Port Washington Watershed Biodiversity Coalition

Our Vision

A Port Washington Peninsula where habitats and species of conservation concern are protected, environmental education is thriving, and communities benefit from the mental, physical, and emotional health that nature provides.

Our Mission

To protect local biodiversity and promote environmental education through coordinated stewardship, community engagement, and collaborative action.

Our Strategy

By working together as a Coalition on Protecting, Connecting, Restoring, and Creating New Habitats to support biodiversity and rare species—based upon practical, science-driven solutions.

Foundation and Geographic Setting

Since its inception in 2023, the Coalition has grown in reach and recognition, now encompassing over 1,000 acres of diverse natural habitat areas that include rare and endangered species and biological communities.

Stretching across Port Washington, Manhasset, and Roslyn, the Coalition is united by the watersheds of Manhasset Bay and Hempstead Harbor.

Structure

The Coalition is made up of eight local community-based independent organizations that oversee the stewardship of important habitat areas in the Port Washington watershed.

Members bring their unique voices, resources, and actions, working together—or independently—under the shared vision of the Coalition.

Foundation

Founded in the summer of 2023, the Coalition now supports eight organizations stewarding over 1,000 acres of natural habitat areas—representing the vast majority of Port Washington’s undeveloped land.

A State of Rapid Growth

The Coalition is in a state of rapid growth:

  • Fall 2025: The Greentree Foundation, stewards of the 450-acre Whitney Estate—one of Nassau County’s most significant habitats—joined the Coalition.

  • 2026 and beyond: Additional community-based organizations are preparing to join as the Coalition continues to expand.

New Partnerships

The Coalition has built new partnerships with:

  • Long Island Native Plant Initiative (LINPI)

  • Long Island Invasive Species Management Area (LIISMA)

  • Other regional organizations across Nassau County and Long Island