Narrative:

PRC’s commitment to environmental sustainability begins with the stewardship and protection of its more than 18,000 acres of parkland through its Conservation Division. The PRC Environmental Sustainability Policy and adopted Westchester Action Plan for Climate Change and Sustainable Development promote its values by recognizing and committing to sustainable policies, resource protection, waste reduction, energy replacement and efficiency, and the protection of the land, air and water. This Policy is reviewed and updated as needed.

In addition, PRC works hand in hand with the Westchester County Office of Energy Conservation and Sustainability (OECS) in its steadfast commitment to protect natural resources and the local environment for future generations. PRC also follows current Westchester County (WC) Executive Orders that outline such sustainability efforts as the use of native plants and electric vehicles.

PRC along with the Department of Planning (DOP) and New York State Department of Environmental Conservation collaborate on Watershed Protection and Storm Water Management.

Some examples of PRC projects and programs that demonstrate commitment to environmental sustainability are Rain Gardens at Lasdon Park and Arboretum that manage runoff and educate the public through interpretive signage; the Tibbetts Pond Restoration and Management Plan which outlines steps to restore the silted pond inundated with water chestnut and poor water quality; hosting local farmers at the Muscoot Farm Farmers Market; and the Hundred Acre Wood Exhibit at Lasdon Park featuring storybooks depicting the importance of water, trees, seeds, pollinators and forests using the original Winnie the Pooh characters.