Whether you live here or you’re visiting, our popular tours, hikes and field trips will help you, your family, and friends explore the incredible natural beauty of the East End. Our experienced staff lead day and evening hikes, nature walks, wildlife searches, beach cleanups and habitat restorations, paddling trips, and environment-themed workshops and lectures. Activities are free unless specified. See below for a list of the Group’s guided tours and activities for this quarter, and visit our calendar for other upcoming events.
HORSESHOE CRAB MONITORING PROGRAM VOLUNTEER (CUTCHOGUE)
May 7, 10, 13, 23, 26, 28 June 6, 9, 11, 21, 24, 26 July 6, 9, 11 (late evenings)
Calling all teachers, scientists, nature lovers, wildlife professions, and scout groups! Group for the East End will be participating in the 2013 Horseshoe Crab Monitoring Program on the North Fork and we need your help! We are seeking dedicated volunteers that will assist our Site Coordinator in counting and tagging spawning horseshoe crabs and recording data according to protocols. Spawning occurs from May to July, during high tide on the new and full moon. Therefore, volunteers will be asked to assist in monitoring during these nights as well as two days before and after. If you are interested in participating in this unique citizen science program and would like more information on how you can participate, please contact Missy Weiss at mweiss@eastendenvironment.org or visit www.nyhorseshoecrab.org
STORYTIME AT DOWNS FARM PRESERVE (CUTCHOGUE)
Friday, May 10 (10 to 11 a.m.)
Children, ages 2 to 5, are welcome to join Group for the East End staff at Downs Farm Preserve as they read a nature-themed story and create a fun craft. Downs Farm Preserve has beautiful trails, so feel free to take a stroll through the woods with your family following the story and craft. For reservations or more information, please contact Missy Weiss at 631-765-6450 ext. 219 or mweiss@eastendenvironment.org.
BIRDS ON THE MOVE AT DOWNS FARM PRESERVE (CUTCHOGUE)
Thursday, May 16 (8 to 9:30 a.m.)
Birds of all colors and sizes are migrating through eastern Long Island in mid-May. We will look and listen for these diverse migrants on a morning stroll through the woods of the Downs Farm Preserve. For reservations or more information, please contact Steve Biasetti at 631-765-6450 ext. 205 or sbiasetti@eastendenvironment.org.
18TH ANNUAL FAUNA-THON FUNDRAISER (ENTIRE EAST END)
Saturday, May 18 (all day and part of the night!)
Group staffers and friends will wander far and wide, searching for mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, butterflies, and dragonflies. Can we beat our record of 266 species? Not without your help! So join one of our teams, make your own team, or pledge a donation. All Fauna-thon donations directly support the Group’s environmental education programs. For more information, please contact Steve Biasetti at 631-765-6450 ext. 205 or sbiasetti@eastendenvironment.org.
WATER WE GOING TO DO? (CUTCHOGUE)
Saturday, May 18(9:30 to 11 a.m.)
Clean water is essential to every community, and especially to coastal communities like those on the East End. Unfortunately, a number of recent government and academic studies have confirmed that the quality of our region’s drinking water and surface water is in a state of continuous decline. Join Group for the East End President, Bob DeLuca, for a presentation at Downs Farm Preserve about how water moves around here on the East End, how it gets polluted, how pollution impacts the quality of our drinking water as well as our local streams, bays and harbors, and a number of positive steps that each of us can take to protect and restore our water resources for the future. For reservations or more information, please contact Missy Weiss at 631-765-6450 ext. 219 or mweiss@eastendenvironment.org.
AUTHOR’S READING OF 'THE LITTLE WAVE' (CUTCHOGUE)
Sunday, May 19(3 to 4 p.m.)
Join Group for the East End and author, Stephen Lamoreaux, as he takes us on an exciting and educational journey while reading his ecological children’s book, “The Little Wave: An Adventure in Earthly Care- Part One.” This story aims to help children understand how pollutants can affect our environment and how we can make a positive difference in our world. This is a family event and all ages are welcome to attend. Light refreshments will be served. For reservations or more information, please contact Missy Weiss at 631-765-6450 ext. 219 or mweiss@eastendenvironment.org.
