A SPARK THAT CAUSED THE ISLAND TO BURN GREEN

In 1976 Nancy Manfredonia, a member of the Citizens for a Clean Environment, spear headed a campaign to protect the scenic Connetquot and Nissequogue rivers and keep them in as pristine a state as possible. Other environmentalists and town officials who now shared Nancy’s vision mounted an effort to acquire the private lands necessary to close the gaps between the large areas of public lands.  By 1979 the corridor of public holdings in the river areas was secure.   At the same time an intrepid group of inspired individuals mapped out a trail for hikers and outdoors lovers.

The resulting hiking path is a 32-mile National Recreation Trail that meanders over bluffs and beaches, past ponds and through pinewoods. The Long Island Greenbelt Trail runs from Long Island Sound to Great South Bay.  It passes through Sunken Meadow, Caleb Smith, Connequot and Heckscher state parks traversing the Ronkonkoma Moraine.

Today Nancy Manfredonia is President of the Long Island Greenbelt Trail Conference and also Executive Director of the Central Islip Civic Council.  It is this writers opinion that Nancy’s vision back in 1975 was the spark that led to the LIGTC's subsequent success in building 150 miles of trails west of the Shinnecock Canal and was also instrumental in giving impetus to the development of the South Fork’s trail system.

The Long Island Greenbelt Trail Conference is now a powerful organization comprised of a team of awesomely intelligent and effective environmental advocates all donating their time and efforts to protect thousands of acres of open space in both counties. 

When you hike on this island, in a large part, it is the LIGTC that you have to thank for the experience.  I urge you to purchase a Pathfinder membership with this group, not only because you will receive a quarterly newsletter and get maps, but also because it is in your own best interests to support an organization that protects the things we love.