Hit the trails with the Group at Downs Farm Preserve for a guided nature walk to learn bird identification basics.This foundation will help you identify birds in your yard and beyond. You will have the opportunity to put your new skills to the test on the trail and at the Group’s Project Feederwatch station.

This event is for ages 12 and up. Registration is required and space is limited to 12 people. This event is weather permitting. Please dress warmly and bring binoculars if you have them. There is no bathroom available onsite.

REGISTER HERE

If you have any questions, please contact Kristen Bashen at kbashen@eastendenvironment.org.

Take action for the environment and join us for a beach cleanup! The Group, Kenny’s McCabe’s Beach Civic Association, Southold Peconic Civic Association, and Town of Southold are partnering for an Earth Day beach cleanup at Goldsmith’s Inlet in Peconic.

Volunteers should meet at Goldsmith’s Inlet or Soundview Dunes County Park. Please wear gloves. Trash bags, pails, and pickers will be available.

For more information, contact Group outreach director Taralynn Reynolds at treynolds@eastendenvironment.org.

Support pollinators and wildlife with a native plant garden. In partnership with the Suffolk Alliance for Pollinators, the Group is hosting a native plant and seed swap event and an invasive species walk at Downs Farm Preserve in Cutchogue.

Native Plant & Seed Swap 10 a.m. - 1p.m.
Invasive Plant ID Walk 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Registration not required. For more information, contact Group outreach director Taralynn Reynolds at treynolds@eastendenvironment.org.

In partnership with North Fork Audubon Society, Group for the East End environmental associate Marina DeLuca will give a Zoom presentation on the local history of the osprey.

This iconic species had once been on the brink of extinction, but thanks to decades of conservation efforts, the osprey is once again thriving. This talk will cover the osprey’s history, unique adaptations, key identification markers, migration patterns, the summer breeding season, and ways to manage and prevent inopportune nesting. 

This is a free virtual program. Registration is required.

REGISTER HERE

For more information, contact Marina at mdeluca@eastendenvironment.org.

Join the Group for a unique exploration of the winter trail at Downs Farm Preserve. We will lead you through the winter forest as it holds its unique charm, offering insights into the hidden wonders of nature during the colder months. Discover the beauty of winter flora and the subtle textures of dormant plants waiting for the warmth of spring. 

This event is for ages 12 and up. Registration is required and space is limited to 12 people. Please dress warmly. There is no bathroom availableonsite.  

REGISTER HERE

If you have any questions, please contact Kristen Bashen at kbashen@eastendenvironment.org.

Spread love to our feathered friends and create DIY heart-shaped birdseed ornaments with the Group at the Peconic Community Center. Crafted with care, they not only add a touch of nature to your surroundings but also provide nourishment for birds during the winter. Gift these creations to friends and family, and watch as the local bird community enjoys these handmade treats.

This event is for ages 8 and up. Registration is required and space is limited to 15 people. 

REGISTER HERE

If you have any questions, please contact Kristen Bashen at kbashen@eastendenvironment.org.

Environmental artist and educator Tony Valderrama will lead a Native American talking stick workshop at Downs Farm Preserve in Cutchogue. This creative, cultural experience will explore the talking stick, a ceremonial object that symbolizes respect within a group setting. You’ll create your own using wood, beads, and feathers to embellish your design.

Tony creates works inspired by the human-nature connection. Influenced by his indigenous Taino roots, his art incorporates sculptures, paintings, and installations. His work with rescued wildlife and birds of prey is a prominent theme.

REGISTER HERE

For more information, contact Group outreach director Taralynn Reynolds at treynolds@eastendenvironment.org.

Join Group for the East End and Artfully Long Island for a Spooky Season Art & Play Party at Downs Farm Preserve in Cutchogue. Families with children up to 6 years old will enjoy holiday-themed art projects and sensory activities. Come dressed in your costumes, make a haunted house collage and a yarn wrapped ghost puppet on a stick, decorate pumpkins with golf tees, play with pinecones, and enjoy other fall and Halloween-themed activities!