SPRING BIRDING SERIES (DAY 1) AT DOWNS FARM PRESERVE (CUTCHOGUE)
Fri., May 24 (7:00 to 9:00 AM)
Join a flock of fellow birders to see what is flying through the North Fork during one of nature’s most exciting times – spring bird migration! Colorful warblers, tanagers, grosbeaks and more will be some of the species we will likely see and hear. Learn about how insects, weather, plants, and people contribute to the success or failure of this annual natural occurrence.
Binoculars are recommended. For reservations or more information, please contact Aaron Virgin at 631-765-6450 ext. 218 or acvirgin@eastendenvironment.org.
SPRING BIRDING SERIES (DAY 2) AT DOWNS FARM PRESERVE (CUTCHOGUE)
Fri., May 31 (7:00 to 9:00 AM)
Join a flock of fellow birders to see what is flying through the North Fork during one of nature’s most exciting times – spring bird migration! Colorful warblers, tanagers, grosbeaks and more will be some of the species we will likely see and hear. Learn about how insects, weather, plants, and people contribute to the success or failure of this annual natural occurrence.
Binoculars are recommended. For reservations or more information, please contact Aaron Virgin at 631-765-6450 ext. 218 or acvirgin@eastendenvironment.org.
HORSESHOE CRAB MONITORING PROGRAM VOLUNTEER (CUTCHOGUE)
June 6, 9, 11, 21, 24, 26 July 6, 9, 11 (late evenings)
Calling all teachers, scientists, nature lovers, wildlife professions, and scout groups! Group for the East End will be participating in the 2013 Horseshoe Crab Monitoring Program on the North Fork and we need your help! We are seeking dedicated volunteers that will assist our Site Coordinator in counting and tagging spawning horseshoe crabs and recording data according to protocols. Spawning occurs from May to July, during high tide on the new and full moon. Therefore, volunteers will be asked to assist in monitoring during these nights as well as two days before and after. If you are interested in participating in this unique citizen science program and would like more information on how you can participate, please contact Missy Weiss at mweiss@eastendenvironment.org or visit www.nyhorseshoecrab.org
SPRING BIRDING SERIES (DAY 3) AT DOWNS FARM PRESERVE (CUTCHOGUE)
Fri., June 7 (7:00 to 9:00 AM)
Join a flock of fellow birders to see what is flying through the North Fork during one of nature’s most exciting times – spring bird migration! Colorful warblers, tanagers, grosbeaks and more will be some of the species we will likely see and hear. Learn about how insects, weather, plants, and people contribute to the success or failure of this annual natural occurrence.
Binoculars are recommended. For reservations or more information, please contact Aaron Virgin at 631-765-6450 ext. 218 or acvirgin@eastendenvironment.org.
INTRO TO STAND-UP PADDLEBOARDING (SPRINGS)
Saturday, June 8 (9 to 11 a.m.)
Here is an opportunity to try stand-up paddleboarding, which provides a great paddling vantage point on the water to observe wildlife beneath the surface in addition to the flora and fauna on and around the water. No experience is necessary. Standup paddleboards are available for rent: $50 (includes paddle and PFD). We will meet at Landing Lane. [DIRECTIONS: From Rte. 27 in East Hampton Village, turn north onto Accabonac Road at the traffic light across from the Post Office. Stay on Accabonac Road until it ends, approximately two miles, and turn left onto Old Stone Highway. Landing Lane is the first right.] For reservations, rentals or more information, please contact Juliana Duryea at 631-745-3165 or hulums@gmail.com.
INVASIVE SPECIES HUNT/HIKE (CUTCHOGUE)
Saturday, June 8(10 to 11:30 a.m.)
Take a stroll through the Downs Farm Preserve and learn to identify a few widespread invasive plant species that have invaded many of our precious natural areas. Hikers will learn about invasive species: what they are, how they disrupt our ecosystems and how to prevent the spread. Family friendly! For reservations or more information, please contact Jenn Hartnagel at 631-765-6450 ext. 211 or jhartnagel@eastendenvironment.org.
Join us for a paddle on beautiful Peconic Bay and a good old-fashioned poolside barbecue afterward. Veggie option available! Paddle starts and ends at Port of Egypt Marina on Route 25 in Southold. Rent a kayak (includes life jacket and paddle) or bring your own. Friendly dogs with up-to-date shots are welcome. Woof!
