The Serpentine Art and Nature Commons is a not-for-profit community based organization devoted to the preservation of the 35 acres of wooded hillside on Grymes Hill, Staten Island, New York. Our prime objective is to maintain the area as an open space, prevent irresponsible land development, rescue land that is eroding, and restore some of the original trees, shrubs and wildlife to the area. This open space is available for free public use. The hillside offers hiking trails in a natural setting with a scenic view of the N.Y.C. Harbor.

BRIEF HISTORY

Preservation

Trouble began for this hillside back in October of 1970 when bulldozers began tearing away at its surface, removing tons of native topsoil, as a part of a plan by a developer to re-grade the steep slope to make it more suitable for residential dwellings. A group of concerned neighbors challenged the developer in court and by December succeeded in having the work permit revoked and operations brought to a halt. Unfortunately much damage had been done to the hillside leaving most of it looking very much like an abandoned strip mine. But the removal of soil was not complete and there were some areas that did not succumb to the bulldozer's shovel. As a result, a rare and unique plant environment known as a serpentine barrens still has a foothold here. Some of the plants included in this environment are the green milkweed and slender knotweed.

Green Milkweed (spring), and Green Milkweed (fall)

Slender Knotweed

Serpentine Rock

The photo at right was taken of rock here at the Serpentine Commons. You might naturally conclude that this rock received its name from its snakeskin appearance. But according to geologists, the name serpentine is given to this rock type because of certain characteristics observable only under a microscope. The surface texture found on the rock here was actually caused during continental collision, as the rock underwent intense bending and folding. In fact other rock types beside serpentine often display a similar surface texture from such geologic events.

The idea to preserve this hillside was only a fantasy in 1979. We are now proud to announce that it has long since become a reality--one that has already begun to affect our community in the following ways:

These developments are significant because they are real steps toward preserving our hillside and ensuring against ecologically unsound development, zoning changes and building.

Please join us in our efforts to save the Serpentine. The progress that we have made has largely been possible due to the help and cooperation from our membership and the community. In order to effectively continue our work, we need your support through contributions.

Contributions

Contributions can be mailed to: The Serpentine Art and Nature Commons, Box 040252 Stapleton Station, Staten Island, New York 10304-0005

All contributors receive a membership (March 20-March 19) to the Serpentine Art and Nature Commons, which includes announcements of monthly meetings and the quarterly newsletter.

Please remember that your contribution is tax deductible. Thank You!

President: George Y. Bramwell
Vice President: Neil Pisane
Treasurer: Joseph Azara, Jr.
Secretary: Marie Penza
Administrative Assistants: Marie Penza & Joseph Cosmai
Grounds Supervisor: Dan Remine

Meetings

Meetings are usually held on the second Monday of each month at the Kairos House, Wagner College, 631 Howard Avenue, Grymes Hill, Staten Island, New York 10301. at 8:00 p.m..

Things to note: Please try to contact us only on Meeting Nights to obtain information or directions. Please do not park in the parking spaces located directly in front of the Mary Lodge or block the driveway when attending our meetings.

ORGANIZATION'S SCOPE OF ACTIVITIES

Ongoing maintenance, and cleaning up of area, preservation, erosion control, building drainage structures and access paths, artistic landscaping, pursuit of new land acquisition, walking tours periodic events, and a quarterly newsletter.

LOCATION - Come and Visit!

Hike, picnic, enjoy nature and a wonderful view of the N.Y.C. Harbor

The entrance is on Van Duzer Street between Broad Street and the intersection of St. Paul's Ave. and Van Duzer Street. There is no admission fee, plenty of street parking and in close proximity to public transportation.

Directions from Staten Island's Public Transportation

St. George Ferry Terminal:

The Serpentine Commons is a 25 minute walk from the Staten Island Ferry. Take Bay Street to Van Duzer Street. Make a right turn at Van Duzer Street. You will walk past three traffic lights and we are approximately 4 blocks further on your right.

Staten Island Rapid Transit:

From the train - get off at the Stapleton Station. Walk up Beach Street to Van Duzer Street. Make a left onto Van Duzer and walk four blocks, the Serpentine Commons will be on your right.

Buses:

S78 or S79 - Get off at the corner of Beach Street and Van Duzer Street. Walk against the direction of traffic on Van Duzer Street three blocks, the Serpentine Commons will be on your right.

S74 - Get off at the top of Broad Street where it intersects Van Duzer Street. Walk against the direction of traffic on Van Duzer Street for two blocks. The Serpentine Commons will be on your left.

One hillside view

The Serpentine Commons is located in the hilly town of Stapleton in Staten Island, New York. Stapleton is an interesting area full of many 19th century Victorian homes and early village homes. It is common to see wonderful rock walls retaining the soil of these hilly homesites. Many of these homes were built by German beer brewers and other businessmen in the area at that time. A walk to our park won't be disappointing, especially if you take a detour one block up from Van Duzer Street to St. Pauls Avenue (also known as Mud Lane)!

Natural Notes

Our hillside provides a habitat for many species of birds (including pheasant) and plants (such as wild raspberry bushes).

We hope you visit and enjoy Serpentine Hillside's beauty and help us in preserving it by following these simple guidelines: