Arverne East Nature Preserve

Arverne East, a planned 35-acre nature preserve on the Rockaway Peninsula, is part of New York City’s first net-zero community. Established as a mitigation measure for new development on the barrier island, the preserve is designed to restore native habitats while protecting existing vegetation.

While the initial concept emphasized conservation, some residents expressed concerns that an unlit landscape could create a barrier between the neighborhood and the beach, limiting nighttime access. In response, planners, including Starr Whitehouse, adjusted the approach to focus on urban ecology, incorporating elements that serve both environmental and community needs.

The preserve features well-lit pathways following Department of Transportation standards to ensure accessibility. A network of trails guides visitors through five distinct ecologies—maritime forest, shrubland, grassland, swale, and dunes—while avoiding disruption to sensitive plant communities. Designated gathering areas provide space for birdwatching and engagement with the natural environment, with signage offering ecological context.

In addition to supporting biodiversity, the preserve integrates stormwater management and aims to provide educational, social, and mental health benefits for the surrounding community. Its evolving design reflects efforts to balance environmental restoration with equitable access to waterfront spaces.