Rx Fire 

The Nature Conservancy recently conducted a prescribed burn at Mashomack. A prescribed burn is the deliberate application of fire to vegetation under specific conditions to achieve predetermined objectives. The Nature Conservancy uses fire across the U.S. and around the world to manage and restore habitats and encourage healthy, resilient lands. At Mashomack, we use fire to reduce understory vegetation, manage invasive species and promote oak regeneration.

This spring, we successfully applied fire to 245 acres at Mashomack. The burn not only met ecological objectives but also provided training opportunities to Nature Conservancy and partner agency wildland fire fighters including nine New York Department of Environmental Conservation (NY DEC) prescribed fire module members on assignment to the Long Island Interagency Fire Team. Mashomack is grateful for the assistance provided by The Nature Conservancy’s South Carolina and Appalachians programs and NY DEC and for the support from the Town of Shelter Island and the Shelter Island Fire Department.

Mashomack does not have any additional burns planned for this spring. You can see the results of the prescribed burn by hiking the Blue Trail or by joining us for a post-burn truck tour later this spring. Please remember that the recently burned areas are sensitive and should be viewed from the authorized trails only.

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

Migratory May

The forest, meadows and waters of Mashomack are bustling with new life. Migratory residents such as ospreys have returned to nest, while temporary visitors like warblers are making stops on their long migration routes. Take your favorite pair of binoculars (or borrow a pair from the Visitor Center) to see how many migratory species you can spot this May.

Looking for a more guided experience? Join us for a program during this long-awaited time of year. All programs require advanced registration unless otherwise noted. Register at nature.org/nyevents or by emailing MashomackPreserve@tnc.org.

Upcoming Events

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Volunteer Spring Social
Date: Saturday, May 16th, 10 – 11 AM

Interested in volunteering with us? Mashomack has new and 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. 2026 opportunities include: Visitor Center exhibit guides, invasive removal and trail maintenance, image library curation, Manor House event support, woodworking and more. 

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Mashomack Spring Picnic
Date: Sunday, May 24th, 4 – 6 PM  

Celebrate 75 years of conservation with The Nature Conservancy! Help us welcome summer at Mashomack—bring a picnic, a blanket or chair, and enjoy lawn games, Bass Creek seining, music, local treats, hands-on activities and exploring the preserve. Fun for all ages. 

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Post-Burn Truck Tour
Date: Saturday, May 30th, 9 – 11 AM

Prescribed fire is being used at Mashomack to help regenerate our oak forests and keep invasive species at bay. Join members of the Mashomack team, led by Conservation and Stewardship Manager, Cody Miller, for a safari-style truck tour of the burn units and witness firsthand how prescribed fire helps reclaim the health of our oak forest. 

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Once in a Blue Moon – Full Moon Coastal Hike
Date: Sunday, May 31st, 7:30 – 9 PM

Come explore our Coastal Trail at night! Join us for a half-mile loop through the seaside woods, beside Bass Creek and along the beach as the second full moon of May rises—truly a once in a blue moon experience.

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A Remarkable Return – The Story of the Osprey
Date: Friday, June 5th, 3 – 5 PM

Join us at the Mashomack Manor House for an engaging conversation with award-winning environmental writer David Gessner, whose work explores the intersection of nature, conservation and the human experience. Drawing from decades of observation and storytelling, Gessner will reflect on the extraordinary recovery of ospreys in the Northeast and what their story reveals about the resilience of the natural world. Through discussion and audience Q&A, this program will explore how science, conservation action and personal connection to place can shape the future of birds and the landscapes they depend on. Light refreshments will be served. Space is limited. RSVP to Olivia Waterhouse, olivia.waterhouse@tnc.org or 207‑752‑4602.

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World Oceans Day Kayak Trip
Date: Saturday, June 13th, 10 AM – 12 PM

All water is connected. Join our team for the first paddle of the season! We’ll explore the Mashomack coastline from the sea in honor of World Oceans Day. Kayaks, paddles and safety gear are provided. Adults only.

May Book in the Woods

In the Tall, Tall Grass by Denise Fleming

Enjoy a self-guided, half-mile walk and read as you go. Follow an exploration through the grass and discover all the animals hiding in the tall grass—from tiny bees to fluffy bunnies!

Summer 2026

Environmental Explorers: Registration is almost full! Register at nature.org/nyevents

Dates: July 27th – 30th and August 3rd – 6th, 9 AM – 3 PM, Monday through 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 2026. $375, scholarships available.

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

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AAQ / Resource: Foster Architecture 

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Araiys Design Landscape Architects

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AAQ / Resource: Townsend Manor Inn

Old Fashioned Hospitality

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