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Visit   |   Observe   |   Inspire
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Dear Neighbor,

As we all work to navigate our changing world, I hope you are finding solace in nature. Mashomack’s trails are open and our team is working hard to develop and share resources for e-learning and homeschooling. With the links below you can explore faraway lands, log scientific observations in your backyard or compete with other nature lovers to spot the most species. Together, we are creating a world where all of nature, including humanity, thrives. I hope you and your loved ones are well and in good spirits.

Please stay in touch,

Jeremy Samuelson

Director, Mashomack Preserve
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Trails open 7 days/week 8AM – 6PM
Mashomack has postponed events through April 30th, including our Earth Day event. We are looking forward to rescheduling events as soon as we are able. We hope to see you on the trails and look forward to returning to a full schedule of activities.
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Register for our summer youth program
We have moved to an online registration system for summer 2020.
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Online K-12 content for parents and educators
The Nature Conservancy’s Nature Lab is now live! Join us as we explore the rainforests of Borneo, the secret life of corals, and so much more—all in standards-based lessons and videos appropriate for elementary, middle and high school students.
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Shelter Island Nature Scavenger Hunt
Congrats to Mia DiOrio who submitted the first osprey observation on March 21st and Team Kate-Oscar-Tim who currently have the most species observations!
To signup, create a FREE iNaturalist account and download the app. Look for plants and animals on Shelter Island and record your observations, which will be automatically submitted to the Signs of Spring on Shelter Island Scavenger Hunt.
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Follow spring in your backyard (or on your balcony)
Spring is bursting forth and promising warmer days ahead. In some areas Forsythia’s bright yellow flowers are blooming, while tiny leaves are emerging on other trees and shrubs. Use your powers of observation and see how quickly or slowly things change in your neighborhood. Watch as leaves unfurl or flowers bloom.

Materials:

  • A flower, shrub, or tree that was dormant during winter
  • Camera
  • Ruler
  • Data sheet, if desired
  • A curious spirit

Methods:

  • Select your plant.
  • Choose what you’d like to observe.
  • Photograph the whole plant.
  • Photograph the branch/leaf/flower you are tracking.
  • Use a ruler to measure a specific bud or leaf.
  • Keep track of your observations: list the date, the measurement, and any special comments. Follow your plant for at least 2 weeks.

What changes do you see? What surprised you? Which flowers emerge first? How long do they continue to flower?
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Digital Nature Activities
Photo by Jim Colligan

Interested in pollinators? Check out these on-demand webinars posted by the Pollinator Partnership and get ready for Pollinator Week 2020 at the end of June.

Like Birds? Learn about NY’s Breeding Bird Atlas and think about joining the effort to document which birds nest and raise their young across New York State. Checkout eBird for more information.

Looking for a good read? Check out Nature’s Book Bag, TNC’s suggestions for great books for all ages that focus on nature.
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Support our work
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The mission of The Nature Conservancy is to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends.
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The Nature Conservancy

79 South Ferry Rd
PO Box 850

Shelter Island, New York 11964

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The mission of The Nature Conservancy is to conserve 

the lands and waters on which all life depends.

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AAQ Resource

Westhampton Architectural Glass

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