| Protectors of Pine Oak Woods | |
| Formation: | 1975; 49 years ago |
| Founder: | Richard Buegler |
| Tax Id: | 51-0161823 |
| Status: | 501(c)(3) organization |
| Headquarters: | Staten Island, New York |
| Leader Title: | President |
| Leader Name: | José Ramírez-Garofalo |
| Key People: | Arthur Shapiro |
| Website: | https://www.siprotectors.org/ |
The Protectors of Pine Oak Woods is an American environmental organization based in Staten Island, New York. Its mission is to preserve and protect the natural areas and open spaces of Staten Island through advocacy, stewardship, and education. Founded in 1975, the group has played a significant role in conserving the borough's unique ecosystems, particularly its woodlands, wetlands, and wildlife habitats.
The Protectors of Pine Oak Woods (often referred to simply as "Protectors"[1]) was established in response to increasing concerns about the rapid development and urbanization of Staten Island in the 1970s.[2] At that time, Staten Island was undergoing significant changes due to its proximity to Manhattan and the construction of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge in 1964, which spurred suburban growth. This led to fears of losing valuable green spaces and natural areas, which prompted a group of local environmentalists and community activists to form the Protectors.
The organization's name refers to the organization's original purpose, to advocate for the protection of Pine Oak Woods, now known as Clay Pit Pond State Park Preserve, on Staten Island's South Shore. The early years of the group were focused on raising awareness about the importance of these ecosystems and mobilizing public support for conservation efforts. Early efforts to preserve open space on Staten Island led to co-founder and president Richard Buegler to be awarded SUNY ESF's Feinstone Environmental Award.[3]
Protectors of Pine Oak Woods operates with a mission to safeguard Staten Island's natural heritage for future generations. The organization’s main goals include:
Since its inception, Protectors of Pine Oak Woods has made several important contributions to the environmental landscape of Staten Island:
The group was instrumental in advocating for the protection of the Staten Island Greenbelt, a vast stretch of connected natural areas covering over 2,800 acres in the center of the island. This preservation effort helped safeguard one of the largest continuous areas of forest within New York City, providing habitat for wildlife and recreational opportunities for residents.
One of Protectors’ significant accomplishments was the creation of Blue Heron Park. Through lobbying efforts and collaboration with city officials, the organization helped secure funding and public support to convert this area into a city park, which is now a critical wildlife refuge and recreational area for Staten Islanders.
Protectors has been an advocate for the preservation of Staten Island's wetlands, recognizing their importance in flood control, water purification, and providing essential habitat for local wildlife. The group has opposed development projects that threatened wetlands and worked to ensure that these areas are protected by city and state regulations.
The organization has a long-standing tradition of hosting free nature walks, led by naturalists and ecologists, aimed at educating the public about the rich biodiversity of Staten Island. These events encourage community members to explore and appreciate the natural beauty of the island while learning about local flora and fauna.
Protectors of Pine Oak Woods continues to be a driving force for environmental advocacy on Staten Island. Current initiatives include:
Protectors of Pine Oak Woods collaborates with various local, state, and national organizations to advance its conservation goals. Some of its key partners include:
Presidents of the Protectors of Pine Oak Woods have included:
Directors of the Protectors of Pine Oak Woods have included:[7]