Nature Conservancy @ Mashomack: August | 45 Years of Conservation | Haul Seine | Kayak Bass Creek ….

August at Mashomack

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

Visitor Center Summer Hours: The Visitor Center Exhibits are open
Wednesday – Sunday, 10 AM – 3 PM
  
Visitor Center restrooms open daily, 8 AM – 6 PM

45 Years of Conservation – Decades of Work Protecting our Marshes

Of Mashomack’s 2,350 acres, 450 are tidal wetlands, or salt marshes. These valuable habitats provide important ecosystem services, acting as nurseries for juvenile fish, resting grounds for migratory birds, coastal buffers for storm surge and much more. Here at Mashomack, scientists have been studying our marshes to see how they will fair in the face of climate change and rising sea levels. Although a water-dependent habitat, salt marshes cannot be completely flooded and depend on tides coming and going—water must flood and then leave the marsh at different times of the day. If too much water stays on the marsh, it can drown. In order for a healthy marsh to survive our rising seas, it needs to be able to migrate back towards the shoreline. In many places, there are now developed areas behind coastal marshes and there is no room for them to move landward. At Mashomack, we are actively working to reroute our trail systems away from the marsh and remove any impediments so that it may adapt to our changing world. Together, with input from TNC scientists and other partners, we are working to monitor this amazing, constantly changing habitat that is vital in maintaining a healthy coastal ecosystem.

Nature Writing Workshop with Maryann Calendrille
Date: Saturday, August 2^nd, 10 AM – 12:30 PM
Join us for a morning of immersive nature writing with Maryann Calendrille, co-owner of Canio’s Books and an educator, writer and passionate environmentalist. Participants will learn to craft meaningful nature stories in the context of climate change. The 2.5-hour session includes examining written works, doing deep observation, writing and sharing. Light refreshments provided. Registration required.
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Nature’s Library for Kids 
Dates: Wednesday, August 6^th, 13^th, 20^th and 27^th , 3 – 4 PM
The Nature Conservancy is joining Shelter Island Library staff to bring you a summer full of programs. Come 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.
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Hanging with Hummingbirds: Photography and Observations
Date: Saturday, August 9^th, 10 – 11:30 AM
Professional photographer KC Bailey will unlock the secrets of capturing the elusive hummingbird in flight. Enjoy an accessible, up-close look at these small, captivating pollinators from the beautiful porch of the
Mashomack Manor House. Adults only.
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Seedlings: August in the Marsh
Date: Wednesday, August 13^th, 9:30 – 11 AM
Let’s explore the shoreline of Bass Creek! We’ll check out the fish, crabs, snails and lots of other animals that call the marsh home. Please be prepared to get wet and wear shoes that can go in the water. Nets and buckets will be provided. Ages 4-7; parent or guardian required to stay for program.
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Bass Creek Kayak and Sandflat Exploration
Date: Saturday, August 16^th, 9:30 – 11 AM
Participants will use kayaks to explore Bass Creek, winding through the shallow waters of the tidal marsh from the bay to the far back reaches. Along the way, we’ll stop and explore the sandflats and marsh grasses on foot. We’ll use hand nets to catch and examine different species before returning them safely back to the water. Ages 10+.
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*Rescheduled Program* Log Cabin Creek Shellfish Paddle
Date: Tuesday, August 19^th, 2 – 4 PM
What’s better than spending a summer afternoon paddling along a quiet coast? We will venture to Log Cabin
Creek and learn about the importance of shellfish in our coastal waters from Kate Rossi-Snook of Cornell
Cooperative Extension. Kayaks, paddles and safety gear provided. Adults only
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Save the Date!
Community Haul Seine
Date: Saturday, September 6^th, 5 – 6:30 PM
All hands-on deck! Help pull in our 300-foot haul seine net and get a close-up look at the hidden underwater life found in Peconic Bay. Bring your water shoes so you can wade across to the outer beach where we’ll learn and explore. S’mores to follow!

SUMMER PROGRAMS – Only a Few Spots Left!

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*NEW* Wildlife Wonders
Dates: August 18^th – 21^st 9:00 AM – 12 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.