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Residents passing through Armonk's Main Street were asked to educate themselves, write letters or make donations to help protect the Catskill Mountains from corporate drilling.
Members of the Fund for the Public Interest stood outside Broadway North Pizzeria to distribute literature. The representatives were working in collaboration with Environment New York to engage the public in joining the debate over protecting the Catskills.
"I agree with their message but don't have the time to stop and chat about it," Jen Loretto of North Castle said. Though she didn't donate, she took an informational pamphlet to learn more about the issue.
Adam Bresgi is a sophomore at Wesleyan University in Connecticut and works for the Fund for the Public Interest. Based out of midtown Manhattan, the nonprofit organization sends representatives throughout the metropolitan area to garner support for environmental and progressive groups.
"It's worth being out here when people are stopping, listening, and giving," Bresgi said. "Some days are better than others."
Bresgi said more than ten people had engaged in conversations with him by the afternoon and some had donated money to support the cause.
The group advocates for the preservation of the Catskills while New Yorkers continue to urge Governor Andrew Cuomo to protect the mountains for oil and gas drilling. An Internet petition by Environment New York said oil and gas companies are pushing to open the Catskills to dangerous gas drilling, which threatens to destroy the pristine streams and forests.
"But with your help, we can build overwhelming public support to convince Governor Cuomo to take a stand on drilling," the site said.
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