Materials for this program are upcycled. Use nature’s back drop to find more materials for your crafting adventure! Fee is $12, which includes all materials. Advance registration is required.

REGISTER HERE

For more information, contact Group outreach director Taralynn Reynolds at treynolds@eastendenvironment.org.

Join Group for the East End at Arshamomaque Preserve to spread wood chips on the trails and remove trash as part of our ongoing partnership with the Town of Southold on the Bay to Sound Trail Project. Volunteers will help remove garbage and various debris to support a healthy trail system, benefitting wildlife and the community. 

This event is weather permitting. Please bring gloves.

For more information and sign up as a volunteer, please contact Group outreach director Taralynn Reynolds at treynolds@eastendenvironment.org.

Work conducted on the Bay to Sound Trails Phase 5 project is being funded by the New York State Department of State under Title 11 of the Environmental Protection Fund.

Lend a hand in supporting the North Fork Pollinator Pathway at Custer Preserve for a special native planting! The Group, Southold Peconic Civic Association, and Town of Southold will lead this planting with volunteers on Monday, October 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Volunteers have spent the summer removing countless invasive species at this Southold Town preserve. Now, thanks to a special grant from ReWild, we’ll be installing hundreds of native species to help support pollinators like butterflies, birds, bees, and more. 

Please bring your own gloves and water. Other tools will be provided. 

For more information, contact Group outreach director Taralynn Reynolds at treynolds@eastendenvironment.org.

Join Group for the East End at Arshamomaque County Park to remove trash from the trails as part of our ongoing partnership with the Town of Southold on the Bay to Sound Trail Project. Volunteers will help remove garbage and various debris to support a healthy trail system, benefitting wildlife and the community.

This event is weather permitting. Please bring gloves.

For more information and sign up as a volunteer, please contact Group outreach director Taralynn Reynolds at treynolds@eastendenvironment.org.

Work conducted on the Bay to Sound Trails Phase 5 project is being funded by the New York State Department of State under Title 11 of the Environmental Protection Fund.

Fall is a perfect time to plant perennials. Long Island Native Plant Initiative (LINPI) is hosting its third annual fall plant sale at the Sister’s of St. Joseph Greenhouse in Brentwood. More than 40 species are available. Check out their Current Plant List for details.

Group outreach director and LINPI board member Taralynn Reynolds will be on site! For details, email her at treynolds@eastendenvironment.org.

Join Group for the East End in celebration of International Coastal Cleanup Day at Mattituck Inlet Park.

As part of the Ocean Conservancy’s global effort to remove harmful marine debris from our beaches and waterways, this beach cleanup will help address the plastic pollution locally. Every bottle, every straw, every piece of trash you clean up can lead to cleaner, healthier waters for marine life. #SeaTheChange

Please bring gloves. Additional supplies will be provided.

For more information and to sign up, email Group environmental advocate Jenn Hartnagel at jhartnagel@eastendenvironment.org.

Join Group for the East End and Long Island mosaic artist Gabriella Grama for a fish trinket tray workshop. No prior mosaic experience is required. All materials will be provided.

Craft a whimsical fish trinket tray, a symbol of luck and abundance, to keep and cherish for years to come. This is an excellent opportunity to unleash your creativity, explore the fascinating world of mosaics, and discover the joy of creating a beautiful, functional piece of art.

REGISTER HERE

For more information, please contact Group outreach director Taralynn Reynolds at mailto:treynolds@eastendenvironment.org.

This program is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrant Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by The Huntington Arts Council, Inc.

Draw, sketch, and paint butterflies in watercolor in the garden at Downs Farm Preserve in Cutchogue. Learn about the pollinator garden while creating your own botanical studies. Watercolor artist Melissa Hyatt will guide us as we paint various local butterfly species.

All materials will be provided. Ages 13 and up.

