 The
Long Pond Greenbelt, spectacular in its wealth of rare plants, animals, and
ecological communities is widely recognized as one of the state's most environmentally
significant areas. It harbors one of the highest concentration of rare plants
and animals in New York State. The Greenbelt's
most splendid feature consists of a collection of thirteen coastal
plain ponds and pond shore communities. The New York Heritage Program
classifies many of the Greenbelt's ponds, fauna, and flora as rare
both in New York State and worldwide. In recognition of the area's
unique and fragile status, Southampton has dedicated 14 of its Greenbelt
parcels into its Nature Preserve program, which extends the highest
degree of protection in town law. The rest of Southampton's
Greenbelt properties are currently in nomination for Nature Preserve
status.
Within the 1,100-acre Greenbelt management boundaries (roughly Sagg
Road and Sagg Main Streets to the east and the Bridgehampton-Sag Harbor
Turnpike and Ocean Road to the west), more than 600 acres have been preserved
outright since 1975 by Suffolk County, Southampton Town, and the Nature
Conservancy. New York State has assisted purchases with funds from the
1986 Environmental Quality Bond Act and long-term, low-interest loans.
Greenbelt ponds, which are under the aegis of the Board of Trustees of
the Freeholders and Commonalty of the Town of Southampton, cover close
to 300 acres.
Friends of the Long Pond Greenbelt
is dedicated to the preservation, stewardship, and public appreciation
of the unique expanse of coastal plain ponds, freshwater swamps, wetlands,
and woodlands in the Town of Southampton known as the Long Pond Greenbelt,
which stretches from Ligonee Creek in Sag Harbor to Sagaponack Pond in
Sagaponack.
UPCOMING EVENTS
FLPG MONTHLY MEETING. Monday, August
11. 6:00 p.m. Members and guests
invited. Long Pond Greenbelt Nature Center, 1061 Sag Harbor/Bridgehampton
Turnpike, just north of the Scuttlehole/Turnpike intersection. Call Sandra
Ferguson for further information: 537-3752.
EXPLORING SAGG POND'S WILDLIFE WITH NATURALIST MIKE BOTTINI. Thursday,
August 14. 5:30 - 8:00 p.m. This unusual coastal lagoon is an important
habitat for a variety of wildlife. Last year's trip included a good look
at a great-horned owl. Suitable for novice paddlers (no first-timers
please; participants should have some paddling experience). $20 per tour.
Rentals available: single kayaks = $30/tour; tandem kayaks = $50/tour
(seats 2). Registration required: Call 631-267-5228 or e-mail mike@peconic.org
to register and get directions
SAGG POND PADDLE AND BBQ WITH GROUP FOR THE EAST
END. Friday, August
15. 6:00 - 10:00 p.m. Take a one-mile paddle down Sag Pond to the ocean
beach for BBQ, bonfire, and sunset. Weather permitting, paddle back by
the light of the full moon. Boat rentals: single kayak $30; double kayak
or canoe $50. BQ: $25 (under 12, $15). Bring your own drinks and a chair
or blanket. For reservations or more information, contact Jodi Grindrod
at 537-1400 x23 or jgrindrod@eastendenvironment.org.
VINEYARD FIELD FULL MOON WALK. Saturday, Aug. 16. 8:00 - 10:00 p.m. SHTPS
event. Meet at South Fork Natural History Museum on Bridgehampton Tpke.
ERIC WOODWARD’S HISTORIC POSTCARD COLLECTION. Monday, August 18.
6:00 - 8:00 p.m. See scenes of Southampton and surrounding areas fro
m1905 to 1935. At Town of Southampton’s Long Pond Greenbelt Nature
Center, located at 1061 Bridgehampton-Sag Harbor Turnpike, just north
of the intersection with Scuttlehole Road. Parking is limited and may
require a short walk along a dirt drive. The building is not handicap
accessible. If you have questions, call Laura Smith, Principal Environmental
Analyst with the Town of Southampton Community Preservation Department,
at 287-5720.
QUICK-PACED LONG POND GREENBELT HIKE. Sunday, Aug. 17. 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.
SHTPS event. Meet at Mashashimuet Park, Sag Harbor. 5 miles. Dai Dayton,
745-0689.
NARROW LANE CLEAN UP. Saturday, Aug.23, 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. Meet at
Narrow and Norris Lanes, Bridgehampton. Dai Dayton, 745-0689
SNAPPING TURTLES: PREHISTORIC MONSTER HUNT. Sunday., Aug 20. 10:00 a.m.
South Fork Natural History Museum. Leader: Andy Sabin. For Children and
Adults. Of ancient lineage, the snapping turtle, which can grow to a
length of 3 feet from head to tail and weigh as much as 70 pounds, will
be the main subject of this adventure with Andy. You'll also get to know
the Painted Turtle, and perhaps meet up with the aptly named Stickpot
Turtle. Children love this walk.
SoFo Museum events are free to SoFo members. Non-members are charged
$7 for adults, $5 for children. This fee includes a visit to the museum
on the day of the event. Call the museum to make reservations: 537-9735.
For more information call
Dai Dayton (631
745 0689)
or Sandra Ferguson (631 537 3752) |
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The Vineyard Field Achievement Report is
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