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Think Globally, Act Locally

FCWC, founded in 1965, envisions a county where an environmental ethic defines and shapes all public and private decisions. 

Our mission is to provide leadership that educates about environmental issues, advocates sound decision-making and unifies groups and individuals to protect and preserve Westchester's environment and address climate change.

FCWC Annual Meeting Highlights

FCWC recently hosted our 2024 Annual Meeting at beautiful Willson's Woods Park. At the meeting, we awarded the Green Seal Award for outstanding environmental advocacy to George Profous, Senior Forester, Division of Lands and Forests, NYDEC, for his work in urban forestry, and to FCWC Board Member Carole Griffiths for her lifetime achievements. Additionally, we awarded the Edith G. Read Award for student sustainability leadership to the New Rochelle High School Green Club and the Environmental Leaders of Color (ELOC). Afterwards, attendees enjoyed a buffet dinner at the wonderful DeMatteo Pavilion, and embarked on a tour of volunteer invasive vine removal efforts in the park. 

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​Westchester Parks Foundation Volunteer Coordinator, Adam Lippman, gave FCWC members and guests a tour of the dramatic transformation of the hillside by the lake at Willson's Woods Park. For the past two years, Adam has led this volunteer initiative to remove invasive species and replace with native trees. The restoration project now moves into a phase of ongoing maintenance​.

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Before:

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After:

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FCWC One Of The Founding Members of Water Advocacy Coalition

FCWC is a founding member of the Westchester Coalition for Clean Water, a new advocacy group committed to achieving, maintaining, and protecting clean water in Westchester's waterways for all community members. WCCW is calling for all waterways in Westchester to be clean and healthy, free of trash and sewage, and flood resilient within 10 years. WCCW formed out of environmental advocacy groups around Westchester who had worked together on the Westchester Climate Crisis Task Force Water Committee. Member organizations in WCCW include: Riverkeeper, Sarah Lawrence Center for the Urban River at Beczak (CURB), Groundwork Hudson Valley, Bronx River Alliance, the Citizen's Advisory Committee of the Long Island Sound Study, Yonkers Paddling and Rowing Club, and Beczak Environmental Education Center. To learn more, read the press release here, and more about FCWC's role in WCCW here. 

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AREAS OF ACTION

Impact of Climate Change: FCWC accepts the conclusions of 97% of our climate scientists who believe that climate change is underway, that human beings are the dominant reason for it, and that its effects are already being felt. We urge attention to the resiliency of our communities, infrastructure, and coastlines in the face of the anticipated results of climate change.

Environmental Justice: FCWC believes in a future where environmental and economic burdens are shared equitably and not forced on communities that have been discouraged from making their voices heard. We are ready to assist the County in bringing forward the voices of all, especially those whose voices most need to be heard in our County.

Student Engagement: FCWC works to educate the next generations of our world about the climate crisis, support them in their advocacy work, and amplify their voices locally and globally. Our Student Leadership Network supports youth-generated programming and mentorship, helping Westchester County's youth see their goals and academic endeavors.

Preventing Airport Expansion: Flight paths from the Westchester County Airport take planes over densely populated areas and are major emitters of hazardous air pollutants linked to health risks. Those who live nearby are exposed to these pollutants in greater amounts. 85% of all air traffic at Westchester County Airport is from private and corporate planes, which emit significantly higher GHG per passenger.

Water Quality: FCWC is a protector of County Parks and water drinking sources. Water quality is threatened by land development, pollution, and the use of chemical fertilizers. With only 3% of the water on Earth available for human consumption, we strive to conserve our watersheds, rivers, and the biodiversity living in them.

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