TOP 10 Best Preserving natural habitats in Long Beach, New York

Welcome to Mashomack Preserve, a breathtaking natural oasis located at 79 South Ferry Road, Shelter Island, New York. Just 90 miles from the hustle and bustle of New York City, Mashomack Preserve spans over 2,350 acres of serene landscapes, including 11 miles of pristine coastline, lush woodlands, vibrant fields, and tranquil tidal creeks. This cherished sanctuary is recognized as one of the richest habitats in the Northeast, offering visitors a unique opportunity to connect with nature and explore the diverse ecosystems that thrive here. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, bird watcher, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, Mashomack has something for everyone. With over 200 bird species recorded since 1980, including the majestic osprey and vibrant scarlet tanagers, the preserve is a bird-watching paradise. The preserve's diverse habitats also support a wide array of wildlife, from painted turtles and monarch butterflies to foxes and deer, ensuring that every visit is filled with discovery.

Welcome to West Meadow Beach, a serene natural oasis nestled along Trustees Road in the picturesque town of Stony Brook, New York. Located at the heart of Suffolk County, our beautiful beach offers a perfect escape for nature enthusiasts, families, and anyone seeking tranquility by the sea. West Meadow Beach is renowned for its stunning views of the Long Island Sound, expansive sandy shores, and lush surrounding meadows. Whether you're looking to bask in the sun, enjoy a leisurely stroll along the shoreline, or explore the diverse wildlife habitats, our beach provides a unique blend of relaxation and adventure.

Welcome to Hallock State Park Preserve, a breathtaking natural sanctuary located at 6062 Sound Avenue in Riverhead, New York. Nestled along the scenic North Fork of Long Island, this stunning park is a premier tourist attraction that offers a perfect blend of serene landscapes, rich history, and outdoor recreation. Spanning over 225 acres, Hallock State Park Preserve is a haven for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. Visitors can explore miles of picturesque trails that wind through diverse habitats, including lush forests, tranquil wetlands, and pristine beachfronts along the Long Island Sound. Whether you're hiking, birdwatching, or simply enjoying a leisurely stroll, the park's diverse ecosystems provide endless opportunities for discovery and connection with nature.

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.

Welcome to the Nassau Point Property Owners Association Beach, a serene and picturesque park located at 75 Nassau Point Road, Cutchogue, New York. Nestled in the heart of the beautiful North Fork of Long Island, this exclusive beach offers a tranquil escape for members and their guests. Our pristine sandy shores and crystal-clear waters provide the perfect setting for a day of relaxation, family fun, or a peaceful retreat in nature. As a private beach managed by the Nassau Point Property Owners Association, we pride ourselves on maintaining a clean and safe environment. The park features well-maintained facilities, including picnic areas, restrooms, and convenient parking, ensuring a comfortable visit for all. Whether you're looking to swim, sunbathe, or simply enjoy the stunning views of Peconic Bay, our beach is the ideal destination.

Welcome to the Long Island South Shore Estuary Reserve, located in the heart of New York, United States. As a vital, ecologically rich park, the South Shore Estuary Reserve is dedicated to preserving and enhancing the natural beauty and resources of one of the most productive estuarine regions in the United States. Established in 1993 through the Long Island South Shore Estuary Reserve Act, our program is committed to safeguarding the estuary's unique ecosystem, which includes stunning beaches, shallow bays, tidal marshes, tributaries, and upland areas. The South Shore Estuary Reserve is not only an environmental treasure but also a cornerstone of Long Island’s tourism, recreation, and seafood industries. Our mission is guided by the Comprehensive Management Plan (CMP), which outlines strategic actions to protect and restore the estuary’s natural, recreational, economic, and educational resources. Through partnerships with state, federal, and local organizations, as well as diverse stakeholders, we work tirelessly to address critical issues such as water quality, coastal development, and public stewardship.

Welcome to the Elizabeth A. Morton National Wildlife Refuge, a serene haven located at 2595 Noyack Road, Sag Harbor, New York. This 187-acre sanctuary, established in 1954, is nestled on a picturesque peninsula between Noyack and Little Peconic Bays. As a cherished park and tourist attraction, the refuge offers visitors a unique opportunity to connect with nature while fostering the conservation of diverse wildlife and habitats. Explore the refuge's stunning landscapes, which include sandy and rocky beaches, wooded bluffs, upland forests, fields, ponds, salt marshes, and lagoons. These habitats are home to a rich array of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, eastern chipmunks, painted turtles, green frogs, songbirds, and osprey. During the winter months, keep an eye out for waterfowl such as long-tailed ducks, common goldeneyes, and white-winged scoters. In the spring and summer, the beaches come alive with piping plovers, terns, and other water birds.

