Virtual Premiere - Hempstead Harbor Woods - Port Washington's Greatest Hidden Treasure (Recorded on 4/11/22)

In case you missed it, the Hempstead Harbor Woods - Port Washington's Greatest Hidden Treasure (recorded on 4/11/22) is now available on the Library's YouTube page.

CLICK HERE to access the video

As part of the Library’s celebration of Earth Day, here is a story of transformation and natural regeneration of the area originally known as the Hempstead Harbor Sand Pits located on the eastern edge of the Port Washington peninsula, into a protected area now referred to as the Hempstead Harbor Woods. This presentation focuses on the local history, geology, habitats, and wetlands of the area, and its diversity of life with a story told with photographs and maps. Over 400 species have been identified and over 20 distinct types of habitats have been described. In the center of the area is Port Washington’s largest wetland, a mosaic of seasonally flooded ponds, streams, marsh, swamp, wet meadow, and islands. In addition, the presentation examines the surrounding Hempstead Harbor Beach Park area that is undergoing environmental conservation, restoration, and development projects. The presentation takes a broad approach to understanding the relationship of humans with, and our environmental impacts on, flora and fauna, habitats, wetlands, climate, and hydrology over the last decade and century. David Jakim, who leads this presentation, holds an MS in environmental geoscience and an MA in Earth science education. He has been mapping the flora, fauna, and habitats of the Hempstead heart or natural area with local nonprofit organizations for over a decade. This event is brought to you by the Port Washington Biodiversity Foundation and Transition Town Port Washington. (Please note at the 20 minute mark there was an audio/mic issue for about one minute).