Nature Conservancy / Mashomack: Earth Day Celebration, 4.19th | Spring Picnic, 5.25th ….

Celebrating 45 Years of Conservation
25 Years of our Bluebird Nestbox Project

April starts to feel like spring, with warming weather bringing insects that provide food for New York’s state bird, the Eastern bluebird. These “harbingers of happiness” are in full courtship mode, and our amazing volunteers are monitoring them with weekly surveys. Now in its 25th season, the Nestbox project keeps track of our bluebird and tree swallow breeding activity, which mirrors the health of our meadows. Last year 38 bluebirds and 85 tree swallows successfully fledged (learned to fly and be independent). Bring your binoculars, walk through our meadows and watch spring fever in action!

Interested in becoming a Nestbox volunteer? Email us at MashomackPreserve@tnc.org or attend our Volunteer Spring Welcome on May 17^th, from 10am-11am.

Welcome Spring!

Visit the preserve as it awakens from its winter slumber. We’re excited to offer a wide variety of programs to help herald the beginning of spring. Advanced registration is required for most programs. Sign up by emailing us at MashomackPreserve@tnc.org.

Spring Nature Library Series for Kids
Date: Wednesday, April 9, May 7^th and June 11^th, 2:45- 3:45PM
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.

Big Odd Tree Tour
Date: Saturday, April 12, 1 – 4PM
Mashomack’s forest is home to unique and rare trees. Come explore Mashomack by truck and on foot to witness the survivors of devastating diseases, colonization and turbulent weather. We’ll view different forest types and find very tall tulip trees, a huge white oak, a healthy elm tree and an American chestnut. Be prepared for off-trail hiking. Advanced registration is required.

Spring Break One-Day Adventure
Date: Thursday, April 17^th, 10AM – 2PM
Celebrate Earth Month and spend a day during Spring Break at Mashomack! Together, we’ll explore the forest and look for signs of awakening amphibians and reptiles. Crafts, snacks and hiking!  Ages 7-10 are welcome for this special, one-day program. Registration will open April 1^st on nature.org/nyevents. $50, Scholarships available.

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Earth Day Celebration- Art and Nature
Date: Saturday, April 19^th, 12 – 2PM
Join the Mashomack Team as we celebrate our love for the planet this Earth Day. Drop-in for crafts, snacks and fun at the Visitor Center. No registration required! 

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*Special 45^th Anniversary Program* Drive Through History
Date: Saturday, May 3^rd, 4 – 6.30PM
(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 are necessary.

Bird Watch Breakfast and Overnight at the Manor House
Date: Saturday, May 17^th– Sunday May 18^th
Program 6:30 – 9:30AM Sunday morning
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. Keep an eye on nature.org/nyevents for the registration link in the upcoming weeks.

Save the Date!
Sunday, May 25^th 4 – 6PM
Mashomack Spring Picnic

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Environmental Explorers
Dates: July 14^th – 17^th and August 4^th – 7^th
9:00am – 3:00pm, 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.

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

April Book in the Woods

1 MILLION ACRES PROTECTED

     Click on trail map to download.

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The Nature Conservancy
79 South Ferry Rd
PO Box 850
Shelter Island, New York 11964

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