Friday, October 16, 2026
The Brookside Preserve received a much-needed boost on Saturday, July 19, as volunteers rolled up their sleeves to restore the neglected natural space. Organized by the South Shore Conservation Society, the latest monthly cleanup brought together community members, students, and environmental advocates to care for the preserve’s grounds and trails.
Long plagued by environmental pollution, crumbling infrastructure, and years of disinvestment, the preserve has become the focus of a growing local movement to restore and reimagine the space.
“Brookside Preserve is a sanctuary for native wildlife and an important community green space, but it’s being neglected,” said Erica Quiroz-DeVargas, president of the SSCS. “We need more attention, funding, and partnership from our local government, specifically Nassau County, and residents to restore this preserve and make it safe, accessible, and thriving again.”
Volunteers concentrated their efforts on clearing debris from the preserve’s frontage and interior, while also launching the first phase of restoring informational signage throughout the area. The work marked another step forward in returning the preserve to its former beauty—and in building a broader culture of environmental stewardship.
One of the day’s most inspiring moments came from Freeport High School student Funmi Fajolu, a member of Girl Scout Troop 300, who led an awareness campaign to discourage waste disposal in the preserve. Her efforts underscored the growing role of local youth in environmental leadership.
Joe Scianablo, Democratic candidate for Town of Hempstead Supervisor, joined the cleanup and toured the preserve to see its condition firsthand. “The South Shore Conservation Society has been a relentless voice for environmental stewardship and public safety, doing what our Republican elected officials have failed to do, fight for the health of our communities,” Scianablo said.
He emphasized the urgency of continued investment and intervention. “The conditions at Brookside Preserve are a crisis: pollution, drug activity, and neglect, all just steps from a high school,” he said.
The initiative traces its roots back to a town hall discussion two years ago, held in collaboration with Nassau County Legislator Debra Mulé, a longtime advocate for Brookside. Since then, the vision has grown into a grassroots movement driven by volunteers and local partnerships.
With more projects in the works, including another cleanup scheduled at Brookside on Aug. 16 from 10a.m. to 12p.m., the South Shore Conservation Society continues to push forward on the preserve’s long-term recovery.
