Group for the East End derives its support from 2,500 individuals, family members,
foundations and local businesses. The Group does not rely on local government funding
to operate its programs, so we can serve as an objective watchdog of governmental
decisions that ultimately determine the future protection of the local environment
and the quality of life of everyone who enjoys the resources of the East End.
The Group's full-time staff of professional planners, ecologists and environmental
educators bring more than 150 years of collective land use, education and public
advocacy experience to the local community. The Group has an impressive record of
convincing local governments to rethink major development proposals; overhaul local
zoning codes; adopt new wetlands, open space and farmland preservation laws; and
to invest their resources in projects that clean up local waters, conserve our beaches
and protect wildlife habitats.
In response to community need, the Group has greatly expanded its public and classroom
environmental education programs over the last ten years. Each year, the Group reaches
more than 1,000 local students through its school-based education programs, and
sponsors a wide range of environmental action and outdoor educational programs [explorations]
for the entire community. These programs have succeeded in providing the public
with a heightened understanding of the natural world and the importance of public
participation in accomplishing positive environmental change.
Protect the East End Environment!
In response to the intensive pressure for development across the region, the Group
is expanding its work in the arena of community and environmental planning for multi-town
issues, such as coastal erosion, local airport expansion, natural gas terminals,
groundwater protection and open space preservation. Although the Group must remain
vigilant in the environmental review of individual development projects, it has
become clear that a strong and informed environmental voice must be part of the
community planning process if long-term environmental protection is to be assured
for the future.
Group for the East End protects and restores the environment of eastern Long Island
through education, citizen action and professional advocacy. We inspire people to
embrace a conservation ethic. The Group was established in 1972 as Group for America's
South Fork.
