Scallop Pond Preserve Scallop Pond Road, Southampton, NY 11968

Welcome to Scallop Pond Preserve

Nestled in the heart of Southampton, New York, Scallop Pond Preserve offers a serene escape into one of Long Island’s most pristine salt marshes. Located at Scallop Pond Road, this exceptional park is a haven for nature enthusiasts, bird watchers, and anyone seeking a peaceful retreat amidst nature's beauty.

Discover Nature's Splendor

Scallop Pond Preserve is part of the Sebonac Creek estuary, a vital ecosystem supporting a diverse array of wildlife. The marshes and tidal flats, flooded twice daily by the tide, are crucial spawning grounds for shellfish and finfish, including scallops, winter flounder, and weakfish. The preserve is also a significant stopover for migratory birds, with 144 bird species recorded, making it a year-round birdwatcher’s paradise.

A Walk Through History

The preserve is an assemblage of six tracts donated by local families in the mid-1970s. Although it remains one of Long Island’s least developed coastal wetlands, Scallop Pond has a rich history. Once a vital food source for Native Americans and European colonists, the area has seen transformations from forest clearing to fishing and sport-hunting over the centuries.

Explore the Trails

Visitors can enjoy a one-mile walk through the beautiful salt marshes and near ponds, with trails open for hiking and nature observation from dawn to dusk. Please be mindful not to disturb the delicate marsh habitat. For those traveling to the preserve, the entry is via "K Road," a sand-and-dirt path off Scotts Road. Due to seasonal conditions, it might be easier to park at the beginning of K Road and enjoy a scenic half-mile walk to the marshes.

Birdwatcher's Delight

Scallop Pond Preserve is a sanctuary for a variety of birds, from the American black duck to shorebirds like the least and common terns. The pond teems with wading birds, including the American bittern and snowy egret. Neotropical migrants find respite here during their spring and fall journeys, offering unmatched birdwatching opportunities.

Conservation and Community Involvement

The preserve provides essential nesting and feeding grounds for birds and hosts rare plant species, such as the salt marsh aster and slender blue flag. If you're a local resident interested in becoming a Preserve Monitor or Steward, please reach out to Preserve Director Kevin Munroe at [email protected].

Visitor Information

Please note that Scallop Pond Preserve is open during hunting season (Oct 1 - Dec 22), and written permission is required to hunt on TNC lands. For more details on hunting, visit our New York hunting information page.

Immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of Scallop Pond Preserve, where the natural world thrives in harmony. Whether you're here for a peaceful stroll, birdwatching, or simply to enjoy the breathtaking views, Scallop Pond Preserve is a place where nature's wonders await.