The Fishers Island Conservancy is deeply grateful to the individuals and organizations whose generosity drives our mission to preserve and protect the island’s unique natural environment. This page recognizes the contributions of those who have supported us, from annual donors to lifetime members. Each gift plays a vital role in ensuring Fishers Island remains a haven for wildlife and a treasure for future generations.

Support Levels

$50–$100 FRIEND OF THE CONSERVANCY
Be a part of our grassroots efforts to protect Fishers Island’s natural beauty.

$250 STONY BEACH GUARDIAN
Help preserve the coastline and wildlife habitats for future generations.

$500 SILVER EEL PATRON
Support impactful conservation initiatives on the island.

$1,000 BARLEYFIELD COVE BENEFACTOR
Contribute to transformative conservation projects.

$2,500–$5,000 PRESERVATION CIRCLE
Lead the charge in sustaining Fishers Island’s legacy through significant contributions.

Donate Today

Annual Donor Recognition

Each year, we recognize the generosity of those who support our conservation mission. Explore the list of contributors who have made an impact in past years.

2023 Donor Acknowledgements – View Here

Thanks to your support in 2023, the Fishers Island Conservancy achieved incredible milestones:

  • Grassland Restoration: The Fort Wright Parade Grounds were thriving, offering a serene escape and a chance to spot northern harriers hunting in the restored meadowlands.
  • Ferry Park Transformation: A vibrant wildflower knoll and thriving Virginia beach grass created a nesting haven for saltmarsh sparrows, safeguarded by new natural guardrails.
  • Sentinel Program Success: Led by Stephanie Hall, 11 student environmentalists and intern Anna White monitored 14 sites, collecting invaluable data.
  • Marine Debris Impact: Michele Klimczak’s work inspired artist Duke Riley’s exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum, spotlighting the critical issue of plastic waste.
  • Seagrass Protection: Collaborating with the Ferguson Museum, we continued efforts to protect the remaining 3% of Long Island Sound’s seagrass beds, crucial marine nurseries.
  • Community Engagement: We honored Joe Henderson’s leadership in habitat restoration at the Sunset on the Beach event and delighted families during Nature Days in August.

These accomplishments and more were made possible by your generosity.

2022 Donor Acknowledgements – View Here

Thanks to your support, 2022 was a year of impactful conservation and community engagement for the Fishers Island Conservancy:

  • Parade Grounds Burn: In collaboration with the Fishers Island Fire Department, a successful spring burn rejuvenated the restored grasslands.
  • Ferry Park Transformation: Over 15,000 Virginia beach grass plugs turned a barren parking lot into a thriving pocket park, attracting native insects and birds.
  • Phragmites Management: We launched a five-year program with the Town of Southold and NY DEC to tackle invasive phragmites, preserving vital habitats.
  • Marine Debris Removal: Michele Klimczak led shoreline cleanups that inspired Duke Riley’s Brooklyn Museum exhibit, with many community members pitching in.
  • Migratory Bird Counts: 64 species were recorded in the spring count and 42 in the fall, showcasing Fishers Island’s importance as a migratory stopover.
  • Sentinel Program Growth: Stephanie Hall led our largest team of young environmentalists, monitoring sensitive sites and collecting critical ecosystem data.
  • Nature Days in August: Our youngest islanders explored the Parade Grounds through creative activities, all while enjoying ice cream and learning about nature.
  • Honoring Leaders: At Sunset on the Beach, we celebrated Carol Giles and Ellie Kelly for their contributions to science education and environmental advocacy.

Thank you for making 2022 such a successful year for conservation on Fishers Island. Your generosity makes this all possible, and we’re excited to build on this momentum together.

2021 Donor Acknowledgements – View Here

Despite the challenges of the ongoing pandemic, 2021 marked a return to many of the Fishers Island Conservancy’s core activities. Thanks to your unwavering support, we accomplished the following:

  • Annual Parade Grounds Burn: With the expertise of the Fishers Island Fire Department, we conducted a prescribed burn to enrich the soil and maintain healthy grasslands for ground-nesting birds.
  • Island Sentinels Program Growth: Stephanie Hall led our largest group of student scientists to date, collecting hundreds of data points across the island to monitor habitat health and vibrancy.
  • Migratory Bird Counts: Spring and fall bird counts, guided by expert birders Emily Baisden and Will Almeida, revealed that native habitats support higher bird populations, emphasizing the importance of invasive species control.
  • Community Engagement: Record attendance at Sunset on the Beach and Nature Days reflected the island community’s eagerness to reconnect and celebrate Fishers Island’s natural beauty.
  • Educational Inspiration: A renewed focus on the importance of native habitats was underscored by the year’s birding insights and recommended reading, A World on the Wing by Scott Weidensaul.

2021 reminded us of the resilience of both nature and our community. Your generosity made this year’s progress possible, and we are deeply grateful for your support. Together, we look forward to continuing our conservation mission.

2020-2019 Donor Acknowledgements – View Here

2020: Rising to Challenges
Despite the unforeseen challenges of the pandemic, the Fishers Island Conservancy continued its essential conservation work thanks to your generous support. Key accomplishments include:

  • Bird Conservation Efforts: Our Audubon-structured migratory bird count in May recorded 44 species, a testament to the island’s critical role as a haven for wildlife.
  • Island Sentinels Program: Students in our Sentinels program collected vital data across sensitive habitats, contributing to a deeper understanding of ecosystem health.
  • Ecosystem Restoration: Collaborating with FIDCO, we renewed damaged micro-environments, safeguarding habitats vital to the island’s biodiversity.
  • Educational Outreach: Grants supported local students, including a Fishers Island School participant who earned first place in a prestigious science fair.
  • Community Access: Enhancements to the John Thatcher Native Garden included socially distanced picnic tables, providing residents a tranquil space to appreciate nature.
    While the cancellation of “Sunset on the Beach” impacted fundraising, we adapted with socially distanced events like Nature Days and a showing of The Biggest Little Farm.

2019: Growth and Dedication
2019 marked an inspiring year for Fishers Island Conservancy with key milestones and exciting developments:

  • Autumn Migration Highlights: Waves of monarch butterflies, a record-setting raptor count, and the first-ever sighting of a Nelson’s sharp-tailed sparrow showcased the island’s vital role in the Atlantic Flyway.
  • Invasives Team Expansion: The University of Delaware team completed its third summer, addressing invasive species and piloting collaborations with FIDCO on two East End parcels. Plans to double the team’s size reflect the urgent need for aggressive habitat restoration.
  • Demonstration Garden Dedication: Renamed the John Thatcher Native Garden, this sanctuary honors one of the Conservancy’s founders and remains a resource for promoting native planting practices.
  • Honoring Justine Kibbe: As our Conservancy Naturalist departed for the Pacific Northwest, we celebrated her contributions, including founding the Island Sentinel program and capturing over 3,000 stunning images of Fishers Island’s wildlife.
  • Conservation Progress: Efforts to restore coastal habitats and protect native species resulted in measurable successes in the Demonstration Garden and Sanctuary.