By Jennifer Livingston and Robert Deans
North Shore Wildlife Sanctuary (NSWS) held their 2nd Spring Gathering at Mill River Rod and Gun Club on May 23. The event was well attended by almost 100 supporters, and they were treated to fine food and beautiful weather on the shore of Oyster Bay.
North Shore Wildlife Sanctuary, originally founded in 1923 by residents of Mill Neck, is the oldest conservation organization on Long Island. NSWS owns and maintains preserves in the neighborhoods surrounding Mill Neck, Matinecock and Brookville.
President Robert Deans opened his remarks by honoring the 12 veterans who were present. He then recognized the support of several generous NSWS Board members, the Mill River Rod and Gun Club and Rich Cutler of Mill Creek Tavern who provided a spectacular spread.
The honoree this year was the Hornosky Family, specifically father, Bob, and son, Tom, who have been the wardens of NSWS preserves since 1968. Rob noted that their commitment to the NSWS mission and their dedication to the community is hard to recognize appropriately.
Attendees were treated to a presentation by Enrico Nardone, the executive director of Seatuck, which is dedicated to the conservation of wildlife and habitat on Long Island. Nardone discussed the resilience of various species as evidenced by their resurgence or recovery. At the same time, he noted the challenges in preserving habitat and wildlife in a densely populated area. Enrico noted that he had recently secured a significant grant to evaluate the Beaver Brook watershed which is the initial step in a long-term project on which he and Rob Deans have been working for several months.
NSWS also reminded everyone about the William H. Simonds Scholarship Fund which is available to students from sixth grade through college. Proposals can be submitted for evaluation to the executive committee, and, upon acceptance and completion, an appropriate financial award will be granted.
North Shore Wildlife Sanctuary encourages everyone to visit the preserves and experience the beauty and diversity of these natural environments in an area which is generally considered to be fully developed. NSWS relies on contributions from visitors and neighbors to maintain and improve these preserves.
Information regarding the preserves, events, and other activities can be found on the website, www.nswildlifesanctuary.org.
Jennifer Livingston and Robert Deans are associated with the North Shore Wildlife Sanctuary
