Port Washington Coalition for Biodiversity

Michael Vittie, president of Concerned Long Island Mountain Bikers, giving coalition members a tour through the trails of the Hempstead Harbor Woods

The newly-founded Port Washington Coalition for Biodiversity works to create a Port Washington Peninsula where Key Biodiversity Areas are protected and environmental education thrives. The growing coalition is comprised of 11 local community-based organizations, collectively responsible for the protection of nine Key Biodiversity Areas, totaling 716 acres of natural habitats, cultural areas, and historic sites—the vast majority of Port Washington’s wilderness.

Our most recent field event took place on May 3rd. It was led by Mike Vitti, President of Concerned Long Island Mountain Bikers (CLIMB), stewards of the 140-acre Hempstead Harbor Woods. Mike discussed the challenges posed by flooding, erosion, and siltation, and shared his group’s innovative solutions to maintaining the trails and preserving the natural habitat. Their ethic for care of the land is remarkable —the protection of wildlife, habitats, and even every single tree — all thanks to their brilliant vision and state-of-the-art trail system and their army of deeply dedicated volunteers over many seasons. Hempstead Harbor Woods and surrounding natural areas support Port Washington’s greatest reservoir of biodiversity and its largest wetland. To learn more about this land and its importance, see the Port Washington Public Library presentation: “The Hempstead Harbor Woods – Port Washington’s Greatest Treasure,” by Transition Town Board Member, David Jakim. In the coming seasons, other coalition members will be hosting guided walks to learn from each other and to build stronger relationships with the land we all share.