Lamont Ecosystem Impacts & Stewardship Committee (LEISC)

Overview

The Lamont campus occupies a unique space on the Palisades sill above the Hudson River. Nestled between two state parks, its nearly 200 acres provide an important wildlife corridor between these undeveloped spaces. In addition, the Lamont property itself is ecologically diverse, with a patchwork of habitats - upland and lowland forest, wetlands, riparian zones, open fields, and an orchard - that support a variety of native fauna and flora. This unique location and diversity of habitats make Lamont a haven for breeding, migrating, and wintering wildlife every year.

Wildlife and the spaces that support them face increasing threats - climate change, habitat loss, habitat fragmentation, pollution, among others - and the impacts on ecosystems are impacts on us, whether we experience them directly or indirectly. Knowing this, we as individuals and as a community should engage in thoughtful stewardship of our unique surroundings. To enable this, we need a paradigm shift in the way we interact with our world. As a science-driven organization, LDEO is particularly well-positioned to model best practices.

Mission

The Lamont Ecosystem Impacts and Stewardship Committee (LEISC) seeks to build a stronger, more connected community by:

Promoting a set of shared institutional core values that reflect an awareness of ecological and environmental connections and why they are important;
Advocating for viable alternatives on campus to ecologically- or environmentally-detrimental activities;
Encouraging the preservation and restoration of the land we occupy to enhance its ecological value and improve livable space for wildlife.

Below are some of the ways LEISC is working toward these goals on the Lamont campus. If you have ideas or want to join a working group, email us.

Working Groups

Landscaping and Plantings

Increase plantings with wildlife value and remove invasives. | Working Group Coordinator: Sheean Haley

Eastern screech owl in apple tree on the Lamont campus. Credit: Timothy Trimble

Bird Well-Being

Bird strike deterrents, bird strike monitoring study, and bird boxes. | Working Group Coordinator: Linda Pistolesi

Drone photo of Lamont campus. Credit: Tom Burke

Lighting and Light Pollution

Curbing light trespass, glare, and skyglow. | Working Group Coordinator: Andrew Goodwillie

RECENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Nyack Pollinator Pathway & Certified Bird Sanctuary Status

As of Spring 2025, LDEO is part of the Nyack Pollinator Pathway and achieved Certified Bird Sanctuary status by the Rockland Audubon Society! This reflects that we offer food sources from native plants, including keystone species (e.g., White Oak, American Beech, Serviceberry, Common Milkweed), providing cover and nesting spaces (e.g., shrubs, wood piles, brush), providing water sources (e.g., ponds, streams, vernal pools), and abstaining from pesticide use. These programs encourage green corridors and safe havens for all pollinators in and through fragmented regions.

FeatherFrienldy window decal explaining bird strike prevention

FeatherFriendly Window Decals for Bird Strike Prevention

LDEO received a $1,000 grant from Rockland Audubon Society and an additional $3,500 in private donations for the application of FeatherFriendly window film to prevent bird strikes. The window film works by making glass visible to birds. Patterns must be spaced closely together to disrupt reflections of sky and trees, and create the illusion of a solid object. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recommends dots with a maximum 2-inch spacing. The window film was applied to the lobby and atrium of Monell in Fall 2025.

Acopian Birdsavers for Bird Strike Prevention

Acopian birdsavers, a paracord hanging “curtain” works by making glass visible to birds. Patterns must be spaced closely together to disrupt reflections of sky and trees, and create the illusion of a solid object. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recommends vertical stripes with a maximum 4-inch spacing spacing. Installation of Acopian Birdsavers on the east-facing, north wing of Monell began in September 2025 and is ongoing.

Both FeatherFriendly decals and Acopian Birdsavers are tested and recommended as effective by the American Bird Conservancy.

Awareness

All Lamonters receive Nature Notes every quarter via email.

2026 Newsletters

2025 Newsletters

2024 Newsletters

Resources

➡️ Wildlife on Campus

Do’s & Don’ts

Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow, approach, or harass them.
Never feed wild animals. Feeding wild animals damages their health, alters natural behaviors, and exposes them to predators and other dangers. Feeding wild animals also puts humans at risk.
Avoid wildlife during sensitive times (e.g., mating, nesting, raising young).
Throw food waste/containers in indoor trash bins to prevent animals from coming close to buildings to scavenge.
Do not prop open exterior doors. Report animals you see inside a building to the Safety Office (dial 2900 from an LDEO phone or call 845-365-8555).
Review Wildlife and Natural Hazards on Campus on Lamont Safety’s webpage for more details.

➡️ Additional Guidance

What to do if you encounter a bear?
What to do if you find a baby or injured animal?
What to do if a bird strikes your window?
If you hear a thud on your window, or see a bird fly away after hitting your window, report the bird as injured. Do not assume the bird is ok if you see it fly away and skip reporting.
- Option 1: Report the incident on dbird.org. This is extremely fast and easy. You do not need to know what kind of bird it is. Take a picture if you can. Reporting day and location are key.
- Option 2: Report the incident to LEISC via email and we will add it to dbird.org for you! You do not need to know what kind of bird it is. Take a picture if you can. Reporting day and location are key.

➡️ Native Planting Guides

➡️ New York State Wildlife Brochures and Checklists