Nature Conservancy @ Mashomack / June: Ocean Kayaking / Dragonfly Exploration / Bird Photography / Trails …

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June at Mashomack

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

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The Visitor Center Exhibits are open Thursday-Saturday, 10 AM – 3 PM

Visitor Center Restrooms open daily 8 AM – 7 PM

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We are partnering with Peconic Baykeeper to capture data to help monitor changes to salt marshes over time. © Rebecca Kusa/TNC

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Conservation Connections

Team members from Mashomack and Peconic Baykeeper joined forces to install two Chronolog stations at two salt marshes on the preserve, Miss Annie’s Creek and Bass Creek. Mashomack is serving as one of nine partner sites under Baykeeper’s Project R.I.S.E. (Recording Inundation Surrounding the Estuary), an innovative community science and outreach initiative aimed at engaging the East End community in documenting coastal changes surrounding the Peconic Estuary. Chronolog is a community science platform that captures images from each site over an initial project timeline of five years. Together, these photos will help us get a better picture of how our marshes are reacting to climate change and sea level rise over time. You can find the Mashomack stations at our new Red Trail spur at Miss Annie’s Creek and along the Blue Trail at the back end of Bass Creek.

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Summer weather is here and preserve programming is in full swing! 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. Email MashomackPresereve@tnc.org to reserve your spot today!

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World Oceans Day Kayak Trip
Date: Saturday, June 8^th, 10 AM – 12 PM
All water is connected. Join our team as we paddle along the Mashomack coastline and explore the preserve from the sea in honor of World Oceans Day. Kayaks, paddles and safety gear provided. Adults only.

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Bluebirds and Blueberry Muffins
Date: Saturday, June 15^th, 9 – 11 AM
When was the last time you saw the brilliant blue of the New York state bird? Bring a portable chair and binoculars and we’ll take a truck ride to Mashomack’s meadows to watch an active nest. Relax, have a light breakfast and learn about this charismatic “harbinger of happiness.”

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Dragonfly Exploration
Date: Saturday, June 22^nd, 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Dragonflies are beautiful, beneficial and truly fascinating. Dragonfly expert Kevin Munroe will lead this exploration at Mashomack’s Bass Creek and Sanctuary Pond. Come search for dragonflies and use hand nets to get rare, closeup looks at these colorful and amazing insects. You’ll even get a chance to hold them briefly before they’re released.

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Bird Photography in the Mashomack Meadows
Date: Saturday June 29^th, 8 – 10 AM
The mulberry trees in Mashomack’s meadows are a magnet for birds in late June. Bring your camera and join wildlife photographers Don Bindler and Jim Colligan to get tips on how to capture the perfect image.

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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.

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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.

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June Book in the Woods
Autumn Peltier, Water Warrior by Carole LindstromYou are never too young to make a difference. Autumn Peltier is an Indigenous Rights activist who found her voice in advocating for clean water, as her great aunt did before her. Poetic language and stunning illustrations may inspire you to do the same. Come take a self-guided, half-mile walk and read as you go.