Richard Schary, President of the Friends of the Massapequa Preserve, is once again urging local residents to join the campaign to "take back the woods." The Thursday, Jan. 19 monthly meeting of the Concerned Citizens Association of Farmingdale will feature Mr. Schary as a guest speaker.

For almost four years, the Friends of the Massapequa Preserve have spearheaded a campaign, joined by CCAF and other civic and environmental groups, to support the preservation of the Bethpage State Parkway corridor (the tract of land extends from the northern traffic circle of the Bethpage State Parkway south to the Massapequa Preserve at Linden Street just north of the Southern State Parkway and from the Southern State Parkway to the Woodward Parkway School). These groups have worked many hours enlisting the help of County and State Police, County and State Parks Departments, State Department of Transportation as well as the Town of Oyster Bay to protect this valuable public land which encompasses hiking trails, bike paths and beautiful green nature paths.

This tract of land has fallen victim to encroachment, a variety of illegal activities, vandalism, loitering and bureaucratic confusion. It has become a "hangout" and a garbage dump.

We need to reclaim this green space and preserve the parkland for the use of our families. Help "take back the woods." Come to the Thursday, Jan. 19 CCAF meeting in Allen Park on Motor Avenue at 7:30 p.m. Listen to Richard Schary! Hear the plan. Add your voice. Increase the chance of being heard and protecting this beautiful open space for generations to come. Together we can make Farmingdale a stronger and better community.

Concerned Citizens Association of Farmingdale Executive Board