Native lawns, Shinnecock rights, police abuse

Young stewards for LI’s native lawns

Julianna Rose’s thoughtful guest essay offers a hopeful sign for the future of Long Island’s landscapes [“Think about growing a native lawn this winter,” Opinion, Dec. 24]. I am encouraged to see the next generation embracing native plants not as a trend but as a practical, meaningful ecological solution.

Young advocates like Rose understand that native lawns and gardens are about far more than aesthetics. They conserve water, improve soil health, support pollinators, and strengthen our connection to place. On Long Island, where development pressure and invasive species continue to threaten biodiversity, this awareness is both timely and essential.

At the Long Island Conservancy, we see every day how stewardship can transform land and communities. We manage hundreds of acres of preserves across the region, offering hands-on opportunities for residents of all ages to help restore habitats, proliferate native plant species, and remove invasive plants. These efforts help improve ecosystems and foster a shared sense of responsibility for the land we call home.

Change often begins with younger voices willing to challenge convention, and native landscaping is no exception. By listening to and supporting this generation’s lead, Long Island can move toward landscapes that are resilient, beautiful, and rooted in our natural heritage.

— Devon Giordano, Massapequa

The writer is executive director of the Long Island Conservancy.

Shinnecock merit what is really theirs

I find it disgusting that the bureaucrats in government are harassing the Native Americans of the Shinnecock tribe [“Shinnecock tribe sues over ‘illegal’ easement,” Long Island, Dec. 24].

These people have dealt with violent acts and similar prejudices for hundreds of years. It’s about time they get cut some slack so they may move forward in this capitalist society that colonized their lands long ago.

Return to the tribe that which is rightfully theirs.

— Gregory Cave, Glen Cove

Reports on police abuse do little

It’s frustrating to see these same stories every five to 10 years or so about the obvious disproportionate abuse of Black people by police [“Analyzing use of force by LI police,” News, Dec. 21]. The names, dates and incidents may change, but the abuse continues unabated despite technological changes.

The continuation of this mistreatment suggests that media stories have little impact.

— Robert Mays, Freeport