The Riverdale Nature Preservancy
Protecting
and
Preserving
Natural Beauty
and
Neighborhood Character
in the
Riverdale Area.
~ Since 1986
Did you know parts of Riverdale, Fieldston and Spuyten Duyvil are designated as a SPECIAL NATURAL AREA DISTRICT (SNAD)?
This designation was made in 1975 through the New York City Zoning Resolution. It is an important part of protecting natural areas, guiding development to safeguard mature trees and plantings, steep slopes, and rock outcrops.
At present there are four SNADs in NYC, including the one in our neighborhood.
Our Special Natural Area District (SNAD) Awareness Campaign, highlighting this ecologically protected area, continues! Join us as we support local access to green space for all!
How can you participate in our SNAD Awareness Campaign?
* For display on SNAD properties only. Click here to see if you are in the SNAD, which is zoned as NA-2.
Special Natural Area District
Awareness
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You
Are In
The SNAD
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Download our SNAD Awareness brochure or coloring sheets.
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Display a "You Are in the SNAD" lawn sign on your property*
Special Natural Area District Information:
SNAD Protects Natural Features
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trees 6" caliper or greater,
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topographic elements: steep slopes (incline of 25% or greater), existing natural topography (0 % to < 25 % slope), and topsoil,
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rock outcrops and erratic boulders,
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wetlands and surface water features, and
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botanic environments.
Why does NYC create
Special Natural Areas?
SNADs are mapped "only in areas where outstanding natural features or areas of natural beauty are to be protected. The preservation of such areas is important because they contain areas of special ecological significance, interesting geological formulations and rock outcrops, unique aquatic features such as tidal wetlands, unique topographic features such as palisades, valleys and hills, important plant life such as glaciated oak-chestnut forests or because they serve as habitats for native flora and fauna." (Section 7412-10 of the zoning text)
The NYC Planning Commission adopted Special Natural Area District (SNAD) zoning regulations in 1974. The Commission updated and strengthened the regulations in 2005
Where is Riverdale's SNAD?
The SNAD in Riverdale covers much of Fieldston and Riverdale west of the highway.
For more detailed information on SNAD and responsible stewardship, click here.
Support A Greener Northwest Bronx:
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Stewardship: Ecologically responsible choices of individual property owners make a difference!
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Engagement: Stay informed on local development issues, and attend Community Board 8 Meetings. Email CB8 to join mailing lists for committees on Land Use, Enviroment & Sanitation, and more.
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Report SNAD concerns to 311, and follow up with CB8.
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Join Us!
Community support is critical to protecting our local ecology.
About Us
The Riverdale Nature Preservancy is a local non-profit operating in Community Board 8 in the Northwest Bronx.
We protect our area's unique natural resources and historic architecture by:
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Monitoring local development
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Engaging in long-term planning with NYC and the community
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Providing information to enable local residents to take an active role in environmental and planning issues.
Get Involved
Follow us on Facebook and join our mailing list for updates on local planning issues, green tips, and community conversations!
