July 2025
Sustainable Warwick Minutes
July 16, 2025
Michael Sweeton presents PDR
Geoff introduced our guest speaker, Michael Sweeton. He reminded us that while Michael was the Town Supervisor, a former prison was turned into a successful development area with a park, the Kutz camp was purchased and transformed into Mountain Lakes Park and – most importantly – the Community Preservation Fund in Warwick was started to protect farmland and open spaces by Purchasing Development Rights (PDR).
Michael Sweeton spoke about how PDR was created from the example of the villages on the eastern end of Long Island. It took many years of effort to sell the idea to the farmers locally and to get the tax passed in Albany. In the last 20 years, 43 working farms have now been preserved with several more pending, protecting over 5,000 acres of farmland and open spaces. Michael then answered questions from the meeting and we thanked him for his presentation and all of his contributions to Warwick.
Action Updates
Food Scraps to Compost: The food scraps collection is now up to 8 bins/week at the farmers market, in addition to what is contributed on other days at Goodmaker Acres. This committee is looking for ways to expand the outreach to breweries, restaurants and others, while also looking for more volunteers. Garden@sustainablewarwick.org
SW Pollinator Pathway: The Pollinator Pathway Committee has put lots of elbow grease into a pollinator garden by the pickleball court at Mountain Lakes Park. If you are near the park, by all means stop by to get a look at the garden. Their “Pollinators Welcome” signs continue to sell briskly and liven up driveways and roadsides all over Warwick. Pollinators@sustainablewarwick.org
Sustainable World Book Club: The Book Club read “Exit West” for July, an interesting novel dealing with the lives of people who had to leave their homelands. One effect of climate change will be increasing numbers of migrants, probably for the remainder of our lives (for everyone who is reading this). The Book Club will be reading “The Island of Missing Trees” for its August 12th meeting. Every other chapter in this book is written from the perspective of a fig tree, adding a fascinating bit of natural history into this novel, which is set in the background of civil unrest in Cyprus. All are welcome to join us. Contact BookClub@sustainablewarwick.org to get the Zoom link.
SW Hikes: On Sunday July 6th, a group of us hiked more than 7 miles in Wawyanda Park, with most of the hike striding through rhododendron patches that were near peak bloom. All hikers reported it was a great experience. We all greatly appreciate Sona’s insight and guidance on the hike. If you are interested in joining us on future hikes, please let us know. garden@sustainablewarwick.org
Helpsy: There are now Helpsy bins in Warwick (by the police station) and Florida (by the library and police station). We’re in discussions with the Village of Greenwood Lake to add the third Helpsy bin in Warwick.
Anti-Trash Talk Team (new!)
This newly forming team is, of course, opposed to trash talking anyone. But the team’s main focus is to conduct a survey and education campaign about ways to reduce trash. The survey will specifically ask citizens about their knowledge of and participation in opportunities around Warwick to reduce trash by, among other opportunities:
reusing items (such as via Too Good To Toss or thrift stores)
composting (either at home or by dropping off at other locations)
having good recycling habits (perhaps using the Recycle Coach app)
The goal is to work with other community partners and get more than 1,000 people to respond to the survey. If you or someone you know would like to be on this team, please contact us! CleanEnergy@sustainablewarwick.org
Farmer-to-Table Dinners (revived!)
During Covid we stopped holding these potluck dinners that honor local farmers and give diners a heart-warming opportunity to share a meal and learn from the farmers who provide so much for us. Please let us know if you would be interested in hosting a potluck dinner, or if you would like to nominate a farmer or participate at a dinner. SteeringCommittee@sustainablewarwick.org
Annual Membership Donation Requests
In July and August we ask supporters throughout the community to consider making an annual membership donation. The suggested amount is $25. (See details on how to make donations to SW on our membership page.) In making this request, we recognize that our greatest asset is the time, skills and good will that Sustainable Warwick members contribute throughout the year.
Our Annual Zero Waste Potluck Picnic will be held in lieu of the August 20th meeting. We’ll meet at Dan Doyle’s farm, located at 10 Fence Road. Watch future emails for more details.