Solar Eclipse
The April 8th total solar eclipse will cross North America, passing over Mexico, the United States, and Canada. A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the Sun. Long Island will experience a partial eclipse at 3:30 PM. Only a part of the Sun will appear to be covered, giving it a crescent shape.
Lunar New Year Hike
Lunar New Year Hike (Family Hike - recommended for older children and adults due to the length and pace of the hike)
Beginner Birding for Kids … Getting Ready for the Great Backyard Bird Count!
Beginner Birding for Kids (Family Program)
First Day Hike at Orient Beach State Park
Join Jennifer as she leads the “First Day Hike” at Orient Beach State Park. This is the 13th Annual kick off event for the new year through NYS Parks. We will walk through the maritime red cedar forest to the salt ponds, both communities are ecologically rare in New York State, and threatened globally. This free hike is for all ages, registration is recommended by calling (631) 323-2440. Scavenger Hunt available for children of all ages! Please wear layers and dress warmly, expect windy conditions. This hike will be 1.5 - 2 miles round trip, depending on weather conditions. Please meet in the main parking lot near the concession stand. Bundle up and hope to see you there!
Early Winter Camp 2023
Missing your favorite summer camp activities? Join us this December as we explore animals in winter, further develop our wildlife tracking skills, enjoy a campfire, and delve deeper into winter survival skills such as fire keeping and shelter building. Ages 7-14 10:00 am-2:00 pm, per day available (Cutchogue Location) Registration
“I Love My Park Day!” Dune Restoration for Endangered Species
Help us continue our Dune Restoration project to protect Endangered Piping Plovers and Monarch Butterflies through planting beach grass and seaside goldenrod at beautiful Orient Beach State Park! Other activities include a scavenger hunt, beach clean-up, and nature hike. Meet at the Environmental Station by the Playground! (Parking Fee will be waived for volunteers.)
Earth Day!
Join us this Earth Day to help the environment in multiple ways: Beach Clean-Up, Native Plant Dune Restoration for Endangered Piping Plovers and Monarch Butterflies, Osprey Nest Repair, and more! Locations and times TBA SIGN ME UP!
Conservation Week
This week during Spring Break, we will get involved in many conservation projects including oyster bed restoration, erosion control, endangered shorebird protection, native plant restoration, and marine debris removal such as fishing rope and filament line -harmful to nesting Osprey and other wildlife. We will study the tides, erosion issues of Mattituck Inlet, the return of migratory shorebirds, plus document the plants and animals of the globally rare marine habitats of Bailie Beach Preserve in Mattituck. Registration is now open! Ages 7-14.
Return of the Osprey Celebration
Celebrate the Return of the Osprey this weekend with organized educational programs and activities. We will be exploring local conservation efforts, Osprey natural history, construction of a human-sized Osprey nest, nesting platform repairs, marine debris beach clean-up, an Osprey craft and more! Stay tuned for the complete line up! SIGN ME UP!
Young Birders Club: “Flight of the Timberdoodle”
“Flight of the Timberdoodle”
Experience the fascinating courtship rituals of the American Woodcock, where a normally secretive woodland “shorebird” comes out into open areas to perform a “sky dance” for a mate. ***Parent/grandparent/guardian attendance is required for this event. Registration is through North Fork Audubon.
Long Island Mammal Survey with Mike Bottini
Join biologist Mike Bottini for a wildlife track & sign workshop, learn about the Long Island Mammal Survey and how to get involved. Sunday March 5th, 1:00 PM, Hallock SP, Registration required.
Celebrate Black History Month
Learn how Harriet Tubman used owl calls during the Underground Railroad before we set out on an owl prowl at a local nature preserve in the Mattituck-Laurel area. Saturday February 25th, 5:45-6:30 PM
Winter Break Outdoor Camp
Outdoor Winter Adventures: Campfires, Shelter Building, Birding, Running Games, Wood Carving, Wildlife Tracking, plus new programs. Registration open. Ages 7-12, 10 AM - 2 PM, Cutchogue Location. REGISTER HERE!
Young Birders Club
Participate in the 2023 Great Backyard Bird count with North Fork Audubon and Jennifer Murray at Hallock State Park Preserve!
Great Backyard Bird Count
2023 GREAT BACKYARD BIRD COUNT
FEB 17-20 "Spend time in your favorite places watching birds–then tell us about them! In as little as 15 minutes notice the birds around you. Identify them, count them, and submit them to help scientists better understand and protect birds around the world."