Leg. Stern dedicates new Edgewood Preserve signs

Shown, left to right, are Denis Byrne, President, Friends of the Edgewood, Patricia Burkhart, Secretary, Friends of the Edgewood and Leg. Steve Stern S.C. Leg.Steve Stern (D-Huntington) 16th LD joined with Friends of the Edgewood Preserve to dedicate two new signs located on Commack Road marking the north and south borders of the preserve.

"The Edgewood Preserve is the largest parcel of open space remaining in Western Suffolk County and is home to a wide variety of nesting birds, animals and plants. It is also part of a Special Groundwater Protection Area and a major source of drinking water for Suffolk County," Leg. Stern said.

"Friends of the Edgewood" works tirelessly to protect the preserve, its wildlife and plant life and to educate local residents and students about the preserve through innovative programs that heighten awareness of the unique and special treasure. I am proud to dedicate these signs that will heighten awareness of the preserve and congratulate the Friends of Edgewood for their dedication to protecting our environment."

"I hope that people passing through now will take a closer look at the largest intact open space parcel in Western Suffolk and realize just how special a place this is," said Denis Byrne, President of Friends of the Edgewood. "It will certainly increase awareness and I would like to thank Leg. Stern for taking the initiative to obtain these informative signs.

"These signs will help raise awareness of the preserve in the community," Patricia Burkhart, secretary of Friends of the Edgewood said. "In such a heavily developed area, people are not aware that this treasure is right here in our backyard and do not know that they can take advantage of its beautiful trails and views. Since these signs went up, I have received many calls from residents delighted to learn about it and excited about visiting the preserve. These signs will continue to heighten awareness of the Preserve and its special beauty."