REGISTER HERE

For additional details, please contact Group outreach director Taralynn Reynolds at treynolds@eastendenvironment.org.

Artfully Long Island will lead this special workshop for adults as we make our own boho-style wall hangings using various sized gold rings, a fun collection of yarn and ribbon, as well as some glass and wooden beads.

REGISTER HERE

As this program takes place outdoors at Downs Farm Preserve in Cutchogue, we recommend dressing appropriately. Bring a blanket and chair to lay out on the grass or use the picnic tables or wooden amphitheater as your work bench.

For more information, contact Group outreach director Taralynn Reynolds at treynolds@eastendenvironment.org.

Join us at Downs Farm Preserve in Cutchogue to create a zoomorphic pinch pot with artist Tonito “Tony” Valderrama. Tony will guide you step-by-step through the process of creating your own masterpiece.

Tony Valderrama is an environmental artist and educator. He creates works inspired by the human-nature connection. Influenced by his indigenous Taino roots, his art incorporates sculptures, paintings, and installations. His work with rescued wildlife and birds of prey is a prominent theme.

No experience is necessary. Advance signup required.

REGISTER HERE

For more information, contact Group outreach director Taralynn Reynolds at treynolds@eastendenvironment.org.

What’s better than tie-dye? Tie-dyeing with natural materials! There are many common foods found in our homes that can be used as dyes with their natural pigments and colors. Blueberries make an excellent treat as well as a bright bluish-purple dye. This activity is great for teaching children about the natural ways to dye material (and maybe a chance to make a creative mess!)

This activity will include making the dye and creating a unique print on a small canvas bag to take home. Prepare to let your kiddo get a little messy!

REGISTER HERE

For more information, please contact Group outreach director Taralynn Reynolds at treynolds@eastendenvironment.org.

Long Island mosaic artist Gabriella Grama will lead a workshop to make your very own bird mosaic. You will pick the mosaic tiles in the colors of your choice and learn how to make a lasting and fun mosaic. Just bring your creativity, all materials will be provided.

This program is suitable for children ages 7 and up accompanied by an adult. We hope to see adults at this program too!

REGISTER HERE

For more information, contact Group outreach director Taralynn Reynolds at treynolds@eastendenvironment.org.

Join local watercolor artist Melissa Hyatt to paint a crab at Downs Farm Preserve in Cutchogue. We will learn about these animals and their habitat. Melissa will teach your young artist how to sketch them and add color with watercolor paints.

All materials will be provided.

REGISTER HERE

For more information, contact Group outreach director Taralynn Reynolds at treynolds@eastendenvironment.org.

East End Arts will lead a two-day plein air painting workshop at Downs Farm Preserve in Cutchogue. Connect to nature with artist and reiki master Eileen Kelly. You can use the natural backdrop of the native meadow, or walk the trail for inspiration for your artwork. Each day includes a reiki circle, painting demonstration, and hands-on guidance tailored to each individual.

Participants will learn/practice Nōtan and value sketches, watercolor techniques, simplifying design and composition, perspective, and using nature’s color palette.

A recommended material list will be shared upon registration. Instruction will be in watercolor, but students are welcome to work in whatever medium they are comfortable with.

This program takes place on two Saturdays - July 8 and 15 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

LEARN MORE & REGISTER

For more information, contact Group outreach director Taralynn Reynolds at treynolds@eastendenvironment.org.

Join local watercolor artist Melissa Hyatt to paint piping plovers and sandpipers at Downs Farm Preserve in Cutchogue. We will learn about these shorebirds and their habitat. Melissa will teach your young artist how to sketch them and add color with watercolor paints.

All materials will be provided.

REGISTER HERE

For more information, contact Group outreach director Taralynn Reynolds at treynolds@eastendenvironment.org.

Explore the art of mosaics by joining Long Island Mosaic artist Gabriella Grama and Group for the East End for a Dragonfly Mosaic workshop at Downs Farm Preserve in Cutchogue. This workshop is perfect for anyone who loves to get creative and explore new art forms. No prior mosaic experience is necessary and all materials will be provided.

