Lakeview, NY – Nassau County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi, joined by Legislator Roger Corbin (D-Westbury), Legislator Joseph Scannell (D-Baldwin), Deputy County Executive of Parks, Public Works and Partnerships Peter Gerbasi, Deputy Parks Commissioner Richard Murphy, elected officials and civic leaders today announced the completion of the Tanglewood Preserve Re-Construction Project. The goal of this project was to restore the aquatic habitat of the preserve with a total cost of approximately $2 million – with Federal, State and County contributions.

“This re-construction project is an example of government working together to preserve the environment while creating better services for our residents through this educational preserve,” said County Executive Suozzi. The Tanglewood Park and Preserve now provides a habitat for wildlife as well as a refuge for residents,” he said.
 
This project – initiated by the County cost approximately $2 million with $675,000 from the EPA, $600,000 through the NYS Environmental Bond Act and $625,000 funded by the County.

"I am extremely pleased that this project has finally become a reality and that this community has a natural preserve and park that they can all be proud of," Legislator Corbin said.

"Tanglewood Preserve now sits on the precipice of a new day," said Legislator Scannell. "I am thrilled to see the transformation of this lovely preserve."

Tanglewood Preserve is an 11 acre wetland area located in Lakeview. Re-construction began in 2003 and continued through 2004 with final plantings continuing this year. The preserve is home to a nature trail as well as the Center for Science Teaching and Learning, a nonprofit educational organization.

The project involved the clean-up of over 3,300 cubic yards of garbage and sediment, the use of current bioengineering techniques to stabilize shorelines and prevent erosion and the planting of wetland and upland plants to protect the pond bank.  These plantings protect the shoreline areas from erosion and provide a habitat for fish and other wildlife species.  The nature trail through the preserve was constructed with wood chips, low wooden footbridges and educational signage to describe the variety of flora and fauna found around the preserve.

The goal of the project was restoration of the aquatic habitat at the preserve, which had become filled with silt minimizing water flow. Dredging has alleviated this condition and the settling basins will trap sediment and help protect the pond from storm water run-off.