Important Public Hearing on Proposed Land Disturbance Ordinance Coming March 24

Friends of the Long Pond Greenbelt supports the proposed regulations, which are designed to afford greater protection to Southampton’s large mature trees, natural habitats and topography. We encourage you to voice your support at the hearing.

In January, Councilman Michael Iasilli introduced a new Land Disturbance Ordinance designed to strengthen protections for forests, wildlife habitat, and sensitive landscapes across Southampton Town. The proposal (click here to review) responds to growing concern that large‑scale tree clearing and land alteration often occur before permits are issued, leaving the Town with limited ability to prevent environmental harm.

The proposal emphasizes the preservation of healthy, mature trees—defined as those at least 25 feet tall or with a trunk diameter of 18 inches—and limits excessive grading, berms, and retaining walls that can worsen flooding, disrupt drainage, and degrade water quality. Common‑sense exemptions remain in place for emergencies, agriculture, routine landscaping, and essential septic work, while violations could carry meaningful daily fines.

Under the proposed ordinance, permits would be required for substantial land disturbance on larger residential and commercial properties, with clear thresholds based on lot size. 

The Southampton Town Board has scheduled a public hearing for March 24, 2026, at 6:00 PM, to receive public input. This is an important opportunity to support stronger protections for the Town’s remaining natural resources. The hearing will be held both in person at Town Hall and via Zoom. We urge you to participate.

Link to Proposed Ordinance

Remembering Diane Lewis

We are sad to announce that former FLPG board member and Champion of the Greenbelt Diane Lewis passed away in February. Diane moved to her home near Long Pond in 1997 and joined Friends of the Long Pond Greenbelt shortly thereafter, becoming an energetic organizer of events and programs not only for Friends of the Long Pond Greenbelt, but for the Sag Harbor Village Improvement Society and the Sag Harbor Food Pantry, where she served as president. A woman of admirable spirit, Diane, with her 22 years of experience as an elementary school teacher, helped shape FLPG’s first “Secrets of the Meadows” program, working with the teachers of the Sagaponack School. That very successful program served as model for further collaborations. Diane was also a woman who loved a good party and enjoyed employing her considerable organizing skills to make them run smoothly. Diane’s was definitely a life lived to the fullest. We at Friends of the Long Pond Greenbelt are grateful to have been a part of it. In her honor, a Champion of the Greenbelt bench sits on a path near her beloved Round Pond. Her family will be holding a memorial celebration in May. Rest In Peace, Diane.

Earth Hour 2026

Earth Hour returns on Saturday, March 28, 2026, inviting communities around the world to switch off their lights for one meaningful hour at 8:30 p.m. This simple act is a shared moment of reflection on our connection to nature and a reminder of the collective power we hold to protect it. Whether you take a quiet walk under the stars, enjoy a candlelit dinner, or simply pause to appreciate the night, Earth Hour is an opportunity to reconnect with the natural world we work so hard to preserve.

The Friends of the Long Pond Greenbelt encourages all members and neighbors to join this global movement. One hour may be symbolic, but the intention behind it can spark lasting change—both for our community and for the ecosystems that make the Greenbelt so special.

Sundays at Two

The Long Island Mammal Survey:

who’s left, who’s barely hanging on and who appears to have been extirpated

Sunday, April 12, 2:00 pm

Long Pond Greenbelt Nature Center

1061 Sag Harbor-Bridgehampton Turnpike

Join us on Sunday, April 12, for the first Sundays at Two lecture of 2026. Seatuck wildlife biologist Mike Bottini will discuss some of the key the results of the recently completed Long Island Mammal Survey, with a focus on major changes since the last mammal survey that was completed in the early 1960s. We’ll also discuss some conservation measures that need to be implemented to best ensure protection of existing species and recommendations to restore species that, despite suitable habitat here, appear to have been extirpated.

About Mike Bottini

Mike Bottini currently is on staff at Seatuck Environmental Association, an organization dedicated to conserving Long Island wildlife and the environment. He is also the co-author of several books about the East End, including Trail Guide to the South Fork - with a Natural History (Long Island, New York) and Exploring East End Waters: A Natural History and Paddling Guide.

Sundays at Two events are free and open to the public.

Upcoming Sundays at Two lectures:

• May 17: Birds of the Long Pond Greenbelt with Chris Gangemi
• June 7: Native American Talking Sticks with Tony Valderrama
• July 12: Explore Long Island's Carnivorous Plants at Crooked Pond with Matt Kaelin (co-sponsored with North Shore Land Alliance)
• August 2: Wild Long Island with the Fish Guy
• September 20: Energy Healing Techniques with Reverand Dan Costello
• October 18: Jin Shin Jyutsu with Sue Denis and Maria Maier