Contract renewal close for Greenburgh Nature Center

The Town of Greenburgh and the Greenburgh Nature Center appear close to working out final details of a contract that would allow the present nonprofit that manages the 33-acre nature center and preserve to continue in place for the next 25 years.

“We were able to submit a carefully considered and comprehensive contract proposal to Greenburgh Nature Center that includes renewed financial and maintenance support for a 25 year term,” Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner said. “Our commitment to the Nature Center and our understanding of its value as a community asset remains steadfast, and we look forward to the completion of the contractual process.”

The Nature Center had launched a petition drive that gathered approximately 5,000 signatures calling on the town to renew the management deal that has been in place. The Nature Center charged that Greenburgh wanted to cut the funding it provides and end the duties it has as a landlord. Greenburgh has been providing $337, 000 a year in funding to the Nature Center, about 20% of the operation’s budget.

According to the Nature Center’s 2023 annual report, it had $1,773,673 in total revenues and other support for the year ending Dec. 31, 2023.

Michael Sims, who is on the Nature Center’s Board of Directors, told the Greenburgh Town Board, “We’re happy to see the 25-year commitment we need to continue our programs and projects. The proposal restores the funding for services we provide but there are some circumstances where that funding could be cut or eliminated. We agree with that concept. There is still some work to be done on a fair framework for how those cuts would be determined.”

Sim said that the proposal from Greenburgh is a significant step forward. He also thanked the people who signed the Nature Center’s petition and said the Nature Center looks forward to working with the town over the next several weeks to resolve remaining issues so that the contract can be finalized.

The Nature Center reported that last year it had 100,795 visitors, provided educational experiences for 12,000 students, and will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2025.