Hudson River Sloop Clearwater, Inc. is a nonprofit, member-supported organization whose mission is to preserve and protect the Hudson River, its tributaries and related bodies of water. The sloop Clearwater, first launched in 1969 by Pete Seeger and friends is the vessel by which Clearwater delivers its mission. The sloop has become America’s Environmental Flagship and a symbol of environmental justice. As an organization, Clearwater works to provide innovative environmental education programs, advocacy, and celebrations designed to expand people’s experience, awareness and stewardship of our magnificent natural resource, the Hudson River. For more information visit: Clearwater.org
The Fyke Nature Association was founded in 1952 by a group of people strongly dedicated to saving undeveloped tracts of land in Bergen County, New Jersey, as nature preserves. Since its founding, Fyke has not only been a force for preservation, but a forum where people can educate themselves and share their love of the natural world. In later years, the association has expanded its involvement to include environmental issues throughout New Jersey and New York. The Association, along with the Borough of Allendale, co-manage the Celery Farm Nature Preserve in Allendale, NJ. Together, we have been instrumental in keeping the Celery Farm, a 107-acre freshwater wetland, in its natural state. As a result, 53 bird species breed in the preserve, and over 240 species have been recorded there. For more information visit: FykeNature.org
GARNER Arts Center is an interdisciplinary arts center that advances the creation and presentation of contemporary, experiential art within a repurposed 19th century textile mill complex. By providing access to a wide range of art forms, the organization strives to enrich, educate and connect diverse audiences. GARNER Arts Center is committed to igniting and realizing artistic ideas that emerge as a response to societal, economic, historic and environmental stimuli. For more information visit: GarnerArtsCenter.org
Founded in 1997 by Captain Bill Sheehan, Hackensack Riverkeeper is the leading clean water advocate for the Hackensack River and its 210-square mile watershed which stretches from the High Tor Mountains of Rockland County to Newark Bay and the NY/NJ Harbor Estuary. A founding member of the international Waterkeeper Alliance, the organization employs a fourfold strategy of environmental action, advocacy, education and litigation to fulfill its ongoing mission to protect, preserve and restore the Hackensack River. Hackensack Riverkeeper works constantly with community and civic leaders, the media, its colleagues in conservation and all people of good will to help secure a clean, green future along the river and everywhere. For more information visit: HackensackRiverkeeper.org
The Indian Point Safe Energy Coalition (IPSEC) is a coalition of environmental, health and public policy organizations, founded in 2001 to address the vulnerability of the nuclear reactors at Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant in Buchanan, NY. For more information please visit the IPSEC Facebook page.
Keep Rockland Beautiful, Inc. is a non-profit affiliate of Keep America Beautiful. Our mission is to promote a cleaner, more beautiful county. Through partnerships and strategic alliances with citizens, businesses and government, Keep Rockland Beautiful’s programs motivate thousands of volunteers annually to clean up, beautify and improve their neighborhoods, thereby creating healthier, safer and more livable community environments. In addition to the signature cleanup event, Keep Rockland Beautiful organizes environmental education events in schools, promotes litter law enforcement, and supports public art and beautification activities. For more information and to find a spring clean up event near you in the post Covid future: KeepRocklandBeautiful.org
The Land Conservancy of New Jersey’s mission is to preserve land and water resources, conserve open space, and inspire and empower individuals and communities to protect the environment. In 39 years we have preserved over 28,000 acres including 1,800 acres of preserves that we own and manage. In Bergen County, our Ramapo Mountain Preserve is 92 acres of rugged mountain land with spectacular vistas of northern New Jersey and the New York City skyline. We are currently working to preserve the heritage and natural beauty of Split Rock Mountain. Visit tlc-nj.org to learn more about our work. For more information please visit: TLC-NJ.org
The Mahwah Environmental Volunteers Organization was founded in the summer of 2008 by a bunch of nature loving teenagers who wanted to make a difference. We envision a sustainable world with enough resources for everyone, where people don’t live in toxic surroundings and where everybody considers their impact on the Earth. MEVO carries out volunteer work to promote environmental sustainability throughout local communities. We plant trees, clean-up polluted areas, rehabilitate soil erosion, start natural agriculture farms, organize electronic recycling drives, educate students on recycling, distribute recycling bins and give away compact fluorescent light bulbs. We want to get people involved in improving their society and working to solve our worst environmental problems. For more information visit: MEVOEarth.org
New York-New Jersey Trail Conference: Since 1920, the Trail Conference has partnered with parks throughout the region to create, protect, and promote a network of more than 2,100 miles of public trails. The Trail Conference recruits and coordinates volunteers to keep trails open, safe, and enjoyable, and publishes maps and books that guide public use of these trails. The nonprofit organization has a membership of 10,000 individuals and 100 organizations that have a combined membership of over 100,000 active, outdoor-loving people. Trails and the lands they traverse require care, responsible use, and vigorous support by the people who enjoy them; the Trail Conference leads this effort. For more information visit: NYNJTC.org
Rockland Audubon Society, Inc. (RAS) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the appreciation and preservation of nature and a healthy environment. RAS fulfills this mission in a number of ways. One is by organizing and leading more than 40 field trips annually, all free and open to the public. In addition, 10 monthly lectures are offered on topics such as creating a bird habitat in your yard; and native fungi, flora & fauna of Rockland County. Special programs are presented in libraries and other venues throughout the county. Topics include identifying birds by their song, birds in winter, and the Eastern Bluebird—New York’s state bird. RAS has also implemented several important conservation efforts including a fishing line recycling program and a “bluebird trail,” consisting of more than 70 nest boxes located throughout the county to help this struggling species. The boxes were constructed by Audubon members with the help of Girl and Boy Scout troops and are monitored each year during nesting season. Just recently, these boxes were equipped with baffles to protect nesting birds’ eggs from marauding snakes—all accomplished by volunteers and member donations. To find out more about RAS and for field trip and program dates visit www.rocklandaudubon.org .
