Building Momentum: The Future of the Greenway Project

By Michaela Loughran with Marina Kiriakou -

Robert Stark & Kate Dehais

In two previously published articles in the Mamaroneck Observer (see HERE and HERE) readers were introduced to the Mamaroneck Greenway Project, an initiative designed to enhance flood mitigation in the Village by transforming land along the Mamaroneck and Sheldrake Rivers into vibrant riverside parks filled with native plants.  Part 1 introduced the project and its benefits, while Part 2 focused on the tangible progress made, including the creation of two pocket parks.  This third installment explores the driving forces behind the Greenway’s progress: funding, volunteer support, as well as future plans.

Progress Recap

One Greenway space has already undergone a dramatic transformation into the Rockland Pocket Preserve Park, located on Rockland Avenue, on the Sheldrake River at the bottom edge of Mamaroneck’s Industrial Area.  It celebrated its ribbon-cutting in October 2023 and offers benches and a respite by the river to area residents as the first and only park in this section of the village which, although largely industrial, is also home to many families.

Significant work has also been completed at another village-owned plot of land at the intersection of Nostrand and Howard Avenues on the Mamaroneck River. Following extensive removal of invasive knotweed and mugwort and planting of natives, the land was dedicated by the Village as the Nostrand-Howard Riverside Park in October 2024.  Although not as developed as its sister park, great progress is being made.  Kate Dehais, head of the Greenway Project and Chairperson of the Village's Committee for the Environment (CFTE), recounted that the park is particularly meaningful to her and others as the location’s potential had first been pointed out to CFTE by then Deputy Village Manager Dan Sarnoff.  “Dan was very involved in the rebuilding of the Hillside Avenue Bridge just up the block; it really was his baby.  During that time, they stored equipment and stone in that location, and as the work was winding down, he suggested it to us as a possible site, and now, it’s a full-fledged park!”  She notes that with his sad passing, the village board decided to dedicate a bench in Dan’s honor and place it there in view of the bridge.  “Once it’s installed, we will have a ceremony to dedicate the park and honor his memory, which truly is a great blessing in the form of this neighborhood park.”

The Role of Community Support

According to Dehais, enthusiastic volunteer support has been the major factor enabling progress in making the Greenway a reality.  She emphasizes that “community involvement and engagement is essential, as after all, these projects are intended to benefit the community.”  Countless hours of labor in hands-on activities like weeding, planting, and litter cleanup have been donated along with many thousands of native plants from local gardens.

Dehais believes that volunteering is one of the best ways to contribute to the project and make a lasting impact and notes that volunteers are out working every week now that the weather is warm.  “It’s hard work but people honestly have a great time and learn a ton about nature and ecology as well.  It’s healing to work with the earth and feel you are giving back.”

Funding Success

While community donations have significantly contributed to the project's success, grant funding has also played a crucial role.  Since last year, the project has received significant support from the Long Island Sound Study (LISS) part of EPA’s national estuary program, funding from New York State Parks, facilitated by Assemblyman Steve Otis, and most recently a Climate Resilience Grant from The Nature Conservancy. 

These grants are in part funding professional-level design and hydrology work for a 0.6-mile Greenway segment extending from Fenimore Rd. to the Town of Mamaroneck border, with 7 acres of new park which will incorporate extensive green infrastructure for flood mitigation.  Dehais hopes that with the help of village government, further grant funding can be put in place to build out this segment to provide flood mitigation and other benefits for residents.  She notes that the three grant makers thus far are “well known and highly respected entities” whose endorsement underlines both the value and viability of the Greenway project.

Educational Initiatives and Student Engagement

Looking ahead, CFTE plans to keep the community engaged through educational volunteering programs, particularly for youth, bi-annual cleanups, and many activities and seminars.  Some programs have been offered in partnership with Mamaroneck Public Library, including a Winter Sowing workshop, a seminar on invasive plants, a recent native plant swap, and an upcoming Native Garden Tour (July 20th).

A significant opportunity for student engagement is being explored with Mamaroneck High School. Currently, the biology curriculum includes an annual trip to Harbor Island Beach, where students learn about the Long Island Sound ecosystem.  A proposed field trip to Rockland Pocket Preserve Park would offer valuable insights into local river ecosystems and native plants.   Students might also encounter local fauna, including geese, deer, and even foxes.  This experience could foster meaningful discussions about biodiversity and ecological values.

MHS biology teacher Vibha Palekar and AP Environmental Science teacher Sophia Andrews have both expressed strong support for this initiative.  They believe that such field trips can make abstract scientific concepts more concrete, emphasizing the importance of understanding local ecosystems.  Andrews noted, “We always try to have students know their backyard to show that these things we talk about are not abstract and in random places.”

Future Plans

The Village recently received $6.6 million in grant funding for various floodplain restoration and flood benching projects, including work at Columbus Park and near the Ward Avenue Bridge.   This work aligns with Dehais's vision for the Greenway.  While the detailed timeline for these projects is still being finalized, Dehais and her volunteers will continue improving both Rockland Pocket Preserve and the Nostrand-Howard Riverside Park.

For those interested in getting involved, Dehais welcomes all support.  The Greenway Project offers a unique opportunity for the Mamaroneck community to make a meaningful impact on the environment and overall community well-being.

For anyone interested in lending a hand, please check the Committee for the Environment’s Signup Genius, which will be updated throughout the spring and summer:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B49A8AC2CA7FCC70-49788596-village#/ or contact Kate Dehais directly at: kdehais@vomny.net