Peekskill CAC highlights tree inventory, food-scraps drop-off and monarch pledge

Jen Malillo, chair of the Conservation Advisory Council, presented the CAC's annual report and stressed its priorities for urban canopy, waste reduction and pollinator habitat. Malillo said the city completed a tree inventory and described a new tree board that the CAC will have representation on: "The CAC will have a seat on that board." She urged continued investment in downtown canopy expansion to reduce heat-island effects and to beautify city streets.

Malillo reviewed other 2025 highlights: a food-scraps drop-off site on South Street that is in use, the CAC's work toward a higher Climate Smart Communities status, continued drinking-water source protection and grant assistance to buy machinery to remove invasive phragmites from Lake Mitchell. She outlined outreach events including a zero-waste booth at the Peekskill 100/Peekskill Pride event and a well-attended Mothapalooza, and described upcoming monarch-focused seed and planting events involving scout troops and community members.

Council members thanked the CAC and asked staff to prepare a resolution to accept the report and to add a recently awarded $1.8 million grant for HVAC work at the Paramount Theatre into the record. The CAC chair said the committee has two open seats and is actively recruiting volunteers to expand programming next year.