On March 31 the North Fork Environmental Council will screen “Conservation on a Small Island,” a short documentary highlighting the ecological value of Plum Island, federally-owned land located in Gardiners Bay off Orient Point.
The 840-acre island is home to the USDA’s animal research facility which is slated to close upon completion of its replacement facility in Kansas in 2022. Local officials and environmental groups have fought the federally mandated sale of the island to the highest bidder, citing its importance as an ecological and archaeological treasure.
Louise Harrison, outreach coordinator for Save the Sound’s campaign to preserve Plum Island, will provide an update on the campaign and highlight discoveries made by the New York Natural Heritage Program during their biodiversity inventory of the island.
Harrison, a conservation biologist, will request input from the audience regarding ideas for participation in the effort to preserve the island.
The film and lecture will be held Friday, March 31 at 6:30 p.m at the Jamesport Meeting House, 1590 Main Road, Jamesport. For more information contact the NFEC at 631 298-8880.