Local families enjoyed a free nature walk in the five-acre Baxter’s Pond & Preserve led by expert David Jakim of New York Wild Walks on Sunday Nov. 19.

The walk, sponsored by the Baxter’s Pond Foundation, capped off BPF’s second Fall Clean Up event. Preceding the walk, volunteer adults, teens and children enjoyed a beautiful fall morning while helping pick up litter around the pond and in the new pollinator gardens. They were joined by two representatives from the Port Washington Police Department, Sergeant DiBiasi and Officer Ferrigno.

“We are so grateful to all of our volunteers, and the support of the Port Washington Police Department made the morning extra special,” said Kim Keiserman, co-president of BPF. “We are happy to offer free events like nature walks to make more Port residents aware of the flora, fauna and birds to be found in this beautiful pond and preserve,” added John Keiserman, her husband and co-president.

Baxter’s Pond Foundation is the nonprofit environmental steward of Baxter’s Pond and the surrounding Barbara Johnson Park & Preserve, which are owned by Nassau County. BPF is currently conducting its annual appeal. Donations can be made online at baxterspond.org. For more information follow BPF on Facebook or Instagram.

While recent restoration work in the Park & Preserve was completed by Nassau County, thanks to the efforts of Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton, the gardens, groundskeeping, events and other environmental and beautification initiatives are funded by community donations and grants. BPF is especially thankful for ongoing generous support from the Peter & Jeri Dejana Foundation.