Native Ohio spiderwort or bluejacket (Tradescantia ohiensis).

Accomplishments

  • Grassland Restoration
    • Successfully engaged in grassland restoration project on land owned by Southold and managed by FIFerry District, including the Parade Grounds, Elizabeth Airport, Race Point and South Beach. This project is ongoing, requiring annual prescribed burns conducted by the Fishers Island Fire Department, in addition to manual control of invasive vegetation.
    • Worked with land owners to restore grasslands habitat on private property.
  • Water Quality
    • Updated and expanded water testing to include over 50 sites, including both salt water and fresh water locations.
    • Conducted water study to determine the amount of potable water and water quality on the Island, and to identify aquifer boundaries.
    • Funded “Fishers Island Water Supply & Watershed Study” in conjunction with the Suffolk County Department of Health Services. The Conservancy’s Ed Horning led the ecological component of this major study.
    • Raised community awareness of pesticide use on golf courses, lawns and near water sources.
  • Invasive Plant Species
    • Continued to provide funding and support for both public and private Island organizations for the identification and removal of invasive plant species.
    • Developed and implemented a pilot program to control the invasive reed Phragmites on a wetland site.
  • Support and Sustain Initiatives
    • Created the 25th Anniversary Grant Program to support and sustain initiatives for the study of our island environment through outreach, education and personal studies.
  • Rising Sea Levels & Severe Weather Systems
    • Joined with other Island organizations to create and fund a study of the vulnerability of our precious south coast to rising sea levels and potentially more severe weather systems.
  • No Discharge Zone for boats
    • Promoted No Discharge Zone for boats in Fishers Island waters. Pays $10,000 annually to fund essential pump-out services.
  • Mosquito Control
    • Established non-toxic mosquito control program.