About Us

Rooted in the principle that our environment, health, and well-being are interdependent, Residents Forward is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that imagines and advances the critical projects that make the Port Washington peninsula beautiful, sustainable, and resilient.

We are proud of the work we, along with local government and community, have achieved, including:

Long Island’s most comprehensive groundwater sustainability study;
The creation of “green” education for students from elementary through high school, including the groundbreaking Port Washington Youth Climate Summit;
Clean-up programs run regularly to keep our water and streets litter-free;
Visioning our Waterfront, including the expansion of shoreline trails;
New parks, gardens, and trees in town;
The Mural Project features artwork by local artists depicting the things that make our community special.

OUR HISTORY

In 1968, a small group of concerned citizens met to discuss the state of the Port Washington community. Our founder, Myron Blumenfeld (1928 – 2018), lovingly referred to as “the Lorax of Port Washington,” envisioned Residents as the group that would “speak for the trees.” And so it did. Over the next several decades, the seed that was planted in 1968 blossomed into a vibrant and strong organization, advocating for, and impacting every inch of our peninsula. In 2018, we changed our name from Residents for a More Beautiful Port Washington to Residents Forward to better reflect our mission of advancing the sustainability, vibrancy, beauty, and resiliency of our entire Peninsula.

OUR COMMUNITY

40.8257° N, 73.6982° W = Port Washington

The Port Washington peninsula is comprised of unincorporated areas and six incorporated villages (Baxter Estates, Flower Hill, Manorhaven, Port Washington North, Plandome Manor, and Sands Point). This vibrant community includes about 15,846 residents, 800 businesses, and nearly 100 non-profit organizations. Residents Forward is proud to advocate for the entire Port Washington community.