Glen Cove Celebrates Youth Community Garden & Monarch Waystation

Glen Cove, NY – Yesterday afternoon, Mayor Pam Panzenbeck, Deputy Mayor Donna McNaughton, and Councilwoman Marsha Silverman gathered at Big Ralph Park alongside Jacquelyn Yonick, Youth Program Coordinator, and Spiro Tsirkas, Director of Youth Services and Recreation, to celebrate the incredible work of Glen Cove’s youth in the 2024 ReWild Long Island Community Garden.

The garden, established in 2009, continues to teach young people about healthy eating, sustainability, and the importance of connecting with nature. This year, the garden received a Monarch Waystation designation, providing a critical habitat for monarch butterflies, further enhancing its value to the community and the environment.
During the event, Mayor Panzenbeck presented a Citation in recognition of the hard work and dedication of Glen Cove’s youth. Afterward, the youth planted new additions to the garden, continuing its mission of fostering responsibility, environmental awareness, and a sense of community spirit.

A special thank you goes out to Jacquelyn Yonick, whose dedication as Youth Program Coordinator has been instrumental in nurturing the garden and ensuring its continued success. Her leadership and passion have made a lasting impact on both the youth and the community.
“We’re so proud of what this garden represents,” said Mayor Pam Panzenbeck. “It’s more than just a space to grow plants—it’s a place where our youth learn about sustainability, teamwork, and giving back to our community. This garden truly embodies the values of Glen Cove.”
Thanks to the generous grant from ReWild Long Island, the garden continues to thrive and grow, creating a lasting impact on the next generation.

For more information about the Youth Community Garden or the Monarch Waystation program, visit ReWild Long Island or Monarch Watch at www.monarchwatch.org.