Alumna on a Mission to Preserve LI’s Ecosystem
August 25, 2020
Min Marcus
The environmental advocacy group, Equiterre, talks about changing the world, one step at a time. FSC alumna Min Marcus ’76 has an ambitious goal too: improving LI’s ecological environment one plant at a time. In her case, it’s native plants.
There was not much talk about native plants when Marcus (Mindy Wohl at the time) earned an Associate’s in Ornamental Horticulture, back when FSC was a two-year school known as the Agricultural and Technical College at Farmingdale. She was introduced to them four years ago, when she studied with Cornell Cooperative Extension/Nassau County to become a Master Gardener.
Later, she learned more about the plants and the importance of stewardship, at a Sustainable Gardening class, taught by Professor Michael Veracka, Department of Urban Horticulture and Design. It was a revelation, she says.
“I had an ‘Aha’ moment, with the realization that I know only a little,” says Marcus. “There is always so much more to learn, from those who know so much more, and are willing to share it with others.
“I really learned so much about natives and why they are essential to the continuation of our wildlife, the diversity of plants, animals, and insects, to help prevent them from becoming extinct.
“It’s about teaching people what is around them, and the vital importance of having it in the present, so these precious things will be here in the future. Every little bit helps to sustain and maintain an ever-decreasing population of endangered species. Once they are gone, they can never be brought back.”
Marcus has been as hands-on with horticulture as she was while studying at FSC, since she retired from the Nassau County Civil Service Department. Now she is fulfilled by gardening at home, and volunteering at Cornell Cooperative Extension’s East Meadow Farm, and with ReWild Long Island, a group that brings native plants to private yards and community spaces.
She also serves on various committees, including Urban and Community Forestry, Native Plants, and Vegetables.
But maybe the work most dear to her heart is upkeep of the Welcome to Hicksville garden, located at the corner of Levittown Parkway and Old Country Road. It started in 2010, as an Eagle Scout Beautification Project created by her son, Joey. Now it is a Marcus family affair, with native plants such as Joe Pye, Mountain Mint, and Black-eyed Susans having been added over the years.
“I must say that I have always liked flowering plants and color,” says Marcus. “Once upon a time, native plants and the stewardship of them were not at the forefront. My garden had very few plants native to Long Island, or even New York. Who knew? Education is the key.”
