There is an upcoming 2007 opportunity for clubs, organizations, churches and individuals to participate in an exciting improvement opportunity at the community nature preserve, but please act now.

By Oct. 20, The Garden City Bird Sanctuary is submitting an application to the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation for funding of an Urban and Community Forestry Grant Program to support a tree planting program at our nine-acre community nature preserve on Tanners Pond Road. All grants under this reimbursement grant program must be equally matched from other sources. We are asking for your support of this 2007 program to help us meet our goals. Yes, you can help and in a variety of ways.

A commitment by you or your organization to "adopt" a tree funded at $250 would help us reach our match and benefit the community as a whole. One section of the Bird Sanctuary is to be cleared of invasive trees and vines, and then replanted with appropriate native trees and understory shrubs and plants to improve the habitat as well as the educational resource value of the preserve.

The "matching" 2007 funds can include cash and/or the value of paid labor, professional services, volunteer labor, equipment, supplies and material, as well as private contributions. (We estimate volunteer labor, such as provided by families, Scouts or organizations at $7 per hour.) The value of materials, such as wood chips, compost, tree stakes and signs, can also be easily estimated. If you have a service you can offer during 2007, please let us know by Oct. 18 with a signed letter offering the commitment of your services and the estimated value. Cash donations will be held in a reserve fund designated for use on the project. Community volunteer groups that wish to participate should also estimate on their stationery the number of volunteers and level of effort offered. Volunteer service can be "credited" at $7 per hour. Letters of commitment should be mailed to the Garden City Bird Sanctuary at P.O. Box 7507, Garden City, NY 11530-7507.

"Partners" who participate in this program will have their names and/or company names posted on a permanent plaque at the Garden City Bird Sanctuary. We are confident that the progress we have made since 1995 in creating the Garden City Bird Sanctuary out of a Nassau County Storm Water Basin will continue. Should you have any questions, do not hesitate to call me at either (212) 637-3258 or 326-1720 or email me at gcbirdsanctuary@aol.com.

Rob Alvey

President, Garden City Bird Sanctuary