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“Are You Our Next Environmental Volunteer Awardee?” By Rockland County Executive Ed Day

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12 months ago

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The Rockland County Division of Environmental Resources is officially accepting nominations for the 28th annual Rockland County Outstanding Environmental Volunteer Award.

To be eligible to receive the award an individual must be at least 18 years of age and a Rockland County resident. Individuals who have been nominated in the past, but not chosen, are eligible to be re-nominated.

Rockland County is a beautiful place that my administration, on top of protecting our people, is always striving to do more to preserve our environment and guide Rockland towards a greener future.

My administration is proudly ranked one of the top local governments nationwide by the Environmental Protection Agency for utilizing 100% U.S. green electricity.
My administration also launched Rockland’s Sustainability Project. Under this initiative almost two dozen departments are working together on generating a long-term plan to improve the County’s rankings in the New York State Climate Smart Communities and Clean Energy Communities programs. The more milestones we achieve in these programs the more grant funding we are eligible for, ultimately opening the door for more green investments without impacting the wallets of local taxpayers.
In addition, we purchased and preserved over 300 acres over the past year under our Open Space Acquisition Program including a historic house and barn located at 101 Old Rt. 304 in New City, known as the DePew House.
But protecting the beauty of Rockland cannot be accomplished by this administration alone; residents must also do their part.

Which is why every year we try to find one of those environmental heroes and honor them for their prestigious efforts with the County Executive’s Outstanding Environmental Volunteer Award. This award recognizes exceptional individuals who care for our parks, champion our watershed programs, encourage recycling, and work every day to enhance the natural beauty of our county’s open spaces.

Submission deadline is Friday, August 29th with the winner then honored by me with a tree dedication ceremony at Kennedy Dells Park on Wednesday, October 8th @ 11 a.m.

For more information, contact the Division of Environmental Resources at 845-364-2670 or via email at ENV@co.rockland.ny.us.

This is a weekly column by Rockland County Executive Ed Day.

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Government

West Point Memorial Monument Unveiled at La Fière Bridge Honors WWII Leaders

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8 hours ago

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June 10, 2026

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A new West Point Memorial Monument was unveiled on June 4, 2026, at La Fière Bridge in Sainte-Mère-Église, France, as part of the 82nd Anniversary commemoration of D-Day.

The monument honors more than 150 graduates of the United States Military Academy at West Point’s Long Gray Line who led and fought during Operation Overlord, the Allied invasion of Normandy that began on June 6, 1944.

Among the most notable West Point graduates associated with the Normandy campaign are General Dwight D. Eisenhower, Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force; Lieutenant General Omar Bradley, who commanded U.S. ground forces on D-Day; Lieutenant General J. Lawton Collins, who led VII Corps during the assault on Utah Beach; and Major General Maxwell D. Taylor, who commanded the 101st Airborne Division during the airborne operations preceding the landings. These leaders played pivotal roles in planning and executing the operation that helped turn the tide of World War II in Europe.

Situated near the historic La Fière Bridge, a strategic objective during the Normandy campaign and the site of intense fighting following the airborne landings, the memorial stands as a lasting tribute to the courage, leadership, and sacrifice of West Point graduates who served during the liberation of Europe.

The bridge itself was a critical objective for Allied airborne forces, particularly elements of the 82nd Airborne Division, who fought to secure crossings and protect the inland advance from Utah Beach. The surrounding area remains one of the most studied and visited battlefields of the Normandy campaign.

The unveiling ceremony brought together military leaders, dignitaries, historians, veterans, and members of the public to honor the legacy of those who fought during D-Day and the broader Normandy campaign. The monument serves as a permanent reminder of the contributions made by generations of West Point graduates in defense of freedom during World War II.

Photo: Samantha Sergi

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Government

Rockland County Promotes Native Plants and Water-Smart Landscaping

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1 week ago

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June 3, 2026

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The Water Advisory Council is encouraging residents to embrace water-smart landscaping practices that conserve water and support environmental health.

Officials recommend reducing nonfunctional lawn areas and replacing them with native plants, drought-tolerant landscaping, rain gardens, bioswales, and rain barrels. These practices help reduce water consumption, manage stormwater runoff, improve groundwater recharge, and increase resilience to climate change.

According to the Council, water demand in Rockland County rises from an average of 30 million gallons per day to as much as 45 million gallons per day during the warmer months, placing additional strain on local water supplies.

Residents are encouraged to consider native plants such as Creeping Phlox, Foamflower ‘Elizabeth Oliver,’ and Jacob’s Ladder, which require less watering once established and are well-suited to local conditions.

Examples of successful rain gardens featuring native plants can be found at Orangeburg Library, Bowline Point Park, Kennedy Dells County Park, and Piermont Library.

By replacing sections of lawn with native plants and incorporating features that manage rainwater naturally, residents can play a direct role in protecting Rockland County’s water resources.

The initiative is part of the county’s ongoing effort to promote sustainable landscaping and encourage participation in the national “Less Lawn More Life” movement.

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