Times Hudson Valley highlighted the work of Outdoor Promise’s co-founder, Ronald Zorrilla, whose drone footage documented the recent clearing of Newburgh’s last remaining forest. The article notes community concern over the loss of this ecologically significant space, which is being removed to make way for a new Careers and Technical Education Center approved by voters in 2019. Ronald’s documentation brought important visibility to the environmental impact of the project.
For an organization dedicated to environmental justice and equitable access to nature, this feature underscores the critical need for community oversight, transparency, and advocacy around land use decisions. As Newburgh continues to face environmental pressures, the ability to elevate local voices and provide clear information is essential to protecting green spaces—especially in underserved neighborhoods that have the most to lose. This moment reflects Outdoor Promise’s broader mission: empowering residents to participate in environmental stewardship and ensuring that young people grow up with access to healthy, thriving natural environments.