“The Riverdale Nature Preservancy works to protect and preserve the natural features, historic resources, and neighborhood character of the community.”

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Increased fines for removing trees on private property

without approval

 

In June, 2009, a new city law increased the fines for cutting down protected trees on private property within the Special Natural Area District (SNAD).  The maximum fine has been increased from $500 to $10,000 per tree.  The minimum fine is now $750.

The SNAD covers much of Fieldston and Riverdale west of the highway.  In the SNAD, all trees that are six inches or greater in diameter, at a point 4 feet 6 inches from the ground, are protected.  If a protected tree is healthy, a property owner must seek permission from the Department of City Planning to remove it.  If a protected tree in the SNAD is not healthy, it can be removed without city approval.  However, before removal it is necessary to obtain a letter from a certified arborist documenting the tree’s condition and justifying its removal.

Therefore, if you are a property owner in the Special Natural Area District of Riverdale and Fieldston, call the Bronx Office of the Dept. of City Planning before you cut down trees on your property.  Your trees may be protected, and you may need approval to remove them.

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Riverdale Nature Preservancy Annual Meeting

Thursday, November 6, 2008

8:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

All are welcome.

Agenda

8:00 Free screening of City of Water
8:45 Question and Answer period with the Metropolitan Waterfront Alliance.
9:00

Updates on Preservancy activities and community issues

Please join us for cookies, cider, and conversation about

Riverdale's environment. 

Let us know what's on your mind, and bring a friend!

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Sustainable Riverdale

In April 2008, the Riverdale Nature Preservancy and the Riverdale Press launched a monthly column, Sustainable Riverdale, with the aim of helping Riverdale residents adopt more sustainable practices in their daily activities.  The column offers a local perspective on environmental issues, tips on personal action, and extensive links to sources of more information. 

To read back columns, click on the Titles for the articles, TIPS for things you can do now, and LINKS for a list of helpful links to other websites:

April 24, 2008

What's your carbon footprint?

TIPS: Reduce your  carbon footprint.

LINKS for more info.
May 15, 2008

How green is your grass?

TIPS for growing a healthy lawn.

LINKS for more info.
June 19, 2008

Things that go bump in the night may be wasting energy.

TIPS on reducing energy use in your home

LINKS for more info.
July 17, 2008 Eating local yields great-tasting food. LINKS for more info.
August 21, 2008

Going native: How to revive your landscape

TIPS on Gardening for wildlife

LINKS for more info.
September 18, 2008 Do you know your three R's? (reduce, reuse, recycle) TIPS and LINKS to get you started.
October 16, 2008

Getting all the Dirt on Composting at Home

TIPS for composting at home

LINKS for more info.
November 20, 2008

Put the breaks on global warming and leave the car in the driveway

TIPs on making smart choices

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December 18, 2008

The perfect present for your home and wallet (efficient home heating and cooling)

TIPS on increasing home efficiency

 
January 15, 2009

Restoring the Hudson River from your own backyard

TIPS to looking at the link between your backyard and the Hudson River

 
February 19, 2009 Tapping into the tap advantage  
     
     

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Riverdale Neighborhood House donates 50 trees in recognition of Riverdale Nature Preservancy

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Living Green in Riverdale

Simple Ways to Make a Difference

On November 1, 2007, the Preservancy held a panel discussion on climate change, as part of its Annual Meeting.  Experts explained the overarching context and complexities of the carbon footprint and provided practical tips on how to reduce one's personal and household carbon footprint. 

  • Did you know that insulating your attic can be a more effective way to conserve heat in your home than putting in new windows?  Visit the Community Environmental Center for more tips on saving fuel and money, to learn where to buy salvaged building materials at low cost, or to schedule a home energy audit.
  • Did you know that home gardens serve as sinks (absorbers) of carbon, removing it from the atmosphere and reducing greenhouse gases?  Take a look at NY Botanical Garden to see the newest thinking in gardening in a changing climate and how your garden can benefit the environment.
  • Did you know that the Riverdale Y is starting a new recycling bulk drop-off program for the neighborhood?  Contact the Office of Recyclling Education and Outreach at Council on the Environment of NYC to find out more.
  • Do you know about the variety of organic,locally-produced foods you can get through the Riverdale CSA?  Do you know why it is important to eat local?  Find out at Baum Forum.

Who was on the panel?  Read their bio's here.

       

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NOFA web site