Our Mission
Protectors of Pine Oak Woods is committed to increasing the stewardship of Staten Island’s existing parkland, bluebelt corridors and nature preserves and to continuing the effort to preserve Staten Island’s natural areas. Protectors advocates for protection and preservation by educating our members, the general public and elected officials at all levels of government through meetings, workshops, walks, articles, newsletters and sponsorship of environmental education.
Our Name
Our name tells the story of our beginnings. Founded in 1975, Protectors of Pine Oak Woods was created to rally Staten Islanders to protect the natural area known as Pine Oak Woods, now Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve. Since then, our work has grown to encompass woodlands, wetlands, shorelines, and other natural areas throughout Staten Island.
Our Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors serves in a voluntary capacity. Many of our directors have served Protectors of Pine Oak Woods for decades through many successful projects. If you share our passion for preserving Staten Island's natural heritage and open spaces, please consider joining our board. Please email your request to ecroteau@siprotectors.org.
Executive Officers 2024-2027
President: José Ramírez-Garofalo
First Vice President: Jack Bolembach
Second Vice President: Elaine Croteau
Recording Secretary: Lisa Abbot Pillarella
Corresponding Secretary: Nicole Sammon, Esq.
Treasurer: Open
Membership Secretary: Madeline Paladino
Directors
Ellen O’Flaherty Pratt • Alan I. Benimoff, Ph.D.
Linda Cohen • Heather Butts
Dominick Durso • Kwynn Hogan
Eileen Monreale • Jacqueline Perine
Don Recklies • Herb Smith
Honorary Directors
Albert F. Appleton, Esq. • Hon. Gordon J. Davis • Joseph Fernicola • Hon. Ralph J. Lamberti • Richard Lynch • Lenore Miller • Robert Miraldi, Ph.D. • Arthur M. Shapiro, Ph.D.
Protectors Co-founders
Richard Buegler, President Emeritus
Joseph Fernicola
Edward Milanese
Financial reports (Form 990s) are available for review by visiting ProPublica.
