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February at Mashomack

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

The Visitor Center exhibits will reopen Saturday, February 7th and are open Thursday – Saturday, 10 am – 3 pm.

Visitor Center restrooms open daily, 7 am – 5 pm.

Two male house finches display their vibrant colors against the stark winter backdrop at Mashomack. © Rebecca Kusa/TNC

Winter Programming at the Preserve

The darkest, coldest month of the year is here, but nature still has so much to offer! Join us at the preserve to experience the beauty of winter, whether snowshoeing on the trails, taking in the stillness of the frozen kettle ponds or joining our team for a program. Most programs require advanced registration. Email MashomackPreserve@tnc.org to reserve your spot today.
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Winter Scavenger Hunt
Date: February-March 

Visiting the preserve with kids this winter? Step into a world of frosty secrets with our self- guided Winter Scavenger Hunt. Wander through quiet woods, discover natural treasures, and keep your eyes peeled for the fun sights waiting along the trail. Every path holds something new — whether you’re taking a short snowy stroll or a longer, winding trek — you never know what the season might reveal. Let the adventure begin! Don’t forget to pick up a prize when you’re done! 

Preserve visitors explore the trails with scavenger hunt in hand. © Rebecca Kusa/TNC

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Backyard Birding
Date: Saturday, February 28th, 10 – 11 AM 

Join us at the Visitor Center to watch, study and learn about the backyard birds that live here year-round. We’ll discuss their preferred foods and feeder types, while enjoying an up-close look at our feathered neighbors. An excellent chance for photos! Light refreshments provided.  

Winter Night Hike
Date: Thursday, March 12th, 6:30 – 8 PM

Come explore the Red Trail and immerse yourself in the quiet cover of a winter’s night in our coastal forest. Mashomack team members will lead the way on this 1.5-mile hike. Learn about the forest and its inhabitants as they prepare for spring.

Project R.I.S.E. Watershed Walk
Date: Saturday, March 14th, 10 – 11:30 AM 

The Peconic Baykeeper is working with partners to monitor sea level rise around Long Island. Project R.I.S.E. (Recording Inundation Surrounding the Estuary) is a community science project that helps document our changing coastline. Join us as we explore Mashomack’s data collection sites while enjoying the last days of winter. 

Speaker Series: Decoy Discussion
Date: Saturday, March 21st, 10 – 11:30 AM
 

Join Joe Jannsen, conservation lands director for the Nature Conservancy in New York, as he shares his passion for decoys. Learn about their history and connection to conservation as Joe showcases pieces from his personal collection and discusses steps you can take to begin growing a collection of your own.

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February Book in the Woods

Owl Moon by Jane Yolen

Enjoy a self-guided, half-mile walk and read as you go. A walk in the winter woods is a magical adventure for a child. This family favorite adventure will make you want to go owling too and is a great way to get your kids into the outdoors.

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Summer 2026

Environmental Explorers: Registration Opens February 15th at nature.org/nyevents 

Dates: July 27th – 30th and August 3rd – 6th 9 AM – 3 PM, Monday thru 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.

2025 Conservation Stewardship Assistant, Christina, helping to pull in our haul seine during a summer filled with programs and conservation work. © Rebecca Kusa/TNC
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Last Call to Apply for a Seasonal Position on our Team!

Know someone who’d love to spend the summer working at Mashomack? We’re looking for a motivated person who is excited about conservation, loves being outdoors and is looking to gain career experience.   

Seasonal positions are open! Application deadline is February 5thApply here today!

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A gray whale leads her calf through the kelp beds of Big Sur. © Douglas Croft/TNC Photo Contest 2021
A New Era for Ocean Protection
The High Seas Treaty enters into force and becomes international law—a historic milestone for marine conservation and global ocean governance. 
Learn more here
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Mother swan feeding cygnets. © Daryl Ramrattan/TNC Photo Contest 2019
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The Legacy Club  

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There’s no greater gift than protecting the planet for future generations. Whether you’re beginning or updating your estate plan, The Nature Conservancy is here to help. Don’t wait—make your mark today.
For more information, contact Anne Salmon at (631) 464-0647 or asalmon@tnc.org

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Click on trail map to download.

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Website
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The Nature Conservancy works across New York, the United States and in 83 countries and territories to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. Learn more about our work at nature.org/NewYork
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Join us today

Copyright (C) 2021 The Nature Conservancy. All rights reserved.

The Nature Conservancy 

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

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