Udalls Cove Preservation Committee to Host Annual Cleanup on April 20

The Udalls Cove Preservation Committee will host its 44th annual meeting and wetlands cleanup at Douglaston’s Aurora Pond on April 20.

The event, which will begin at 10 a.m., will kick off with the group’s annual meeting. Discussion will include the creation of 400 feet of new trail through a portion of Udalls Cove Park’s ravine as well as the restoration of an additional 400 feet of trail near the parking area behind the Douglaston Firehouse.

The committee will also talk about the construction of a foot-bridge over a small stream in the Virginia Point section of the park that is expected to be completed in May.

And Udalls Cove Preservation Committee President Walter Mugdan will give an update on the reopening of trails near the ravine, Aurora Pond, Virginia Point, Osprey Landing and the Old Oak Pond section of Alley Pond Park.

State Sen. Tony Avella, D-Bayside, and state Assemblyman Edward Braunstein, D-Bayside, as well as representatives from the city’s Parks Department are expected to attend the event.

Attendees should meet on Sandhill Road, which is known as the “back road” in Douglaston and Little Neck, just west of the Little Neck Railroad Station on the north side of the tracks.

Volunteers should wear long paints and sturdy shoes or boots. Trash collection bags will be provided, but attendees should bring their own work gloves.

A free picnic lunch will be provided at Douglaston’s Memorial Field following the cleanup, which should culminate shortly past noon.

For more information, call Mugdan at 718-224-7256.