Friends of Hempstead Plains
Friends of Hempstead Plains at Nassau Community College is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and restoration of the Hempstead Plains and to offering educational programs about this special and rapidly vanishing ecological and historical habitat.
Volunteer Events
Eisenhower Prairie Clean-up
Friday April 19th 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Join us for spring cleaning at the grassland prairie in Eisenhower Park. Help Friends of Hempstead Plains protect this rare habitat which is home to unique grassland species. Park in lot 7 and a shuttle will take you to the clean-up site.
RSVP: amanda@friendsofhp.org
Visit us this Spring: April - June
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday
10:00am - 2:00pm
College Parcel Mowed
In September trees and shrubs were cleared, opening up the prairie. This major restoration step was made possible by the BAND Foundation. We are proud to be part of their mission to support grasslands worldwide.
Front Garden Planted
Over 20 Boyscouts and Nassau Community College students transformed the look of the Education Center by removing weeds around it and replacing them with natives. Thank you to all who came out, especially to Eagle Scout Candidate Scott Henneberger and his family, as well as the South Shore Audubon Society, who granted funds for restoring habitat with native plants.
Invasive Species Controlled
Black Swallow-wort appeared for the first time on this section of Plains in 2017. It is a highly invasive plant which is particularly detrimental
to Monarchs. Volunteers did an amazing job knocking back the Swallow-wort and thus theslotsbay.com protecting Monarchs.
ABOUT THE FRIENDS
Friends of Hempstead Plains at Nassau Community College, Inc. was formed in 2001, dedicated to the perpetual preservation, restoration and management of the site through scientific research and education.
Our goals are:
• Protect the land ~ prevent further destruction of critical habitat and promote compatible development in the surrounding area.
• Restore the ecological habitat ~ restore the prairie grassland that once covered the area and rare species that depend on it.
• Promote and provide assistance for good stewardship of the land.
• Develop educational programs ~ offer environmental education for the community and coordinate educational opportunities for students of all ages.
• Promote research by college faculty and students.
• Encourage community involvement in restoration and management practices.
Directions: From Meadowbrook Parkway take Exit M4 to Charles Lindbergh Blvd. Or from Merrick Ave., turn west on Charles Lindbergh Blvd. (between Hempstead Ave. and Stewart Ave.) Follow Charles Lindbergh Blvd. to first right turn into NCC East Campus. Turn Right into East Campus. See Hempstead Plains at first intersection. Turn right into Hempstead Plains parking area.
For information: email info@friendsofhp.org.
Executive Director - Amanda Furcall
Board of Directors
Prof. Nina Shah-Giannaris, President
Dr. Paul vanWie, Vice President
Mr. David Stolarz, Treasurer
Ms. Meagan Fastuca, Secretary
Dr. Betty Borowsky
Prof. Annetta Centrella-Vitale
Dr. Scott Emmons
Dr. Lisa Filippi
Prof. Betsy Gulotta
Prof. Catherine Ripley
Prof. Robert Pollack
UPCOMING EVENTS
WEEKEND VOLUNTEER COMMUNITY WORKDAYS
Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
(Weather permitting)