Located in Lloyd Harbor, New York, the Target Rock National Wildlife Refuge is a peaceful 80-acre park and tourist attraction that was once a garden estate. This refuge is home to a variety of habitats, including oak-hickory forests, rocky beaches, brackish ponds, and vernal ponds. Visitors can enjoy shore fishing and observe hundreds of plant and animal species throughout the year. As part of New York Invasive Species Awareness Week, the refuge is hosting events to educate the public on the harmful effects of invasive species and how to prevent their spread. Invasive species can cause harm to the environment, economy, and human health, making it crucial to learn how to identify and stop their spread.

The West Meadow Heritage Organization Marine Center is a park located at 101 Trustees Road in Setauket-East Setauket, New York. This institution is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich maritime heritage of the area. Visitors can explore exhibits, attend educational programs, and enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding West Meadow Beach. The Marine Center is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in learning about the history and ecology of Long Island's coastal waters.

The David Weld Sanctuary, located at 687 Short Beach Road in Saint James, New York, is a beautiful park that offers a diverse range of habitats and stunning natural landscapes. Wander through cedar-dotted fields, loop around a red maple swamp, climb a 50-foot bluff overlooking the Long Island Sound, and explore a kettle hole formed by glacial ice melting. With 1,800 feet of beachfront and enormous boulders scattered throughout the woods, the sanctuary provides a peaceful and scenic escape. Originally donated by Mr. and Mrs. David Weld in the late 20th century, the sanctuary has since expanded with additional land donations and acquisitions. The landscape, shaped by glaciers during the last Ice Age, supports a variety of trees, shrubs, wildflowers, and wildlife, making it a haven for birders, geology enthusiasts, and nature lovers. The 3-mile trail is perfect for hiking and observing nature, with just enough elevation change to keep things interesting.

Welcome to the Seatuck Environmental Association, a unique blend of museum, park, and tourist attraction located at 550 South Bay Avenue, Islip, New York. Our mission is to conserve Long Island's wildlife and natural habitats, making our community a vibrant place for both people and nature. At Seatuck, we offer a myriad of opportunities for you to get involved and support our cause. Whether you're interested in becoming a community scientist, volunteering your time and expertise, or making a donation, every contribution helps protect the diverse wildlife that calls Long Island home. Our efforts particularly focus on safeguarding species like the Least Terns and other seabirds that depend on our beaches for nesting.

Welcome to the Suffolk County Environmental Center, a serene natural haven nestled on the historic Scully Estate in Islip, New York. Located at 550 South Bay Avenue, our 70-acre park offers a unique blend of history, nature, and conservation, making it a perfect destination for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Opened on Earth Day 2010, the center is operated by the Seatuck Environmental Association under a custodial agreement with the Suffolk County Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation. Our site, positioned near the picturesque Great South Bay, is adjacent to the Seatuck National Wildlife Refuge and Islip Town Beach, providing a rich tapestry of salt marshes, freshwater wetlands, and mature upland forests for you to explore.

Welcome to Oyster Ponds Waterway Access Site, your gateway to exploring the serene waters of Orient, New York. Conveniently located at 17535 New York 25, our site offers easy access to the picturesque waterways that define this charming region. Whether you're an avid kayaker, paddleboarder, or simply seeking a peaceful spot to enjoy nature, Oyster Ponds provides the perfect starting point for your adventure. Our well-maintained facilities ensure a hassle-free experience, with ample parking and a straightforward launch area designed to accommodate a range of watercraft. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the North Fork, the site is ideal for both locals and visitors looking to immerse themselves in the tranquility of Long Island's coastal environment.

Welcome to Pine Neck Sanctuary Nestled along the picturesque Shinnecock Bay coastline in East Quogue, New York, Pine Neck Sanctuary offers a serene escape into nature's beauty. This 77-acre oasis is one of the rare spots where the pine barrens stretch all the way to Long Island’s South Shore, providing a unique and tranquil environment for visitors.

Welcome to the Marine and Atmospheric Sciences Information Center (MASIC), your gateway to cutting-edge knowledge and research resources in marine and atmospheric sciences. Located in Challenger Hall on the Stony Brook University South Campus, New York, MASIC is a state-of-the-art library designed to serve as a modern prototype for future knowledge centers. At MASIC, we offer an extensive collection of vital resources, including core journals in marine and atmospheric sciences, comprehensive monographs, essential reprints, and a valuable collection of SoMAS master's theses and doctoral dissertations. Our holdings also include MSRC Special Reports, Technical Reports, nautical charts, maps, and a broad general science reference collection, ensuring that students, researchers, and professionals have access to the information they need.