At LIISMA’s Winter Partners Meeting and Workshop, we were thrilled to welcome Michael DiMaulo, Volunteer Coordinator for the NYS Parks Volunteer Stewardship Program based out of Connetquot River State Park. The program is dedicated to connecting individuals of all ages to the outdoors through weekly conservation activities, ranging from invasive species removal to greenhouse support. With participants spanning ages three to eighty-five, the program offers inclusive opportunities for community engagement and environmental stewardship.
The Volunteer Stewardship Program maintains a consistent schedule of events every weekend, with additional opportunities during the week. Volunteers participate in a wide variety of activities, including the removal of invasive species such as mugwort, bamboo, and phragmites. They also provide greenhouse support and seed cleaning. Volunteers plant and maintain pollinator gardens, and they take part in litter removal and beach cleanups. Collaboration is central to the program’s success, with students, scout troops, corporations, and agencies serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities all contributing to its efforts.
Over the course of the year, approximately 750 volunteer visits were recorded, contributing nearly 2,000 hours of service. A total of 60 weekend events were hosted, including 44 Saturdays and 16 Sundays. These efforts resulted in the removal of nearly 14,000 pounds, or 6.3 metric tons, of invasive plant material in a single year.
The program takes a full-circle approach to conservation. Seeds cleaned at the Nissequogue River State Park greenhouse are grown into plants and then moved to other state parks. In 2025, volunteers helped plant nearly 400 native species at Robert Moses State Park. They also expanded a nature discovery garden at Bethpage State Park, right next to an elementary school, creating more hands-on learning opportunities for students and strengthening the connection between conservation and the community.
Beyond its conservation work, the program also serves as a recruitment pipeline for future park staff. Volunteers gain practical experience and build professional connections that often lead to employment opportunities within the park system. Michael DiMaulo’s own journey exemplifies this pathway, as he began as a volunteer in 2022 before assuming his current leadership role.
Looking ahead, LIISMA is excited to continue collaborating with the NYS Parks Volunteer Stewardship Program. Plans are already underway for a formal partnership in 2026, which will further strengthen conservation efforts, expand educational initiatives, and enhance community engagement across Long Island.
