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Rockland Audubon volunteers count more bird species than ever

WEST NYACK - Volunteers with the Rockland Audubon Society counted more species than ever during the local portion of the 2008 Christmas Bird Count.
(Original publication: 01/09/09)

Rockland County gets green-building law

NEW CITY - Construction projects that involve county-owned or -operated buildings and those that cost $1 million or more will now have to meet environmental standards to make sure they are as green...
(Original publication: 12/05/08)

Businesses earn Rockland Recycles Award for their waste reduction and recycling efforts

RAMAPO - When it comes to local recycling, Wenger North America appears to be on the cutting edge.
(Original publication: 11/21/08)

Rockland County Conservation Association may disband

The Rockland County Conservation Association, one of the most highly regarded citizen groups in the county, may be just days away from disbanding.
(Original publication: 11/07/08)

New native plantings garden opens in Hillburn

HILLBURN - The mountains circling the Rockland County Solid Waste Management Authority's campus were ablaze in fiery fall colors yesterday.
(Original publication: 10/31/08)

Study will ID Rockland watersheds to address drainage

NEW CITY - The county plans to launch a major new study to determine the location of all watersheds in Rockland, an effort it hopes will lead to addressing drainage and flooding problems.
(Original publication: 10/10/08)

Sterling Forest State Park turns 10

Just 10 years ago, the preserve that became Sterling Forest State Park was still slated for massive development.
(Original publication: 09/26/08)

New iron mining trail set to open at Sterling Forest State Park

Iron mining was one of the earliest industries to take hold in the area stretching from northern New Jersey through Rockland and into Orange County.
(Original publication: 09/05/08)

Ramapo tries to spruce up a neglected Lake Suzanne

Lake Suzanne once enjoyed a reputation as a beautiful waterway and favorite local swimming hole.
(Original publication: 08/15/08)

Nyack school hopes to reconnect kids with nature

Hoping to teach children to embrace nature rather than avoid or fear it, the Montessori Center of Nyack has created a new environmental program.
(Original publication: 06/27/08)

RCC and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Rockland team up for composting

RAMAPO - Going green has already saved lots of green for Rockland Community College.
(Original publication: 05/30/08)

This spring cleaning expects to draw thousands

Each spring for the past eight years, Danny Vila has taken to the streets of Stony Point to help pick up the litter that accumulated all winter.
(Original publication: 04/18/08)

Environmentalists want runoff treated on updated Tappan Zee, Thruway

NYACK - Whether the Tappan Zee Bridge is rehabilitated or rebuilt, significant environmental impacts will accompany the work.
(Original publication: 03/28/08)

Gardeners' Day addresses call for locally grown food

STONY POINT - If you've been lucky enough to have your own garden, you know just how delicious freshly harvested tomatoes, peppers, zucchini, strawberries and other fruits and vegetables taste.
(Original publication: 03/21/08)

County talks plastic, foam, geothermal in green efforts

Plastic bags, foam cups and tax breaks for geothermal systems will be among the topics of discussion Wednesday during the county Legislature's Environmental Committee meeting.
(Original publication: 02/08/08)

Farming is growing again in Rockland

CHESTNUT RIDGE - After years of decline, new farms appear to be sprouting across Rockland.
(Original publication: 02/01/08)

Neighbors near Clarkstown compost site want end to odors

Laura Incalcaterra
(Original publication: 01/25/08)

Rockland Lake recalls history as 'Icehouse of New York City'

Admiration of hard work and a respect for roots have translated into a growing interest in preserving Rockland Lake's place in history.
(Original publication: 01/11/08)

Round 2: Rockland's important environmental stories for 2007

It was such a busy year when it came to the environment in Rockland in 2007 that two recaps were needed.
(Original publication: 01/04/08)

Air and water issues among Rockland's top environmental stories of 2007

From the partial shutdown of a power plant notorious for its pollution to the removal of federal protections for the American bald eagle, it was a busy year when it came to the environment in...
(Original publication: 12/28/07)

NY-NJ Trail Conference gets ready to move into new headquarters

MAHWAH, N.J. - What better place to teach the public about hiking trails, open space and the need for sustainable development than a former schoolhouse?
(Original publication: 12/07/07)

Wassmer ends Haverstraw term, but says revitalization still going

HAVERSTRAW - Francis "Bud" Wassmer completes a 12-year stint as Haverstraw village mayor today.
(Original publication: 11/30/07)

Rockland's master gardeners deep-rooted in volunteer work

STONY POINT - Residents who participate in the Rockland Master Gardener program said the experience had allowed them to meet new friends, learn more about gardening and serve the community.
(Original publication: 11/23/07)

Surroundings: Why did the opossums cross the road?

RAMAPO - There's a particularly twisty section of road along Grandview Avenue a few blocks from its intersection with Route 202.
(Original publication: 11/09/07)

Volunteers help parks commission revitalize Rockland's state parks

BEAR MOUNTAIN - It's no secret that state parks in our neck of the woods are well used and, as a result, well worn.
(Original publication: 10/12/07)

Explore Earth during Lamont-Doherty's Palisades open house

PALISADES - Scientists from Columbia University's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory explore the planet from its core to its outermost atmosphere.
(Original publication: 10/05/07)

O&R customers see the light on energy savings

PEARL RIVER - Some local residents have decided to make the switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs.
(Original publication: 09/21/07)

Get outside and explore the Hudson Valley and nearby region this weekend

There's absolutely no excuse for failing to get outdoors and enjoying the best of what the region has to offer this weekend.
(Original publication: 09/14/07)

Montbello's Kakiat Park getting improvements

Restrooms are coming to Kakiat County Park, and get this, they'll be solar powered.
(Original publication: 09/07/07)

Enjoy where you live: Connect with Rockland at trails, museums

Summer is quickly coming to a close.
(Original publication: 08/24/07)

Connecting with Hudson River in Nyack

NYACK - Memorial Park became a living classroom this week as the Clearwater organization paid a visit and helped kids learn more about the Hudson River.
(Original publication: 07/27/07)

Surroundings: Pursuing a well-testing bill in Albany

Assemblywoman Ellen Jaffee is hoping one of her last measures to become county law will soon become one of her first measures to become state law.
(Original publication: 05/11/07)

Ramapo watershed council outlines river-protection efforts

Laura Incalcaterra: Surroundings
(Original publication: 04/20/07)


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LAURA INCALCATERRA

About this feature...
 
Journal News staff writer Laura Incalcaterra writes Surroundings, reporting on the environment, open space and community planning in the lower Hudson region, with a focus on Rockland County. A new version generally appears each Friday.
 
Incalcaterra is a Boston College graduate who grew up in Rockland, where she attended East Ramapo schools. She has worked for The Journal News since 1993, covering crime, government and a host of other issues.
 
Write to her at
lincalca@thejournalnews.com.

Also...
 
If you are interested in keeping up with environmental issues facing the region, read Earth Watch, a weekly column by Greg Clary.