A broad-based coalition of farmers, community activists, local and county officials, and interested citizens, Rockland Farm Alliance (RFA) was formed in early 2007, with a simple mission: to preserve, create and enhance sustainable food production in Rockland County, NY. For more information visit: RocklandFarm.org
Founded by legendary conservationist John Muir in 1892, the Sierra Club is now the nation’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization — with more than two million members and supporters. Our successes range from protecting millions of acres of wilderness to helping pass the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and Endangered Species Act. More recently, we’ve made history by leading the charge to move away from the dirty fossil fuels that cause climate disruption and toward a clean energy economy. For more information, see our Mission Statement and Strategic Plan Overarching Visionary Goals. There is a local chapter of the Sierra Club that meets monthly to discuss issues facing Rockland County and the lower hudson valley. For more information about their events and to sign up for notifications of the monthly meeting please the Sierra Club Rockland page.
The Sparkill Creek is a 9 mile, bi-state waterway which originates on Clausland Mountain in Rockland County, NY and travels south into New Jersey, then switches back traveling north through Rockland County again before entering the Piermont Marsh, and flowing on into the Hudson River. The Sparkill Creek Watershed Alliance is a group of community volunteers that perform:
- Stream monitoring
- Tree Planting
- Creek Clean Ups
- Hudson River Aquatic Study
- Community Education
For more information and activities please visit: SparkillCreek.org
Stony Point Action Committee for the Environment, Inc. (SPACE) 30 Years of Environmental Advocacy & Education. SPACE was formed in 1990 to alert and inform town residents that decisions being made at town hall and the general lack of comprehensive land use planning would threaten and permanently change the natural beauty and character of our community. SPACE sounded the alarm 25 years ago with a belief that citizen action can make a difference, and we have been a constant watchdog at Stony Point town meetings ever since. SPACE supports public access to open and transparent government. While SPACE does not endorse specific political candidates, we believe in the citizen’s right and responsibility to be an informed voter. As a service to the community, SPACE has sponsored a number of community meetings, forums and political debates on important issues during town, county and state elections. SPACE also sponsors its own website, social media and has been a long-time supporter of the Stony Point News and the RockNet e-mail networks. To find out more about SPACE, please visit our Facebook Page and our website: www.stonypointer.org
Sterling Forest Partnership
The Sterling Forest Partnership emerged around 1990, and contributed vitally to the eventual establishment of Sterling Forest State Park in 1998. We are dedicated to the preservation and protection of the natural, historical and cultural resources of Sterling Forest Park. The mission of the Sterling Forest Partnership is to educate the public, and to ensure that activities in and around the Sterling Forest area promote the quality of its habitat, the clarity of its waters and skies, and the integrity of its forest ecosystem. For more information visit: FaceBook.com/SterlingForest
The Turtles of Western Highway is a division of the Hudson Valley Humane Society, and we are helping to ensure the survival of Snapping Turtles in Rockland County and the health of our natural wetlands. The common snapping turtle is New York State’s Official Reptile and is critical to the ecosystem. Through safeguarding their nesting grounds, providing safe migration pathways, and public education and awareness programs, we hope to preserve these creatures for future generations. Please support this effort! For more information visit: The Turtles of Western Highway Facebook page.
The Hudson Valley Humane Society was incorporated in February 1891 as the Rockland County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The HVHS began through the efforts of local women who empathized with the plight of farm and companion animals. These women took into their barns and homes, injured and abandoned animals where they provided love, care and shelter. Born out of their efforts, and now more than 122 years and literally thousands of animals later, the HVHS continues to pursue its mission of promoting its core: the cause of animal welfare. In addition to sheltering abandoned and unwanted animals, HVHS actively seeks adoptive homes for these animals. For more information visit: Hudson Valley Humane Society.
