Thursday, October 1, 2026
Residents arrived to Hempstead Plains Preserve in Uniondale with native trees tucked under their arms, flowering shrubs in hand and a deeper understanding of how small backyard plantings can contribute to Long Island’s environmental health.
More than 400 people registered for the Town of Hempstead’s Arbor Day native plant and tree giveaway, set for April 24. The community event designed to encourage sustainable landscaping while helping restore local ecosystems.
“Native species offer a lot of ecological functions that you don’t get from a lot of ornamental plants,” Derek Betts, district manager of the Nassau County Soil and Water Conservation District, said. “Those are really beautiful but don’t provide a deep root system that prevents erosion and help control storm water runoffs.”
Betts said deep-rooted native vegetation helps slow stormwater runoff and allows water to better filter through Long Island’s sandy soil before reaching the island’s sole-source aquifer, which supplies the region’s drinking water. He added that the plants can also provide natural buffering during severe weather by helping stabilize land and reduce erosion.
“Native plants also help maintain the health of our drinking water because they do provide that filter service which is really important,” he said.
The Soil and Water Conservation District alone distributed about 600 native plants during the event, with additional trees and shrubs supplied by partner groups. Organizers said the giveaway was expanded after a smaller version held last year quickly ran out.
“Native plantings are essential to preserving the natural ecosystem that is shared by residents, animals, marine life, and plants throughout the region,” Town of Hempstead Supervisor John Ferretti said.
For many attendees, the event served as both a practical resource and an educational opportunity about how individual yards can contribute to a healthier ecosystem.
Abby Marino of Hewlett, who works in invasive species management, said she came specifically for an Eastern redbud sapling after watching the same tree thrive at her parents’ home.
“My parents have one in front of their house, so I was going to plant it in my backyard now,” Marino said.
Marino said preserving native plants helps support wildlife well beyond a single property.
“People think of their backyards as separated from nature but really, we’re all connected to it,” she said. “And every choice that we make and the things that we plant in our front yards and our backyards.
By planting native plants, you’re supporting the insects that are going to come to it and pollinate it, the birds that feed on those insects,” she added. “The whole chain of events down from there.”
Marino added that native gardens can also be a manageable option for homeowners because many species are already adapted to Long Island’s local conditions.
“There’s just more available, like where that you can plant out there, more knowledge out there, turning something that’s just like a corner of your lawn that you don’t even think about into a really nice garden,” she said.
