At the recent LIISMA Spring Partners Meeting and Workshop, we were pleased to be joined by Jessie McSwane and Josh Halsey representing the Peconic Land Trust for a partner spotlight presentation. Jessie and Josh are the Director of Stewardship, and Senior Environmental Programs Manager, respectively, and work diligently to protect natural areas in the Peconic Watershed.
The Trust was founded in 1983 and works to conserve Long Island’s working farms, natural lands, and heritage. Since their founding, they have conserved nearly 14,000 acres of farmland, forest, wetlands, and other natural areas, in partnership with landowners, local government, and local communities.
The organization is able to accomplish this vast amount of land preservation through four departments: planning and acquisition of land (including conservation easements), stewardship and management of acquired lands, community education, and public policy. Across 1,350 acres of preserves managed by the Trust, there is always much to be done from managing encroachment to mitigating invasive species. Josh expressed his passion for land stewardship, always working to discover how the Trust’s preserves may be improved whether for ecological health or better public access and experience.
A significant part of the Trust’s stewardship and monitoring efforts includes surveying for and addressing invasive species at their preserves. LIISMA has provided resources to aid management including site visits, staff trainings, and management plans for various sites such as Nissequogue, Broad Cove, and Wolf/Reese Preserves. LIISMA had the opportunity to assist with a project at one of the Trust preserves located in Shinnecock Hills, in collaboration with the Peconic Land Trust and the Niamuck Land Trust. There, LIISMA provided management recommendations that addressed improving ecological health while preserving the sacred heritage of the site. The Trust even protects Long Island’s ecosystems beyond the Peconic region, by managing emerging invasive species that are not yet regionally widespread, such as plume poppy in the Shinnecock Hills.
The Peconic Land Trust is also in the process of implementing management recommendations provided by LIISMA for Broad Cove in Riverhead, including contracting for invasive species removal and restoring habitats with native plants. LIISMA is grateful to the Trust for their hard work stewarding the lands and forging strong partnerships in the region.
In addition to stewardship work, the Peconic Land Trust also hosts local educational events and offers volunteer opportunities to get involved. Explore more of the Peconic Land Trust’s projects and events here and view Jessie and Josh’s presentation from the LIISMA partners meeting here.
Thank you to the Peconic Land Trust for all they do to protect our ecosystems!
