Environmental Gardening and Invasive Species Management

To fight the onslaught of invasive non-native plants, and animals as well as to promote greener gardening practices, the Conservancy has:

Produced comprehensive booklets of the invasive, native and butterfly-friendly plants to be found on the island. Important reference and reading material for all concerned residents.

Developed an experimental pilot program to control the growth of Phragmites (frag-my-teez), also known as the common reed, in partnership with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and with assistance from the Fishers Island Fire Department. Nearly all of our island’s wetlands have been impacted by Phragmites over the last 40 years. Phragmites invade wetlands that have been environmentally stressed by human land-based activities (e.g. development, erosion, fertilizer run-off) and push out native plants that are important food sources for many fish and wildlife. Over the next few years, this program seeks to restore a two-acre wetland site (off Clay Point Road near West Harbor) back to low-lying marsh grasses full of wildlife. As Phragmites are generally not salt tolerant, a mechanical control method has been implemented which mows and then floods the reeds with salt water.

Promoted education about the residential and commercial reduction and elimination of pesticide use through Nature Days and other sponsored events.