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Dear Members and Friends,

As the year draws to a close, I want to thank you for your continued support of the Quogue Wildlife Refuge. Your generosity and engagement made 2025 a truly meaningful year. We would like to share several important updates as we prepare for an exciting period of transition.

Nature Center Hours & Programs

In preparation for the renovation and expansion of the Charles Banks Belt Nature Center, building hours will be limited through December and January. Our staff and resident animals are currently transitioning to a separate onsite space to prepare for construction. Please check our website for the most up to date information on hours and access. While the building is temporarily closed, our educational programming will continue through outdoor activities and virtual offerings via Zoom.

Trail Updates & Forest Management

We continue to manage the impacts of the Southern Pine Beetle. Most trails remain open, though the southwest portion of the preserve is currently closed for safety and forest management. We will share further updates as conditions change.

Leadership Updates

We extend our deepest gratitude to longtime board members Mac Highet, Alan Lazarescu, and Ted Necarsulmer, who have retired after many years of dedicated service. Their leadership has been vital to our growth.

We are also pleased to welcome Peter Sartorius as the new President of the Board of Directors. A longtime supporter, Peter brings deep commitment and thoughtful leadership to this role.

Looking Ahead to 2026

The coming year promises to be transformational. We are in the final stages of our campaign to renovate and expand the Nature Center and are working to close the remaining funding gap. If you would like to support this project, naming opportunities are available for leadership gifts, and contributions at every level are deeply appreciated.

We also invite you to join or renew your membership for 2026. Membership support is essential to our annual operations, allowing us to care for the Refuge, protect wildlife, and remain open 365 days a year.

Thank you for being part of this 91-year-old sanctuary. It is a privilege to serve as a steward of this extraordinary place. Please visit us soon, as our trails and outdoor animal exhibits remain open daily during daylight hours.

We wish you a peaceful and joyous end to 2025 and look forward to sharing this next chapter with you in 2026.

Warm regards,

Michael J. Nelson

Executive Director

Quogue Wildlife Refuge

Questions? Contact us at Info@QuogueWildlifeRefuge.org

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