Protect Our Woods
A Community Campaign in Support of the Hillside Woods Restoration Project
News
ALERT: Spotted Lanternfly Sighted in Hastings
The first SLF that we know of was spotted August 12th at Ferndale & Scenic, a block from Hillside Woods. Keep your eyes peeled: this emerging threat has devastated entire counties in Pennsylvania.
IF YOU SEE ONE, PLEASE REPORT IT:
Take pictures of the insect, egg masses and/or infestation signs (include something for scale such as a coin or ruler) and email to spottedlanternfly@agriculture.ny.gov.
Even better: fill out the Spotted Lanternfly Public Report (arcgis.com)
AND: report to the Conservation Commission; we can organize swat teams to scout for egg masses.
If you use iNaturalist or iMapInvasives, report there as well.
Note the location (address, intersecting roads, landmarks or GPS coordinates). SLF is a serious threat, one of the worst invasive pest calamities in decades.
INFORMATION AND ID:
At this time of year (August-onward) you will see only adults or egg masses.
Share this Spanish-speaking version with any Spanish speakers you know, including landscape workers.
Handy guide from NYS Department of Environmental Conservation for identification.
This UPENN FAQ has helpful information.
Come spring, look for the wingless black and white or red, black and white nymphs.
If we all pitch in to suppress the looming SLF infestation, we may be able to avoid the worst of its impact. Please feel free to reach out with any questions.
Hastings Stream Repair EXPANSION!
Boutillier's Brook - Farragut Parkway near Exit 12
We applied for more plants and won a DEC grant for about 300 more shrubs and trees for a fall planting. SIGN UP HERE!
NYS Dept of Environmental Conservation provided of 350 seedling shrubs and trees for last spring's May planting. Our amazing fellow Villagers, plus Groundwork's Green Team, precleared and planted the area. Thanks to the ongoing care by a dedicated Hastings resident, they are thriving.
Lower Burke Estate
HHS grad Avery Erwin-McGuire has developed an ecological restoration plan for this surprisingly rich wetland and HHS' science department will engage students in this worthy endeavor this fall. The Lower Burke is rife with redwing blackbirds (and others), historic ruins, and an assortment of native and invasive plants. Read more.
Restoration Funding is Finally Here!
Long-delayed due to the pandemic, Westchester County and New York State have disbursed $350,000 in grant monies, which covers the budget as originally outlined in Land Beyond the Sea's forest management plan. Parks & Rec are currently interviewing fencing companies and navigating post-pandemic materials shortages. Read about the County grant in the Rivertowns Enterprise.
Over 350 seedlings planted!
After a year of removing invasive brush, we've concluded a pilot planting project.
In May, High School AP Environmental Science students, buddying with 2nd graders, planted 130 seedlings and PE classes watered them as needed. Huge thanks to the HHS PE Department, the HHS AP Environmental Science class, and Hillsides' 2nd Grade Team.
HWRP volunteers planted the remaining seedlings over a couple of work sessions - over 350 in HW! See our Replanting page for more info. We can use help keeping them tended; volunteer here.
Get Involved
Learn
(Coming soon - page seriously under construction.) Despite its ragged condition, the woods still supports a variety of native birds, mammals, insects and plants. Learn more about our northeast woodland ecosystem and share what you learn with others. You can add your own observations using iNaturalist and eBird to contribute to our crowd-sourced collective understanding.
