Nature Conservancy @ Mashomack, Oct Programs: Foliage Tour / Halloween Trail / Open House ….

A Change of Seasons 

Autumn has officially arrived here on the East End. Although green is still the predominant color in the landscape, the forests are beginning to dip into the vibrant colors of fall. As the days grow shorter, leaves stop producing chlorophyll and lose their green hues.

When the green fades away, the remaining carotenoids (which create yellow and orange pigments) are given their time to shine through. In some cases, anthocyanins are produced, adding red or purple hues to the autumnal celebration. While most enjoy the colors of fall on a larger, grander scale, don’t forget that each small, individual leaf expresses its own unique color story.

Programming 

Join us for a fall full of nature-filled fun! Come hike, take a truck tour or join us in the field for a program as we delight in the crispness of the new season. All programs require advance registration unless otherwise noted. Register at nature.org/nyevents. Registration closes 24 hours before the program start time. For questions, please email MashomackPreserve@tnc.org.

Fluorescent Fungi
*New Date: Friday, October 9th, 6:30 – 8:30 PM*

Experience the magic of Mashomack at night! Join us for an evening hike on the green trail to discover the fascinating variety of fungi that call Mashomack home. Along the way, you’ll receive a UV flashlight and have a chance to search for hidden glowing mushrooms. All ages welcome. 

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Volunteer with Us! 
Dates: October 10th: Stewardship Saturday, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM 
Dates: October 14th: Weed Wrangle Wednesday, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Dates: October 17th: Stewardship Saturday, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Join us for a morning of trail and habitat stewardship, including invasive species removal, vine cutting and other conservation projects. Hand tools and personal protective equipment (PPE) provided. Register here. 

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Fall Foliage Truck Tour
Date: Saturday, October 24th, 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM

Experience the beauty of autumn at Mashomack on a guided truck tour through the preserve. As we travel through forests, ponds and open fields, you’ll enjoy stunning fall foliage and learn more about the diverse habitats that make Mashomack so special. Adults only. 

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Nature’s Halloween Trail
Date: Friday, October 30th, 5:30 – 7:00 PM (last entry at 6:30 PM) 

One of Mashomack’s most anticipated events. Come walk in the woods at night along the self-guided Halloween trail. Meet some nature-themed interesting and entertaining costumed characters and have some not-too-scary fun. Light refreshments provided.
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Native Seed Collection for the Shelter Island Library’s Seed Library
Date: Sunday, November 1st, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM 

Join us as we work to collect native seeds from our meadows at Mashomack. We will learn about the process and importance of seed saving with Chris DiOrio, co-owner of Island Time Farm. Once the seeds are collected and processed, they will be available for the community through the Shelter Island Library’s “Seed Library.” All ages welcome. 

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Save the Date!
Mashomack’s Holiday Open House, Saturday December 12th, 3:00 – 5:00 PM

September Book in the Woods

Possum’s Harvest Moon by Anne Hunter 

Enjoy a self-guided, half-mile walk and read as you go. Join Possum as he celebrates the changing of the seasons with other woodland friends before the quiet winter settles over the land. 

Mashomack Preserve Survey