ReWilding Long Island: A Community Initiative for Sustainability

By: Nitin Rajagopalan

YICG-GVLP Rewild Team with the all the guests who attended

A Successful Event at Syosset Public Library

On August 2, 2025, over 35 residents from Syosset gathered at the Syosset Public Library in Nassau County, NY. They attended an informational talk about the environmental organization ReWild. This event was organized through the Gita Vicara Leadership Program (GVLP) of the Young Indian Culture Group (YICG). The key leaders and mentors of the YICG - GVLP program, Ms. Rathi Raja and Ms. Madhu Allu, played a vital role in making this event a success.

One of the main initiatives of the GVLP Program is the ReWild Long Island Project. During the lecture, many attendees, both teens and adults, learned how they could promote sustainability in their own backyards.

Understanding the Importance of Native Plants

I designed this event to raise awareness about the necessity of native plants. In Long Island, invasive species have outcompeted native plants, leading to their decline. Our presentation covered various critical topics, including the negative effects of microplastics, invasive species, deforestation, and pesticides.

We also discussed the ecosystem of Long Island, its biodiversity, "no mow zones," and endangered species. Most importantly, we emphasized actions encouraged by ReWild to help native species return. These actions include:

• Replacing some grass with native plants

• Removing invasive plants

• Welcoming pollinators

• Using bacteria instead of pesticides

• Creating “no mow zones”

• Joining beach cleanups

  
  

Engaging Activities for Learning

To make the learning experience enjoyable, we played a fun game that my brother and I created to teach participants about ecological terminology. Inspired by the game Taboo, each card contained an ecological term. Players described these words to their teammates, who had to guess the term.

We spent the last few minutes of our time playing "Seven Up" and "Four Corners," which added a fun twist to the event!

Acknowledging Our Volunteers

The event wouldn’t have been possible without the help of the GVLP volunteers and Syosset students. Aashna Shah, Aidan Thomas, Anjali Thomas, Arjun Rajagopalan, Naren Ranganathan, Sanvi Nair, Sanskriti Rathore, and Vishwa Vasudevan each covered a topic of their interest. I am incredibly grateful for their enthusiasm and initiative.

I also appreciate the support from the Syosset library staff, who generously lent us their facility.

The Impact of Community Engagement

Community engagement is crucial for promoting sustainability. Events like these not only educate but also inspire individuals to take action. By working together, we can create a positive impact on our environment.

The ReWild Long Island Project aims to restore native habitats and promote biodiversity. This initiative encourages residents to become stewards of their local ecosystems.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

In conclusion, the ReWild Long Island Project is an essential step toward restoring our natural environment. By participating in such initiatives, we can all contribute to a healthier planet.

If you want to learn more about how to get involved, consider visiting the ReWild Long Island website. Together, we can make a difference!

This video gives an overview of the presentation that was done

This video highlights specific moments and initiatives from the day