Quogue Wildlife Refuge: A Message from the Director

Dear Refuge Members and Friends,

We are glad to be able to be here for you and everyone in the community during this challenging time. Getting out into nature is beneficial on so many levels, and we recognize the importance of exercise and fresh air during this time when we are social distancing and otherwise staying home.

We have made continuous changes at the Refuge to keep our staff, volunteers, and the community safe. Our trails are currently remaining open, and visitors must use the trails in a counterclockwise direction. The trails have been marked for everyone’s convenience. As long as people continue to properly social distance or until we are directed otherwise, we will keep the nature trails open for you. We are observing that guests are abiding by the social distancing requirement and will continue to monitor visitation.

On the home front, our resident animals are being well cared for, our trails are being maintained for you, and our staff remain employed with their benefits. Quogue Wildlife Refuge is considered an essential business as a wildlife center, as the animals must be cared for daily. QWR is pleased to be bringing free environmental education programming to the public during this time via #QWRNatureNews. We are also actively planning virtual programming and activities for schools, as well as for Earth Day. As you know, education and conservation is a big part of what we do here.

We recognize this pandemic has been difficult for everyone. QWR has lost all income from Spring Programming as well as from a Golf Fundraiser, totaling a current loss of over $50,000.

We are asking at this time for you to please consider making a donation of what you can to support the Refuge. Donations of any amount will be greatly appreciated.

On behalf of the Board of Directors and Staff, we wish you and your loved ones safety, wellness, and peace during this unusual and unprecedented time.

Thank you for your continued support.

Sincerely,

Michael J. Nelson
Executive Director