Single Kayak Rental & BBQ $55
Double Kayak Rental & BBQ $75
BBQ Only (Bring your own kayak) $15
Proceeds from the event benefit the environmental education programs of Group for the East End and the rescue and adoption programs of North Fork Animal Welfare League.
Questions? Please contact Missy Weiss at mweiss@eastendenvironment.org or 631-765-6450 x219. See you on the water!
Register Here
Friday, June 21 (8:15- 9:15 p.m.)
An owl pellet dissection is a memorable and fun way for students of all ages (children, teens, and adults) to learn about the eating habits and behaviors of our favorite bird of prey: the owl! Participants will not only learn about owl prey, but about common Long Island species, behaviors, vocalizations, and habitats. Following our dissection, Group for the East End staff will lead an owl prowl through Downs Farm Preserve in hopes of hearing our feathery friends. For reservations or more information, please contact Missy Weiss at 631-765-6450 ext. 219 or mweiss@eastendenvironment.org.
HORSESHOE CRAB PADDLE (THREE MILE HARBOR)
Saturday, June 22 (9 to 11 a.m.)
Join us on a paddle through a picturesque tidal creek in Three Mile Harbor as we search for horseshoe crabs mating and laying eggs on the morning full moon high tide. Interesting aspects of the biology, ecology and conservation of horseshoe crabs will be discussed.
Paddlecraft are available to rent: kayaks (single = $40; tandem = $60), canoes ($60) and standup paddleboards ($50). PFDs included. Meet at Maidstone Park on Three Mile Harbor. [DIRECTIONS: From Montauk Highway in East Hampton Village, turn onto North Main Street (passing a windmill on your right), continue straight through a traffic light (Cedar Street). Bear left at a fork (North Main Street becomes Three Mile Harbor Road here) and follow this for 3.8 miles, turning left onto Flaggy Hole Road (follow “Beach” sign). Continue 0.3 mile and turn left onto Maidstone Park Road. Follow this to ballfields (it becomes a one-way road), beach parking, and rest rooms. Park near harbor inlet where a sandy beach provides a good launch site (1.0 mile from Three Mile Harbor Road).] For reservations, rentals or more information, please contact Mike Bottini at 631-267-5228 or mike@peconic.org.
HORSESHOE CRAB MONITORING PROGRAM VOLUNTEER (CUTCHOGUE)
July 6, 9, 11 (late evenings)
Calling all teachers, scientists, nature lovers, wildlife professions, and scout groups! Group for the East End will be participating in the 2013 Horseshoe Crab Monitoring Program on the North Fork and we need your help! We are seeking dedicated volunteers that will assist our Site Coordinator in counting and tagging spawning horseshoe crabs and recording data according to protocols. Spawning occurs from May to July, during high tide on the new and full moon. Therefore, volunteers will be asked to assist in monitoring during these nights as well as two days before and after. If you are interested in participating in this unique citizen science program and would like more information on how you can participate, please contact Missy Weiss at mweiss@eastendenvironment.org or visit www.nyhorseshoecrab.org
Explore On Your Own:
Situated along the barrier strand of eastern Long Island, between Shinnecock Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, the Dune Road Wildlife Trail provides excellent opportunities to observe abundant wildlife throughout the year. This self-guided car tour covers five miles from the Shinnecock Inlet to Quogue Village, with 11 stops in a variety of habitats.
A PDF of this and other brochures is available in the Brochures section.
Exploring East End Waters and Trail Guide to the South Fork
These indispensable books are written by one of our region’s foremost naturalists, and will help you explore eastern Long Island by foot and kayak. Each book is more than 250 pages long and contains helpful maps and descriptions, as well as natural and human history.
Contact us (631-765-6450 ext 215 or info@eastendenvironment.org) to purchase these books.
Download Directions to our Favorite Natural Areas
Cedar Point County Park – East Hampton
Chatfield’s Hole – East Hampton
Indian Island County Park – Riverhead
Inlet Pond County Park – Greenport
Laurel Lake Preserve – Laurel
Mashomack Preserve – Shelter Island
Morton National Wildlife Refuge – Noyack
Orient Beach State Park – Orient Point
Poxabogue County Park – Bridgehampton
Quogue Wildlife Refuge – Quogue
Sammy’s Beach – East Hampton
Shinnecock Inlet, Dune Road – Hampton Bays
Walking Dunes – Napeague
