Protectors of Pine Oak Woods

Last updated
Protectors of Pine Oak Woods
Formation1975; 49 years ago
FounderRichard Buegler
51-0161823
Legal status 501(c)(3) organization
Headquarters Staten Island, New York
President
José Ramírez-Garofalo
Key people
Arthur Shapiro
Website https://www.siprotectors.org/

The Protectors of Pine Oak Woods is an American environmental organization based in Staten Island, New York. Its mission is to preserve and protect the natural areas and open spaces of Staten Island through advocacy, stewardship, and education. Founded in 1975, the group has played a significant role in conserving the borough's unique ecosystems, particularly its woodlands, wetlands, and wildlife habitats.

Contents

History and Founding

The Protectors of Pine Oak Woods (often referred to simply as "Protectors" [1] ) was established in response to increasing concerns about the rapid development and urbanization of Staten Island in the 1970s. [2] At that time, Staten Island was undergoing significant changes due to its proximity to Manhattan and the construction of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge in 1964, which spurred suburban growth. This led to fears of losing valuable green spaces and natural areas, which prompted a group of local environmentalists and community activists to form the Protectors.

The organization's name refers to the organization's original purpose, to advocate for the protection of Pine Oak Woods, now known as Clay Pit Pond State Park Preserve, on Staten Island's South Shore. [1] [2] The early years of the group were focused on raising awareness about the importance of these ecosystems and mobilizing public support for conservation efforts. Early efforts to preserve open space on Staten Island led to co-founder and president Richard Buegler to be awarded SUNY ESF's Feinstone Environmental Award. [3]

Mission and Goals

Protectors of Pine Oak Woods operates with a mission to safeguard Staten Island's natural heritage for future generations. The organization’s main goals include:

Key Achievements

Since its inception, Protectors of Pine Oak Woods has made several important contributions to the environmental landscape of Staten Island:

Preservation of the Greenbelt

The group was instrumental in advocating for the protection of the Staten Island Greenbelt, a vast stretch of connected natural areas covering over 2,800 acres in the center of the island. This preservation effort helped safeguard one of the largest continuous areas of forest within New York City, providing habitat for wildlife and recreational opportunities for residents.

Establishing Blue Heron Park

One of Protectors’ significant accomplishments was the creation of Blue Heron Park. Through lobbying efforts and collaboration with city officials, the organization helped secure funding and public support to convert this area into a city park, which is now a critical wildlife refuge and recreational area for Staten Islanders.

Advocacy for Wetland Preservation

Protectors has been an advocate for the preservation of Staten Island's wetlands, recognizing their importance in flood control, water purification, and providing essential habitat for local wildlife. The group has opposed development projects that threatened wetlands and worked to ensure that these areas are protected by city and state regulations.

Nature Walks and Educational Outreach

The organization has a long-standing tradition of hosting free nature walks, led by naturalists and ecologists, aimed at educating the public about the rich biodiversity of Staten Island. These events encourage community members to explore and appreciate the natural beauty of the island while learning about local flora and fauna.

Current Activities and Programs

Protectors of Pine Oak Woods continues to be a driving force for environmental advocacy on Staten Island. Current initiatives include:

Partnerships and Collaborations

Protectors of Pine Oak Woods collaborates with various local, state, and national organizations to advance its conservation goals. Some of its key partners include:

Leadership

Presidents

Presidents of the Protectors of Pine Oak Woods have included:

Directors

Directors of the Protectors of Pine Oak Woods have included: [7]

See also

Related Research Articles

This is an index of conservation topics. It is an alphabetical index of articles relating to conservation biology and conservation of the natural environment.

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">José Ramírez-Garofalo</span> American ecologist (born 1996)

José R. Ramírez-Garofalo is an American ecologist, ornithologist, and naturalist known for his work on avian ecology, conservation biology, and the impact of environmental change on urban bird populations. His research focuses on the occurrence of species outside of their typical geographic range, the spread of zoonotic pathogens, and the interactions of species within urban ecosystems. He is a noted expert on the natural history of the Greater New York Area, and has published widely on the changing composition of the ecological communities of the Mid-Atlantic and northeastern United States since the turn of the 20th century.

References

  1. 1 2 3 Advance, Kathryn Carse | For the Staten Island (2015-01-13). "Staten Island Protectors: 10 facts to know before environmental activist group's milestone hike". silive. Retrieved 2024-09-16.
  2. 1 2 "A Guide to the Protectors of Pine Oak Woods Collection" (PDF).
  3. "Feinstone Environmental Awards Recipients". www.esf.edu. Retrieved 2024-09-16.
  4. skeag@siadvance.com, Susan Lunny Keag | (2016-11-09). "Richard Buegler, who helped found Protectors of Pine Oaks Woods, dies". silive. Retrieved 2024-09-16.
  5. Advance, Staten Island (2012-04-02). "Staten Island's Protectors of Pine Oak Woods elects officers". silive. Retrieved 2024-09-16.
  6. benanti@siadvance.com, Carol Ann Benanti | (2024-04-16). "After 12 years of community service, Protectors of Pine Oak Woods president passes the gavel". silive. Retrieved 2024-09-16.
  7. "About". SIProtectors. Retrieved 2024-09-16.