MPA coalesces a group of representatives from nonprofits that have an interest and care deeply about Marine Park’s 530-acre Forever Wild Nature Preserve. We call the group the Forever Wild Committee and its purpose is to promote and preserve the work of NYC Parks Natural Resources Division by educating the public and preserving the ecological balances they designed. Member groups pursue these critical goals through natural science offerings including wildflower walks, birding programs, bat watching, butterfly banding, interpretative signage, and discussion of important land management issues such as wildfire suppression, invasive plants removal, installing native species, and habitat protection. Hundreds of volunteers are recruited to participate in natural area restoration efforts that enhance the resilience of this important natural area. The Forever Wild Committee welcomes park visitors to join in and learn more about Marine Park’s ecological values to preserve it for future generations.
The following groups are represented in our Forever Wild Committee:
- Gerritsen Beach Property Owners Association
- Gerritsen Beach Volunteer Fire Department
- Jamaica Bay – Rockaway Parks Conservancy
- Lions Club International/Marine Park Chapter
- Marine Park Alliance
- Natural Resources Group (NYC Parks)
- Natural Areas Conservancy
- NYC Bird Alliance
- Partnerships for Parks (NYC Parks/City Parks Foundation)
- Salt Marsh Alliance
- Urban Park Rangers (NYC Parks)
In 2020, the committee created a Landscape Management Plan specifically for Marine Park in partnership with NYC Parks and provided bird collision prevention for all the windows at the Salt Marsh Nature Center.