Nature Conservancy @ Mashomack: June Events & Programs, Incl. Kayaks, Dragonflies & Fireflies, Map ….

June 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

Four Decades of Welcoming Visitors to the Manor House

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Tucked in the woods, the Mashomack Manor House often surprises hikers and visitors with its charm and history. Built in 1891 by Matthias Nicoll—whose family lived on the land from 1695 to 1925—the house was originally known as Bass Creek Cottage.

When The Nature Conservancy acquired the preserve in 1980, the house was in disrepair. It was restored for use as a conference center, with further renovations over the years to improve accessibility and expand office space. A major 2016 renovation restored its historic wrap-around porch. Today, the house features 10 bedrooms and can accommodate up to 18 guests.

The Manor House has hosted retreats, meetings, and events for Conservancy staff from around the world, as well as partners and community groups—from university researchers and veterans to garden clubs. It remains a vital gathering place, connecting people to the outdoors and The Nature Conservancy’s mission.

Preserve Happenings

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We kicked off the unofficial start of summer last week with our Spring Picnic and a special afternoon of music beneath the Teaching Pavilion. Over 200 guests gathered on the Manor House lawn to enjoy live music by the Peconic Bay Ramblers, along with refreshments, water-themed art activities, and seining in Bass Creek.

Just a few days later, Shelter Island Friends of Music brought harmony to the preserve with a magical performance by the talented quintet WindSync. As guests relaxed and listened, birds provided a natural accompaniment in the background.

If you missed these events, don’t worry—we have a full season ahead as we celebrate 45 years of conservation! Join us for a hike, paddle, or guided program—we can’t wait to welcome you to the preserve.

To stay up to date on upcoming events, visit nature.org/nyevents. Most programs require advance registration—sign up by emailing us at MashomackPreserve@tnc.org.
 
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.
 
Bluebirds and Blueberry Muffins
Date: Saturday, June 14^th, 9 – 11 AM
When was the last time you saw the brilliant blue of New York’s state bird? Bring a portable chair and binoculars and we’ll take a truck ride to Mashomack’s meadows to watch an active nest. Relax, have a light breakfast and learn about this charismatic “harbinger of happiness.” Advanced registration is required.
 
Dragonfly Field Day
Date: Saturday, June 21^st, 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Rain Date Sunday June 22^nd, same time
Dragonflies are beautiful and fascinating insects that play a key role in nature. Join the South Fork Natural History Museum and TNC’s dragonfly expert Kevin Munroe as he leads this exploration at Mashomack’s Bass Creek and Sanctuary Pond. You’ll use hand nets to capture dragonflies so you can get rare, close-up looks at them. You’ll even get a chance to briefly hold them before they’re safely released. All are welcome. Advanced registration required.
 
Bird Photography in the Mashomack Meadows
Date: Saturday, June 28^th , 7 – 10 AM
Rain Date Sunday, June 29^th, same time
The mulberry trees in Mashomack’s meadows are a magnet for birds in late June. Learn from wildlife photographers Don Bindler and Jim Colligan how to capture the perfect image! Advanced registration required, ages 12+.
 
Nature’s Library for Kids
Dates: Wednesday, July 2^nd, 9^th, 16^th, 23^rd and 30^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.
 
Fireflies in the Meadows
Date: Friday, July 11^th, 7:30 – 9 PM
Remember the joy of watching the twinkling lights of fireflies on a summer evening? Take a walk with us in Mashomack’s meadows to learn about these amazing insects and use hand nets to catch them for a close-up view of “nature’s fireworks.”
 
SAVE THE DATE!
45th Anniversary Cocktail Party
Date: Saturday, July 19^th, 4 – 6 PM
Join us on the Manor House lawn for a cocktail party celebrating 45 years of protecting Mashomack Preserve. Indulge in simple nibbles, and cold beverages. Travel down memory lane viewing displays that celebrate 45 years of conservation, education and community engagement.

SUMMER PROGRAMS – Only a Few Spots Left!

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.