Members of the MacArthur High School Environmental Club recently visited the Norman J. Levy Park and Preserve in Merrick, with Dr. Friedman and Mr. Zausin, for a field experience connecting classroom learning to real-world environmental science. On a beautiful Saturday afternoon, students identified a variety of aquatic and terrestrial plant and animal species while observing the delicate balance between natural and restored ecosystems. The group also examined the impacts of invasive species on native habitats and discussed issues related to waste management and sustainability.

Once the site of the Merrick Landfill, the Levy Preserve now stands as an example of ecological restoration and environmental stewardship. Transformed from a former landfill into a thriving 52-acre green space overlooking the South Shore, the preserve features salt marshes, grasslands, and wildlife habitats that support diverse species. Through this visit, students gained a firsthand understanding of how conservation and sustainable land reclamation can turn an environmental challenge into a community resource.