Indigenous Plant Hike

Sunday, May 3rd, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

Shane Weeks, member of the Shinnecock Nation, will lead a tour on the trails of the Refuge while discussing the Indigenous history of Long Island, pointing out native plants and sharing their importance to Indigenous Communities. Shane Weeks is an artist, culture bearer, and educator dedicated to preserving Indigenous history and fostering cultural exchange. $10 per person, space limited.

Eyes on the Pond: Become a Southampton Pond Keeper – Virtual

Monday, May 4 at 5:30 pm 

Southampton’s 200+ public freshwater bodies serve as critical headwaters for our marine bays, yet they lack formal monitoring at the Federal, State, or Local levels. To address this gap, the Citizen Science Learning Center (CSLC) is launching the Pond Keeper program—a citizen-led monitoring network designed to track Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs). In this virtual presentation on Zoom, learn about the goals of CSLC and the roles you can play as a volunteer to protect public health and provide elected officials with the evidence needed for future water resource management. This is a free program. 

Box Turtle Animal Ambassador Story Time

Saturday, May 9th at 10:00 AM

Join Quogue Library storyteller for a special story hour outdoors at the Refuge, including a simple craft and a special visit from one of our ambassador box turtles. Children must be accompanied by an adult. This program is offered in collaboration with the Quogue Library. Reservations required, $5 per child/ free for QWR Members.

Beginner Bird Walk during Spring Migration

Tuesday, May 12th, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day (May 9th) with a guided bird walk for beginners on the Refuge trails. Join QWR Educators with your binoculars to identify and observe migratory birds like warblers, songbirds, and more. Adults and families welcome. $10 per person, $5 for 2026 QWR members.

Spring Nature Journaling Workshop

Saturday, May 16th, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM 

This watercolor nature journaling program on the Refuge trails encourages participants to slow down, observe nature, and record their experiences through simple watercolor techniques and light sketching. Led by Jennifer Lucas of Beach Oak Designs, the workshop blends art, observation, and mindfulness along with information on flora and fauna from a QWR Educator. Participants will leave with a completed nature journaling page and the skills to continue their practice independently. No prior art experience is required, all materials provided. This is a program for adults and teens 14+. $20 per person.

Celebrate World Turtle Day

Saturday, May 23rd, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Learn about turtles and tortoises during QWR’s Annual celebration of World Turtle Day. Participants will meet some of our resident live turtles, then take a guided hike in search of native species of turtles and learn what you can do to help local species. A program for adults and families. This program will be outdoors. Reservations and pre-payment necessary, as space is limited. $10 per person.

Guided Hike to the Dwarf Pines

Sunday, May 31st, 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM 

Join a QWR Educator for a guided hike to the ecologically rare dwarf pines ecosystem to learn about native flora, fauna, and fire ecology. Round trip hike is approximately 3 miles and is on relatively flat terrain. Please apply any insect repellent prior to arrival. Space is limited. $10 per person, $5 for QWR 2026 members.