Nature Conservancy @ Mashomack | Open 7 Days / wk | Bird Walk | Nature Writing | Celebration Picnic ….

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May at Mashomack

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

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The Visitor Center Exhibits are open Thursday-Saturday, 10 AM – 3 PM

Visitor Center Restrooms open daily 8 AM – 7 PM

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Views of our stewardship team’s work to reroute a portion of trail at Mashomack. © Rebecca Kusa/TNC

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Conservation Connections

In April, 17 Conservancy stewardship team members from across New York State joined us at the preserve. Together, the team worked to reroute a portion of our Green Trail where erosion of the coastal bluffs was beginning to undermine the trail. Erosion is a natural process that rebuilds beaches and is part of a dynamic coastal ecosystem. The team also worked to clear a new picnic area on the bluff overlooking one of the popular vistas where South Ferry can be seen making its regular crossings. Visitors also have a picturesque view of our beloved osprey nest sitting atop a large coastal boulder. But the work isn’t done! This month, the preserve welcomes veterans from the Strongpoint Theinert Ranch who will install split-rail fencing along the new trail and seating area on the bluff. Check back in our June newsletter to see the completed project!

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The warmer weather months are filled with exciting programs at Mashomack. We’ll be hosting a nature writing workshop, a reading with local children’s author, guided hikes, paddles and more! See below for a sample of upcoming programs and stay up-to-date with new ones at nature.org/events. Advanced registration is required for most programs. Email MashomackPresereve@tnc.org to reserve your spot today!

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Saturday Seedlings: May Flowers
Date: Saturday, May 4^th, 10 – 11 AM
Join us as we explore the natural world and learn about different animals and habitats at Mashomack. Activities will include crafts, snacks and/or exploring our trails. Ages 4-8. Advanced registration required.

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Migratory Bird Walk
Friday, May 10th, 7:30 AM – 9 AM
May is the height of migration for colorful warblers. Join expert birder Tom Damiani to find and identify birds by sight and by ear while enjoying a walk in the woods! Bring binoculars. Beginners to experts welcome. Advanced registration is required.

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Mashomack Volunteer Spring Welcome
Date: Saturday, May 11^th, 10 AM – 12 PM
Interested in volunteering with us? Mashomack has new and exciting volunteer options this year including small mammal camera trap monitoring, event prep, Visitor Center exhibit guides, and more. Opportunities for both teens and adults. Come meet, mingle and learn about the work we do and how you can help! Light refreshments provided.
Please RSVP to MashomackPreserve@tnc.org.

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Nature Writing Workshop with Canio’s Books
Date: Saturday, May 18^th, 10 AM – 12:30 PM
Join us at Mashomack for a special morning of immersive nature writing. The workshop will be led by special guest, Maryann Calendrille, co-owner of Canio’s Books, an independent literary bookshop in Sag Harbor. An educator, writer and editor, with published works in various news outlets and journals, Maryann has been a passionate environmentalist ever since first planting zinnia seeds in a pint-sized milk carton in elementary school. Participants will have time for deep observation and gain foundational skills to translate nature writings in a time of climate change into meaningful stories for the public. Light refreshments provided. Program cost is $25. Advance registration is required.

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Mashomack Celebration Picnic
Date: Sunday, May 26th 4 PM – 6 PM
Come celebrate the unofficial start of summer, meet our team and explore Mashomack! Bring a picnic and blanket or chair to the Manor House lawn. Join us for lawn games, music, hand-seining at Bass Creek, educational activities and more! Some local bites and beverages will be available as well.

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A look ahead …

World Ocean’s Day Kayak Trip
Date: Saturday, June 8^th, 10 AM – 12 PM
All water is connected. Join our team as we paddle along the Mashomack coastline and explore the preserve from the sea in honor of World Oceans Day. Kayaks, paddles and safety gear provided. Adults only.

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Environmental Explorers – Summer 2024

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Mashomack’s Environmental Explorers work to create underwater viewers to explore the marsh.

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Only a Few Spots Left! Environmental Explorers 2024
Session 1: July 8-11
Session 2: August 12-15
*New, extended time* 9 AM – 3 PM. Scholarships available.
Registration is open. Click here to sign up.————————-

Summer Ecology and DNA Lab Experience
Date: July 15-19 & 22-26, 9 AM – 2 PM (2-week program)
Have fun and participate in science at this extraordinary program at Mashomack and Shelter Island School. Teens will explore the outdoors and practice sampling & identification skills, then learn state of the art DNA techniques in SI School’s biology lab. No experience is needed, Spanish-speaking instructor present. Grades 9-12. $700 for the two-week program, full and half scholarships available. Sign up here.

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May Book in the Woods

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Catching Flight: Soaring on the Wings of Birds by Rebekah Lowell

Come read about birds and celebrate their beauty! Discover how yellow warblers sing at sunrise, Canada geese help one another while flying and small owls get through a chilly night. Come take a self-guided, half-mile walk and read as you go.

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Enduring Earth – Collaborating for lasting conservation at scale.

Enduring Earth is a collaboration of The Nature Conservancy, The Pew Charitable Trusts, World Wildlife Fund and ZOMALAB—who are working with local communities to mobilize ambition, resources and permanent funding for nations to tackle the world’s biodiversity and climate crises.

Learn More Here

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Click on trail map to download.

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The Nature Conservancy works across New York, the United States and in 79 countries and territories to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. Learn more about our work at nature.org/NewYork