Monarchs and Black Swallowtail, Christine Cosgriff

Protectors' mission is to preserve and protect our open spaces and natural areas for the good of wildlife and the public alike. We share with you the beauty of our Staten Island natural areas and the wildlife they support.

2025 marks our 50th anniversary as an organization. Since our founding, Protectors and our membership have accomplished so much together—from the preservation of Mount Loretto to the expansion of Staten Island’s Greenbelt. These achievements would not have been possible without the tireless efforts and generosity of our volunteer board members, program participants, and supporters.

However, our work is far from over. Your financial contribution makes a difference in our ability to protect and preserve these precious resources. Every effort strengthens our capacity to:

Advocate for environmental policies that protect Staten Island and its community;
Maintain and restore our natural areas; and
Educate our community about the importance of conservation in our era of global environmental change.

Together, we can ensure that the preservation of Staten Island’s natural areas remains a priority for policy makers and that we do not continue to lose pieces of our fragile island ecosystem.

Join us in protecting a lasting legacy for generations to come.

Jose Ramirez-Garofalo, President

Relive this tribute to our founding president, Richard P. Buegler, who for decades was the heart and soul of Protectors of Pine Oak Woods.

Protectors Of Pine Oak Woods 50th Anniversary Campaign

By Protectors of Pine Oak Woods Inc

Protectors Of Pine Oak Woods 50th Anniversary Campaign

Staten Island's Land Conservation Organization