Natural Areas Conservancy

Wetlands THEN vs. NOW. There are 6,200 acres of wetlands in NYC, but since the arrival of European colonists, a staggering 90% of wetlands have been lost. By the 2050s it's predicted sea-level rise will drown many of New York City’s remaining tidal wetlands. We must protect what we have left! Wetlands provide innumerable benefits such as flood mitigation, habitat for endangered species, and can help provide respite and unique opportunities for recreation in our dense urban environment. Learn more about the state of our wetlands in NYC, and recommendations for mitigation: https://bit.ly/3CdvwXa

✨Mystery Plants Part 2🌿 Botany experts, Sarah and Lydia are back investigating some decade old plant samples! Watch them compare groups of similar species and their distinguishing traits. You'll walk away a certified plant pundit who can tell the difference between Wild bergamot vs. American ground nut and Cinnamon fern vs. Lady fern. 🕵️ For the Ecological Assessment 2.0, the forest ecology team must fill in the blanks on plant pressings collected back in 2014. Once this process is complete, more accurate data comparison can take place. Learn more about EA 2.0: https://bit.ly/3yoo35W

A recent #TheChief article outlines how budget cuts to Parks, and the resulting loss of staff, could potentially be exacerbating NYC's brush fires. Our Executive Director, Sarah Charlop-Powers, commented that while funds wouldn't have prevented the drought, it “could certainly diminish the likelihood of fires and could absolutely increase the resilience and recovery from fires. The ongoing care that is ideal for these landscapes would require a really significant increase in staff." Read the full article: https://bit.ly/3VbBSwF

#GivingTuesday 8.5 million New Yorkers wouldn’t be able to access nature without trails. One of our core missions at the NAC is to increase our city’s connection to nature. Every year, we host a week-long Trails Technique Training for local practitioners to improve their trail technical skills which includes everything from installing puncheon and check steps to improving tread and pruning vegetation. And throughout the year we provide training to 120 volunteer trail maintainers in our Super Steward program, who inspire us with their dedication to NYC natural areas. With extreme budget cuts to Parks, it’s imperative that the NAC continues our trail maintenance training and increase the number of people on the ground with this knowledge. Help us ensure natural areas are available to all. Make your #GivingTuesday gift: https://bit.ly/49ilAYx

We’re excited to announce our participation in F.Y. Eye's nonprofit creative campaign accelerator! This program gives us the opportunity to collaborate with media professionals, industry experts, and artists to to develop a PSA campaign that will amplify nature trails in NYC. Check out our recent blog post to learn more: https://bit.ly/3OAokao

Recent wildfires across our city's parks and natural areas have caused many of us concern, and left New Yorkers with questions regarding the city's response to climate challenges. Join the City Parks Foundation #NYCGreenFund, for a webinar panel that will address the immediate impact of these fires, and strategic plans for the future. Our Executive Director, Sarah Charlop-Powers will be speaking! Register: https://bit.ly/3B0zVwf

🍂 Happy Thanksgiving from the Natural Areas Conservancy! 🍁 We're incredibly thankful for our community—all of the supporters, volunteers, donors, and colleagues who stand with us in our mission to champion natural areas in NYC! You still have 24 hours to enter our ✨Gratitude Giveaway✨! Head over to our Instagram to enter for a chance to win a bundle of exclusive swag and a private nature tour: https://bit.ly/493c0ZJ

Our Executive Director, Sarah Charlop-Powers and board member Eric W. Sanderson had the opportunity to contribute to Rebuild by Design's #Rainproof working group alongside NYC policy and community leaders. Together they formulated critical strategies to address heavy rain fall in the city. Read the published report for a summary of this working group and how you can get involved locally in your community: https://bit.ly/3Omiutj

Last week the NAC's Shannon Jordy, Deputy Director of Communications and External Affairs spoke alongside our #ForestForAll partners to stress the importance of an Urban Forest Plan, and to celebrate the start of its development in NYC! "Some of our most heat vulnerable and flood prone neighborhoods are, unsurprisingly, also the ones with the least amount of green space. But it doesn't have to be that way," Shannon said. Learn more about the goals of the UFP: https://bit.ly/3On8Uq0

In Manhattan, natural areas are the largest contributor to stormwater capture in the entire borough! We know this because of our recent stormwater research, and our continued work on a new Ecological Assessment of our city’s natural areas. With up-to-date data, we are gaining a clearer understanding of the benefits of natural areas to New Yorkers. You can help us continue this important monitoring work! Make a gift today to the NAC to support our research efforts: https://bit.ly/49ilAYx