The dragonfly is a symbol of transformation, change and adaptability, making it a perfect subject for a mosaic project. You will leave with a beautiful piece of art that you can display in your home or give to someone you love.

REGISTER HERE

For more information, contact Group outreach director Taralynn Reynolds at treynolds@eastendenvironment.org.

This program is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrant Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by The Huntington Arts Council, Inc.

Join Group for the East End for a birding basics nature walk in celebration of National Migratory Bird Day! Learn why birds migrate, basic identification skills, and how to build a bird friendly yard. We will take a mile walk through Downs Farm Preserve in Cutchogue to learn more about the birds who make their home here, the ecosystems they depend on, and those who are just stopping by!

Program is best suited for those ages 12 and up, please dress appropriately (tick season is beginning!) and bring binoculars if you have them.

Registration is required and space is limited to 15 people.

REGISTER HERE

For more information, please contact Marina DeLuca at mdeluca@eastendenvironment.org.

Quogue Wildlife Refuge's amazing educators and wildlife ambassadors will bring their resident animals to Downs Farm Preserve in Cutchogue for our popular "Meet the Animals" program! Come for the animals and stay to walk the trails.

You will meet a variety of critters and learn about snakes, turtles, mammals, birds of prey, and some insect friends. Most of the animals can be found right here on Long Island. This is a great opportunity to learn about our wildlife neighbors.

REGISTER HERE

For more information, please contact Group outreach director Taralynn Reynolds at treynolds@eastendenvironment.org.

Join the Group for an Earth Day beach cleanup at Breakwater Beach in Mattituck and the adjacent Mattituck Inlet Park.

We'll have buckets and trash pickers for you. Please bring gloves if you want to use them. Garden gloves are great for beach cleanups. Bring some friends or family with you and help us keep our community beaches clean!

REGISTER HERE

For more information, please contact Jenn Hartnagel at jhartnagel@eastendenvironment.org.

Join the Group for the East End, ROTC volunteers, and Southold Town to clean the trails at Arshamomaque County Park for Earth Day! Meet at the entrance on Albertson’s Lane.

For more information, contact Group outreach director Taralynn at treynolds@eastendenvironment.org.

Work conducted on the Bay to Sound Trails Phase 5 project is being funded by the New York State Department of State under Title 11 of the Environmental Protection Fund.

Turtle Rescue of the Hamptons outreach educator Erika Haberkorn will join Group for the East End at Downs Farm Preserve in Cutchogue to talk about native turtles on Long Island. Learn about habitats, history, and helpful tips on how to protect wild turtles and enhance your backyard for long-term survival and reproduction. You will get to meet some of the current residents at the Turtle Rescue of the Hamptons' Rehab Center!

Weather permitting, we will also take a short walk around Downs Farm Preserve to see if we can find any signs of turtles on the property.

Families with children welcome. Registration is required as space is limited to 15 people. This event is free to attend, though donations are also encouraged and appreciated.

REGISTER HERE

For more information, please contact Marina DeLuca at mdeluca@eastendenvironment.org

Have you ever wondered what happens inside a bee hive or thought about the social life of bees? Join Chris Kelly, master apiarist and entomologist, at Downs Farm Preserve in Cutchogue to learn about the inner workings of honey bee hives, as well as some general knowledge on other bee species. Suitable for families.

REGISTER HERE

For more information, please contact Taralynn Reynolds at treynolds@eastendenvironment.org.

Group for the East End is partnering with Long Island mosaic artist Gabriella Grama for a mosaic bird workshop. Just bring your creativity, all materials will be provided.

This program is suitable for children ages seven and up, accompanied by an adult. Adults are welcome to participate as well! Registration is required.

REGISTER HERE

For more information, contact Group outreach director Taralynn Reynolds at treynolds@eastendenvironment.org.