The Nature Conservancy. Protecting nature. Preserving life.™

As 2012 draws to a close, we have a lot of conservation successes to celebrate in New York – and it's because of your support. Below our scientists take advantage of the holiday season to say, thank you!

You can ensure our continued success in 2013, by making a secure, online gift.

Nicole Maher
Senior Coastal Scientist, Long Island

We are grateful to those helping us study Long Island’s marshes—and whether or not they are keeping up with sea level rise. Research from some 20 marsh sites will help us understand why marshes may not be keeping up with sea level rise and how both wildlife and people might be affected. Conservation strategies will be developed to focus on the threats identified by these studies. Thank you for your support! 

Matt Levy
Stewardship Operations Coordinator

The 40 preserves in the Eastern New York region have been enjoyed by thousands of visitors this past year. We owe a big thanks to the many volunteers who serve as caretakers for these preserves. Their assistance, essential for the maintenance and care of these special places, allows us all to enjoy them. On behalf of the many people who hike, walk, bird watch, take photos and delight in time spent in nature, thank you.  

Randy Parsons
Conservation Finance and Policy Advisor, Long Island

We thank you for helping us protect 325 acres of natural areas in Pipes Cove, Southold—a place important to the health and vitality of the Peconic Estuary. Through the commitment of many—including at Southold Town and in Suffolk County—the Pipe’s Cove Preserve has become a reality. It will remain a beautiful place for passive recreation, contribute to a healthier Peconic Estuary, and protect a rare maritime forest and high quality habitat for fish, shellfish, birds and other wildlife. We thank all who made it possible. 

David Klein
Senior Field Rep for Great Lakes

We are grateful to our volunteers and members who support a new approach to the regulation of water levels and flows in Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River. By writing a letter to an elected official, attending a public hearing, or signing a petition, thousands of members “used their outside voices” in support of a new water regulation plan, Plan Bv7, that will reverse decades of damage to the wetlands, coastal habitats and species of the lake and river while rebuilding shorelines, providing additional opportunities for outdoor recreation, strengthening the regional economy, and continuing protections for shoreline property.

Brendan Quirion
Terrestrial Invasive Species Project Coordinator, Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program

Thanks to you, we are tackling some big problems in the Adirondacks, including wild hogs and giant hogweed. Both of these invasive species have been wreaking havoc in pockets of New York, including the Lake Champlain Valley. We’ve been working this past year with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to control a population of wild hogs. We’ve also been eradicating harmful stands of giant hogweed, a noxious plant whose oils can cause severe burns to exposed skin and, in extreme cases, blindness. It is estimated that invasive species cost the United States around $137-146 billion each year. Luckily in the Adirondacks, thanks to our members, we are still at the forefront of invasion for most invasive species which gives us a great opportunity to deal with them before they become widespread.

Mark King
Director of Protection Programs, Eastern New York

The majestic northern hardwood forests of the Catskill Mountains contain rare plants and animals and serve as the source of drinking water for nine million consumers in New York City. Collaboration with public and private landowners ensures that these lands are protected not only for their natural beauty, but also for the many benefits that healthy forests provide. I am thankful to all our supporters who make this work possible.

You will play a role in the future of conservation in New York when you renew your commitment today. Thank you for all that you do!