beautification project along Ocean Boulevard.
Last week, after removing invasive plants—including the trees-of-heaven that had become breeding spots for spotted lanternflies—the crew planted full-size native pitch pines, some weighing more than 400 pounds, along with other dune-friendly vegetation. These sturdy pines hark back to the healthy pine trees many longtime residents remember before disease and non-native growth took over in the dunes.
This effort will strengthen the dunes against storms, restore natural habitat, and help the protective zone look—and function—more like it should.
Special thanks to Ed Wengler for all of his work leading this effort, and to volunteers George Monasterio, Brendan Cahill, Mike Suydam, Mary Stack, George Urich, and all the neighbors who lent time, tools, and muscle. The hard work is already changing the landscape for the better. We also want to thank Town of Hempstead’s Jay Podolski for his and the Town’s efforts to lend us the resources and heavy equipment needed to get this phase of the project completed. We are grateful for the support of the T.O.H Conservations & Waterways team, Rob Longiaru and Chris Smith who supplied us with native plants and guidance on restoring our native environment.
More planting phases are planned, so stay tuned for the next call for hands. In the meantime, take a walk by the dunes and enjoy the sight of those new pines standing tall.
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