About Our Long Island Charity
Providing more than twenty years of local knowledge about native plants, parks, and Long Island conservation, Quality Parks applies many tools including conservation biology, land conservation, and organizational performance to nature causes.
Mindy Block, Quality Parks Founder & President
Selling at PJ Farmers Market
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With a MS degree from Antioch New England, and MS degree in Computer Science from SUNY Stony Brook, I spend the growing season growing, selling and evaluating Native Plants. I study responses to drought, soil and sun conditions, climate change, and deer browsing. I practice the art of ecological restoration, rewilding, and natural landscaping. My conservation charity work at Quality Parks includes developing Conservation information to advance what governments and others do to improve Long Island parks and natural areas, and publishing news stories. I work with community scientists requesting them to review parks and/or park resources. I study how park agencies and nonprofits respond to such issues as tick bite prevention, climate change, and park vandalism. And gain insight in community misunderstood ecological concepts, and existing park conditions.
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Milestones & Accomplishments
Conservation
We list over 200 vetted parks and over 100 vetted park resources, attracting your attention to the multitude of Long Island natural adventures. Learn more about Long Island wildlife, native plants, birds, hiking, nature therapy, and other outdoor activities. Additionally, this resource provides information on improvement needs and can be used as a resource to build improvement teams. Volunteer Community Scientists review parks and park resources. Members and donors financially support this charity work.
- Conservation/Quality Parks Long Island - newly created subdomain with improved capabilities using Softr/Airtable, allowing for more informed action
- Quality Parks Press Release 2021 Year End Summary based on the LI Parks & Parks Resources knowledge based directory
- Pilot project design and development using Metalocator to list Long Island Parks & Park Resources.
Photo Credit: Mindy O. Block
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2019 Native Plant Children's Garden, Riverhead Free Library - Joint effort between Riverhead Library and Quality Plants using plants grown out by Quality Parks in our native plant nursery. Volunteers are planting in June. This project was made possible by Former Librarian Trustee - Eileen McCay
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Master Naturalist Certification Program
The Quality Parks team designed and customized a Master Naturalist training program which included an adopt a park component as relevant service. Creating a standard for basic training for naturalists that reside on Long Island was the reason why we created the Quality Parks Master Naturalist certificate program. We offered a well rounded and flexible course of study because there are the many facets of a master naturalist's education, and so our approach offered students the broadest exposure to a diversity topics. Partly, Quality Parks mission statement is "to educate, and involve the general public in natural resource stewardship practices." To fulfill this mission and to improve the process of land stewardship, Quality Parks organized this Master Naturalist certificate training program.
The Quality Parks Master Naturalist program offered training in Long Island natural history, stewardship. To be certified as a Quality Parks Master Naturalist, students completed 6 core modules (see below), selected a home park (a frequented natural area), completed meaningful homework, and relevant service requirements. Sadly, we weren't able to attract enough students to continue master naturalist training. Though the program is no longer offered due to financial limitations, we have morphed some of this program into ongoing volunteer opportunities. At some point, if there is enough interest and financial support, we can offer this program again.
The Handbook provided an introduction to varied topics, with additional references (jumping off points) for further study. Sessions included:
Orientation, Long Island Explorer, LI Geology & Plant Communities, Freshwater Systems & Conservation Ethics, Trails & Greenways & Sustainability, Wildlife Of Long Island, Coastal & Marine Ecology, and Graduation.
The Quality Parks Master Naturalist program offered training in Long Island natural history, stewardship. To be certified as a Quality Parks Master Naturalist, students completed 6 core modules (see below), selected a home park (a frequented natural area), completed meaningful homework, and relevant service requirements. Sadly, we weren't able to attract enough students to continue master naturalist training. Though the program is no longer offered due to financial limitations, we have morphed some of this program into ongoing volunteer opportunities. At some point, if there is enough interest and financial support, we can offer this program again.
The Handbook provided an introduction to varied topics, with additional references (jumping off points) for further study. Sessions included:
Orientation, Long Island Explorer, LI Geology & Plant Communities, Freshwater Systems & Conservation Ethics, Trails & Greenways & Sustainability, Wildlife Of Long Island, Coastal & Marine Ecology, and Graduation.
Quality Parks Master Naturalist Graduates
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Long Island Central Pine Barrens (2000-2010)
Over the years Quality Parks improved the wildfire danger rating system to match national standards. We've helped frame the protection of the Long Island Pine Barrens as a bioreserve (a popular global protection model). And we battled for 3 years to advocate for repairing/replacing a broken bridge, integral to a popular interpretive trail.
- advocated for re-opening of Pine Barrens Trail Center for improved public access
- successfully advocated for Cranberry Bog Preserve access bridge repair
- published Sunrise Fire
- protected life, property, and the environment from wildfires
- supervised the thousand tree plantings on wildfire damaged bulldozed fire roads
- lobbied for Pine Barrens Maritime Legislation akin to bioreserve model
- advocated for reopening of Brookhaven State Park after being closed for 30 years
- spearheaded NY Adopt-a-Naturalist Resource Stewardship, for Edgewood Oak Brush Plains Preserve and published: Lost Heritage
Photo Credit - Raymond P. Corwin
2003 Dedication - USFS Recognized
Long Island Pine Barrens September 11th Community Forestry Restoration Project
To honor those lost on September 11, 2001 - It is a sheltered and secluded area in the heart of the Central Pine Barrens Preserve, New York. The area was in need of restoration. We have planted thousands of trees in memory of those who have perished. We feel that it is sacred because volunteer support came from all sorts of people: federal, state and county land managers, local schools, scouts, clubs and residents.
Long Island Pine Barrens September 11th Community Forestry Restoration Project
To honor those lost on September 11, 2001 - It is a sheltered and secluded area in the heart of the Central Pine Barrens Preserve, New York. The area was in need of restoration. We have planted thousands of trees in memory of those who have perished. We feel that it is sacred because volunteer support came from all sorts of people: federal, state and county land managers, local schools, scouts, clubs and residents.
