Nature Conservancy @ Mashomack / Winter Self-Guided Scavanger Hunt | Night Hike, 3.12th ….

Snow has been piling up this winter, but spring is within reach. Beneath winter’s stillness, the promise of spring is quietly taking root. Animals are stirring and new life is sprouting. Celebrate this time of transition at the preserve—add some backyard birds to your tally at our Visitor Center feeder, explore the trails on skis or snowshoes or join our team for a program. All programs require advanced registration unless otherwise noted. Email MashomackPreserve@tnc.org to reserve your spot today. 

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.

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. Poor trail conditions or snowfall may require cancellation.

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. Poor trail conditions or snowfall may require cancellation.

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.

Speaker Series: Farmers in the Marsh
Date: Friday, April 17th, 5:30 – 6:30 PM

Dr. Nicole Maher, senior coastal scientist for The Nature Conservancy in New York, will take a deep dive into the history of human impact on our local coastal marshes. Join us as we uncover the hidden secrets of our salt marshes and discuss what the future may have in store as our planet continues to warm and sea levels rise.

Earth Day Celebration: Stewardship Day
Date: Saturday, April 18th, 10 AM – 12 PM

As Earth Day approaches, we invite you to get your hands dirty with our Conservation Land Steward at the preserve. Help us welcome the change of seasons and return of pollinators as we prepare our native garden for spring planting. Additional volunteer opportunities will also be available.

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 may make you want to go owling and is a great way to get your kids into the outdoors.

Environmental Explorers: Registration is open 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.