The Riverdale Nature Preservancy
Looking Forward:
Our Work in 2025
The Riverdale Nature Preservancy enters its 40th Year! Please join us in celebrating our achievements in protecting the beauty and environment of our wonderful neighborhood.
Over the past year the RNP has:
● Monitored River’s Edge (Riverspring’s retirement community, formerly “Hebrew Home”), tracking modifications and upcoming actions as construction begins.
● Followed the City of Yes proposal by Mayor Adams with individual board members testifying at Community Board 8, City Planning Commission and City Council
hearings, as well as meeting with Council staff.
● Responded to requests from Community Board 8 to review individual development projects at the Land Use Committee.
2025 brings new challenges and opportunities. We ask for your support to continue our commitment to Special Natural Area District (SNAD) enforcement and look to:
● Take on the challenge of preventing frequent flooding.
● Monitor infrastructure work proposed on W. 254th Street.
● Explore additional methods for preserving and protecting open space within CB8.
To support our work, click on the donate now tab on our website!
Stay informed by joining our email list, and following us on social media.
Best Wishes,
Sherdia Paulsen Meryl Nadel
Sherida Paulsen Meryl Nadel
Chair President
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We enjoyed an interesting and insightful discussion about land use, stewardship, and funding for ecologically sound policies which will improve health for the residents of the Bronx.
View the full meeting on our Youtube channel!
Much appreciation to our speakers:
Sherida Paulsen (SNAD)
Ray Pultinas (Native Plants)
Ritchie Torres (Q&A)
As well as to our local community members, including Eric Dinowitz (NYC D-11) who joined the conversation and used this gathering to network with individuals who value thoughtful development.
Hebrew Home Updates
Did you know parts of Riverdale, Fieldston and
Spuyten Duyvil are designated as a
SPECIAL NATURAL AREA DISTRICT (SNAD)?
Did you know parts of Riverdale, Fieldston and Spuyten Duyvil are designated as a SPECIAL NATURAL AREA DISTRICT (SNAD)?
This designation was made in 1975 through the New York City Zoning Resolution. It is an important part of protecting natural areas, guiding development to safeguard mature trees and plantings, steep slopes, and rock outcrops.
At present there are four SNADs in NYC, including the one in our neighborhood.
Why does NYC create
Special Natural Areas?
SNADs are mapped "only in areas where outstanding natural features or areas of natural beauty are to be protected. The preservation of such areas is important because they contain areas of special ecological significance, interesting geological formulations and rock outcrops, unique aquatic features such as tidal wetlands, unique topographic features such as palisades, valleys and hills, important plant life such as glaciated oak-chestnut forests or because they serve as habitats for native flora and fauna." (Section 7412-10 of the zoning text)
The NYC Planning Commission adopted Special Natural Area District (SNAD) zoning regulations in 1974. The Commission updated and strengthened the regulations in 2005
SNAD ProtectsNatural Features:
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trees 6" caliper or greater,
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topographic elements: steep slopes (incline of 25% or greater), existing natural topography (0 % to < 25 % slope), and topsoil,
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rock outcrops and erratic boulders,
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wetlands and surface water features, and
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botanic environments.
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How can you participate in our SNAD Awareness Campaign?
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Download our SNAD Awareness brochure or coloring sheets.
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Display a "You Are in the SNAD" lawn sign on your property*
Where is
Riverdale's SNAD?
The SNAD in Riverdale covers much of Fieldston and Riverdale west of the highway.
How can I learn more about responsible land stewardship in our area?
Learn more about protecting local ecology here!
Special Natural Area District (SNAD) Awareness Campaign:
Join us as we highlight ecologically protected
areas in our neighborhood!
I would like to order a FREE SNAD Awareness lawn sign!
For display on SNAD properties only. Click here to see if you are in the SNAD, which is zoned as NA-2.