Welcoming Summer at the Preserve
Music filled the air across the Mashomack Manor House lawn as the Peconic County Ramblers and Mashomack team welcomed a multi-generational crowd on a beautiful Sunday afternoon. Guests made nature crafts, explored the property with scavenger hunts, tried their hand at corn hole, and joined in hand-seining at Bass Creek all while enjoying their picnics. A cold beverage from Top Hops Half Pint Truck, flying saucers from the Tuck Shop, and homemade sweets made by Mashomack’s volunteers rounded out the afternoon.
The crowd of nearly 200 learned about Mashomack’s conservation work, education and outreach efforts and community partnership endeavors. Both young and old found enjoyment in learning about the importance of choosing alterNATIVE plants for their home gardens and got to take home some local seedlings of bee balm and hyssop in freshy decorated pots.
With summer at our doorstep, Mashomack has many more programs scheduled! Join on us on the trail, in the marsh or on a kayak for a day of fun and discovery in nature. 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. Call 631-749-4219 or email MashomackPresereve@tnc.org to reserve your spot today!
Living Nature Library for Kids
Date: Every Wednesday in July and August, 3 – 4 PM
The Nature Conservancy’s team at Mashomack is coming together with the Shelter Island Library staff to bring you a summer full of programs. Join us as we learn about awesome animals, terrific trees, fun fungi and much more. We’ll read, walk and craft our way through the exciting natural world around us.
Blue Trail Truck Tour
Date: Sunday, July 14, 4 – 6 PM
Take a 10-mile truck ride to the far reaches of Mashomack’s Blue Trail to see oak forests, meadows, and vernal and coastal ponds. This overview of the preserve will allow you to appreciate the many areas of beauty and layers of conservation work here. Families welcome, kids ages 6+.
Fireflies in the Meadows
Date: Friday, July 19, 7:30 – 9 PM
Remember the joy of watching the twinkling lights of fireflies on a summer evening? Join us for a walk in Mashomack’s meadows to learn about these amazing insects while using hand nets to get a close-up view of nature’s fireworks. All ages welcome.
Summer Ecology and DNA Lab Experience
Date: July 15-19 & 22-26, 9 AM – 2 PM (2-week program)
High school students can have fun and participate in science at this extraordinary program with 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. Program cost is $700. Scholarships available. Sign up here.
Log Cabin Creek Shellfish Paddle
Date: Tuesday, July 23, 3 – 5 PM
What could be better than spending a summer afternoon paddling along a quiet coast? We will venture to Log Cabin Creek and learn about the importance of shellfish in our coastal waters from Kate Rossi-Snook of Cornell Cooperative Extension. Kayaks, paddles and safety gear provided. Adults only.
Seedlings: July in the Marsh
Date: Thursday, July 25, 10 – 11:30 AM
Join us as we wade through the water and explore the shoreline of Bass Creek down by Mashomack’s Manor House. We’ll check out the fish, crabs, snails and lots of other animals that call the marsh home. Please come prepared to get wet and wear shoes that can go in the water. Nets and buckets will be provided. Ages 4 to 7; parent or guardian required to stay for program.
Summer Stories at the Manor House
Date: Thursday, July 25, 7 – 8:30 PM
Join Heather Clark Reylek for summer stories on the porch of the Mashomack Manor House as the sun sets over Peconic Bay. Hear tales of the Clark family’s time as caretakers of the House, and their adventures under the summer sun. Light refreshments provided. Ages 12 and up. |
