Who we are
HV Groundworks restores local ecosystems across the Hudson Valley by identifying, removing, and managing harmful terrestrial invasive plants. By eliminating these aggressive species, we help protect native habitats, improve land health, and restore balance one property at a time.
In addition to invasive plant removal, we provide native tree planting and install native meadows that support pollinators, wildlife, and long-term ecological resilience. Whether you are reclaiming woodland, meadow, or residential or commercial land, our work is designed to enhance both the beauty and ecological value of your property.
HV Groundworks is a small, independently run business. When you work with us, you work directly with a small, passionate team with decades of experience We personally oversee every aspect of your project, from assessment to completion, with a focused, hands-on approach and close attention to your goals.
Martin Bernstein is the founder of Abandoned Hard Cider, a Hudson Valley venture rooted in reclaiming forgotten orchards and restoring neglected fruit trees to productive life. What began as a fascination with wild and heirloom apples evolved into hands-on work locating abandoned parcels, renovating old apple and stone fruit trees, and harvesting thousands of pounds of fruit from landscapes others had overlooked. Through careful pruning, rehabilitation, and long-term stewardship, Martin helped bring heritage trees back into health while honoring the agricultural history of the region.
That same philosophy now guides his work with HV Groundworks. Martin approaches every property with an eye for potential, structure, and renewal. Whether restoring aging fruit trees, removing invasive species, or helping land return to ecological balance, his work is grounded in practical experience, respect for the landscape, and a commitment to long-term vitality.
Molly Marquand is a botanist and ecologist based in New York’s Hudson Valley and Catskill Mountains. She holds a BA in Ecology from Bates College and a Master of Science in Plant Diversity and Taxonomy from the University of Reading in partnership with the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Over the course of her career, Molly has worked alongside some of the region’s leading plant conservationists. She has conducted rare plant monitoring and invasive species inventories with the New England Wildflower Society and led large-scale vegetation surveys with the Natural Resources Group of NYC Parks, mapping complex plant communities across some of the city’s most ecologically significant parks. She later coordinated the Catskill Regional Invasive Species Partnership, guiding strategic invasive species management across the region.
Molly currently serves as Ash Collections Manager for the Mid-Atlantic Regional Seed Bank, overseeing a U.S. Forest Service contract to conserve New York’s native ash species in response to emerald ash borer. She also works as an independent seed collector for the Greenbelt Native Plant Center, sourcing genetically appropriate native seed for major restoration projects, and serves on the board of the New York Flora Association.
In addition to her scientific work, Molly is a published writer whose work has appeared in National Geographic, Bon Appetit, Good, and Rodale’s Organic Life.