Native Species

Shoreline erosion problems had been noted at Edith G. Read Wildlife Sanctuary in Rye, NY in the early 2000s, and after the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy in 2012 and subsequent storms, it was clear there was a need for restoration. Westchester County decided to create a 900 foot living shoreline in order to restore the shoreline, reduce erosion, and support aquatic life in Long Island Sound. The project, designed by SLR, used two types of structures – boulder sills and reef balls – to slow wave action and provide aquatic habitat. A total of 43 reef balls were installed along with 40 types of native grasses, shrubs, and trees to further stabilize the shoreline. Additional native ecotype-specific plantings will be added periodically throughout the next five years of monitoring (2025-2030).

The Small Grants Program provides funding for land conservation projects that provide protection of rare or uncommon native plant species or natural communities, or areas of high native diversity. We will also consider habitat improvement projects, protection of open space in low-income and urban communities, and assistance with fund-raising for projects that meet the above criteria.

Otter Creek Preserve is located along a three-mile stretch of coastline on Long Island Sound in Mamaroneck, NY. It contains 90% of the remaining productive salt marshes in Westchester County, and is an important site for migratory birds, marine life, and other wildlife. The 35-acre preserve is the largest privately-owned tidal wetland designated and protected as a nature sanctuary in Westchester County.

Following improvements made to the coastal forest and tidal marsh in 2015 and 2016 with support from the Westchester Community Foundation, in 2017 Westchester Land Trust (WLT) received NFWF LISFF funding to continue removing non-native trees, shrubs, and vines, replant with native species, and conduct expanded outreach and educational programming at the preserve.