Nature Conservancy @ Mashomack | 45th Anniv 5.3 | Picnic 5.26 | Concert 5.29 | Manor House Overnight 5.17 ….

May at Mashomack

Trails are open 7 days a week, from dawn to dusk

The Visitor Center Exhibits are open Thursday – Saturday, 10 am – 3 pm
  
Visitor Center restrooms open daily, 8 am – 6 pm

Celebrating 45 Years of Conservation
Bringing Fire Back to Mashomack 

Mashomack successfully treated nearly 200 acres of the preserve with prescribed fire this spring. We are extremely pleased with this effort and how it will contribute to our oak forest regeneration. We are grateful for the support and assistance provided by TNC South Carolina, TNC Appalachians Program, New York DEC, Shelter Island Fire Department and Volunteers. This was the first prescribed burn conducted at Mashomack in over a decade. We look forward to monitoring these areas throughout the year and seeing the long-term effects the prescribed fire has on vegetation and forest structure. We will conduct another round of prescribed burns this fall in other parts of the preserve.

If you have questions about The Nature Conservancy’s use of prescribed fire, please contact Mashomack’s Conservation and Stewardship Manager Cody-Marie Miller at cody-marie.miller@tnc.org or 631-749-5421.

Spring Has Sprung!

From migratory birds to spring ephemeral blooms, spring is showing off here at Mashomack. Whether you join us for a hike or a guided program, we can’t wait to see you at the preserve!  To stay up-to-date with new program offerings, visit nature.org/nyevents. Advanced registration is required for most programs. Sign up by emailing us at MashomackPreserve@tnc.org.

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*Special 45^th Anniversary Program* Drive Through History
Date: Saturday, May 3^rd, 4 – 6:30 PM (rain date Sunday, May 4^th)
The Nature Conservancy and the Shelter Island History Museum are joining forces to share the human and natural history of Mashomack as we celebrate 45 years of conservation. Join us for a truck tour of key locations, featuring photos and conversations that reveal the land’s story in a new way. We’ll explore the preserve and conclude at the Manor House, where a historical society exhibit will bring the past to life. Space is limited; reservations required.

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Spring Nature Library Series for Kids
Date: Wednesday, May 7^th and June 11^th, 2:45 – 3:45 PM
The Nature Conservancy’s team at Mashomack is coming together with the Shelter Island Library staff to bring our nature library to life! Join us as we learn about awesome animals, terrific trees, fun fungi and much more. We’ll read, walk and craft our way through the exciting natural world around us. Ages 2-5.

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Volunteer Spring Welcome
Date: Saturday, May 17th, 9 AM – 10 AM
Interested in volunteering with us? Mashomack has new & exciting volunteer opportunities this year, for both teens and adults. Come meet, mingle and learn about the work we do and how you can help! Light refreshments will be provided. 2025 Opportunities Include: Visitor Center Exhibit Guides, Invasive Removal & Trail Maintenance, Image Library Curation, Manor House Event Support, Woodworking, and more!

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Bird Watch Breakfast and Overnight at the Manor House
Date: Saturday, May 17^th– Sunday May 18^th
Program 6:30 – 9:30 AM Sunday morning
A favorite program returns with a unique opportunity to stay at the Manor House! May is the height of spring migration for colorful warblers. Join avian experts to identify birds by sight and by ear while enjoying a walk in the woods! Bring binoculars. Beginners to experts welcome. Breakfast at the Manor House to follow. Option for guests to stay overnight at the Manor House. Registration will open on nature.org/nyevents on May 1^st.

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Save the Date! Sunday, May 26^th 4 – 6 PM
Mashomack Spring Picnic on the Manor House Lawn
Kick off Mashomack’s 45th anniversary celebration and the unofficial start of summer. Join us for lawn games, hand-seining at Bass Creek, music, local sweets, beverages, exploring Mashomack, fun activities and more! Bring your own picnic and a blanket or chair.

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Shelter Island Friends of Music Concert at Mashomack 
Date: Thursday, May 29th, 4-5:30 PM 
Enjoy music in a natural, informal setting at the Mashomack Visitor Center pavilion area, where the Shelter Island Friends of Music will present WindSync, a world-class wind quintet. Light refreshments will be served. 

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World Ocean Day Kayak Trip
Date: Sunday, June 8th, 10 AM – 12 PM 
All water is connected. Come paddle with us along Mashomack’s coastline and explore the preserve from the sea in honor of World Ocean Day on June 8. Kayaks, paddles and safety gear provided. Adults only. Advanced registration required.

SUMMER PROGRAMS – Limited spaces left!

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Environmental Explorers
Dates: July 14^th – 17^th and August 4^th – 7^th 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Monday thru Thursday
Join us on the trails and on the water as we hike, paddle and explore Mashomack’s amazing fields, forests and wetlands. During this active, hands-on program, we will learn about the fascinating natural world and how we can “be the change” we want to see for a better future. Perfect for outdoor-loving kids ages 8-12 or entering grades 3-7 in Fall 2025. $375, scholarships available.

*NEW* Wildlife Wonders
Dates: August 18^th – 21^st 9:00 AM – noon
Monday thru Thursday
Join us for this special program as we explore the amazing wildlife found at Mashomack.  Together, we’ll explore animals in the woods, meadows and water. Hiking, kayaking, and enjoying the great outdoors is great for active and curious kids!
 
This new, half-day program is perfect to fit into your busy summer schedule! Ages 8-10. $250, scholarships available.
 
*Participants can register for both Wildlife Wonders and one week of Environmental Explorers.
 
Register Online at nature.org/nyevents.