A rare pine barrens forest in Brentwood is now permanently protected, following a major conservation agreement between New York’s Department of Environmental Conservation and the Sisters of St. Joseph.
On July 2, DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton announced the acquisition of a conservation easement covering more than 43 acres on the Sisters’ 200-acre Motherhouse campus. The land will be jointly managed to safeguard groundwater, protect habitat, and expand access to open space in a community historically underserved by parkland.
“The Sisters of St. Joseph have long been known for their focus on environmental stewardship,” Commissioner Lefton said, calling the partnership an opportunity to “protect habitat and water quality and help connect Long Islanders to the outdoors.”
The preserved land features a globally rare pine-oak-heath forest, with a mix of scrub oak, blueberry, ferns, sedge, and wintergreen, growing on glacial outwash and moraine soils. The New York Natural Heritage Foundation has identified this ecosystem as especially rare given its urban setting.
Sister Tesa Fitzgerald described the easement as “a profound expression of our congregation’s mission,” adding, “This land is not only a sanctuary for wildlife, but a sacred trust we honor for the common good.” Sister Karen Burke emphasized the group’s Land Ethic, saying the move reflects their “deep spiritual relationship with Earth.”
The DEC first toured the property in 2017 with former Assemblymember Steve Englebright and the Peconic Land Trust. In late 2024, they entered into a $3.44 million conservation agreement. The site already contains foot trails for walking, birdwatching, and nature study, and will soon include visitor parking.
This announcement is the latest in a series of environmental projects between the DEC and the Sisters. In 2018, DEC awarded a $40,000 urban forestry grant, and in 2022, the property received $31,000 for reforestation and invasive species control.
Community leaders praised the effort. Councilman Jorge Guadrón said the protection of the forest would “raise the standard of living for Brentwood residents.” Dan Heston of the Peconic Land Trust called the property “ecologically diverse and healthy.” Adrienne Esposito of Citizens Campaign for the Environment described it as “an environmental treasure” that will help “recharge our aquifer with clean drinking water.”
The project also supports New York’s 30×30 goal—conserving 30% of lands and waters by 2030—and benefits a designated disadvantaged community.
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