Protectors of Pine Oak Woods
Staten Island's Land Conservation Organization
50 Years Keeping Staten Island Green!
Help Protectors
Protect Open Space
Imagine a Staten Island where natural beauty thrives, untouched by urban sprawl. For 50 years, Protectors of Pine Oak Woods has made this vision a reality, preserving precious habitats starting with Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve. Our tireless efforts, led by dedicated volunteers over the years, have saved countless acres, ensuring that future generations can enjoy these natural treasures.
Now, we need your help. Protectors is launching a significant fundraising campaign to continue our vital work. Your support will enable us to protect Staten Island's natural resources for years to come. Join this extraordinary journey and be a part of a legacy that will benefit all New Yorkers. Together, we can ensure that the natural wonders of Staten Island remain forever protected.
Save the Date:
Semiannual Meeting
Join us for our Spring Semiannual Meeting
Sunday, April 19, 2026
1 — 3 PM
Staten Island Museum
1000 Richmond Terrace, Building A
Staten Island, NY 10301
Sunday, February 8 9:00 - 11:00 am
Ramble in the Historic Clay Pit Ponds
with Kieran Naseem
Take in the local history and feel the wintery chill as well as stops into the Nature Center on this Clay Pit perimeter hike which is just over two miles. Meet Kieran at 2351 Veterans Way West Entrance at the Interpretive Center.
Saturday, February 21 10:00 am - 12 noon
Forest Restoration Workshop on the Buck’s Hollow Red Trail
We’ll meet in the Moses Mountain (now Paulo’s Peak)
parking lot at the intersection of Rockland and Manor
Road (or park on Meisner Road opposite the Bluebelt
dam close to that intersection), then cross Rockland to
take the White Trail north to the large restoration area at
the junction of the Red and Blue Trails where we will
range the restored area cutting and pulling out Wisteria
and Oriental Bittersweet vines that threaten the new
trees, and extracting alien Japanese Angelica saplings.
We began this project just last November, but there’s
more to do, and it’s likely to be a yearly project for us for
some time. Protectors will supply gloves, pruners and
refreshments.
REGISTRATION: For more information call Brian Smith 917-842-6585 or Don Recklies 718-768-9036. (Service Credit is available.)
Sunday, February 15 12 noon - 2:00 pm
Walk in the Woods at Blue Heron Park
with Don Recklies
Brave the chill (if any) to see winter activity
in the park and try to identify a few trees by their bark.
Perhaps we’ll run across a shed (deer antlers that have
been discarded) or hear the pileated woodpeckers.
We’ll meet in the Blue Heron Nature Center parking lot,
222 Pollion Avenue, then cross the street using the Blue
Trail to visit Butterfly Pond, then loop back to the Nature
Center using the Yellow and Red Trails. Time permitting,
we’ll walk around Spring Pond and the Arbutus Woods
Trail loop to the north. (Inclement weather, but not a
light rain, will cancel.)
For more information call Don Recklies at (718) 768-9036.
Friday, February 27 5:30 - 7:00 pm
Chapin Woods with Cliff Hagen
Join with Cliff Hagen as he climbs the hills and slopes
along the eastern slopes of Todt Hill in search of our
nocturnal neighbors. Participants will listen for owls
responding to Cliff Hagen’s calls, hoots and whistles.
Though flashlights are permitted, lights are
discouraged. Similarly, flash photography is not
permitted.
Participants will meet at the top of Chapin Avenue. For
more information contact Cliff Hagen at 718-313-8591.
Sunday, March 8 9:00 - 11:00 am
A Guided Walk through Arden Heights Woods
with Kieran Naseem
Watch as the Early Spring thaws this beautiful patch of
the south shore during this under two mile trail ramble.
Meet Kieran at the intersection entrance of Arden Avenue
and Forest Green.
Friday, March 20 6:30 - 8:00 pm
Timberdoodles Canoodle at South Beach with Cliff Hagen
Join Cliff Hagen for an evening walk through the fields
of South Beach to hear American Woodcock (aka
timberdoodles) celebrate the arrival of Spring with their
unique courtship rituals. Participants will will gather in
front of the Ocean Breeze Athletic Complex located at
625 Fathers Capadanno Boulevard.
For more information contact Cliff Hagen at 718-313-8591.
Saturday, March 21 10:00 am - 12 noon
Forest Restoration Workshop at the “Pine Plantation” on the LaTourette Bike Path
For our 355th workshop we’ll meet at the entrance to the
bike path on the Old Mill Road (west of Richmond Hill
Road) next to the old St. Andrews Church. We’ll follow
the Greenway to the stand of Pitch Pines that was
planted in the mid 90s and where last year we planted
more pines adjacent to the current stand. Our job will
be to continue digging up Japanese Knotweed from
around the new pines. Protectors will supply gloves,
necessary tools and refreshment.
REGISTRATION: For more information, call Brian Smith 917-842-6585 or Don Recklies 718-768-9036. (Service Credit is available.)
Saturday, March 28 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Greenbelt Nature Center to Seaview with Don Recklies
Meet in the Greenbelt Nature Center parking lot at
Rockland Avenue and Brielle (additional parking at the
Recreation Center nearby). We’ll see how Spring is
breaking by making a loop using the Blue, White, and
Red trails to pass the Dept. of Parks serpentine barrens
restoration project, Paulo’s Peak (Moses’ Mountain), and
the Bluebelt Dam at Rockland and Meisner. Rain, but
not a drizzle, will cancel this walk.
For more information call Don Recklies at (718) 768-9036.
Preserve and Protect
Protectors' mission is to preserve and protect our open spaces and natural areas for the good of wildlife and the public alike. We share with you the beauty of our Staten Island natural areas and the wildlife they support. Join us in protecting a lasting legacy for generations to come.
