A significant law enforcement presence was reported Wednesday evening at the Underhill Preserve, an 81-acre nature preserve nestled in the heart of Jericho, Long Island. Authorities from both the FBI and the Nassau County Police Department were seen actively searching the wooded property, drawing attention and concern from local residents and passersby.
Law Enforcement Presence Draws Attention Near Jericho High School
The operation began in the early evening hours near Cedar Swamp Road, directly across from Jericho High School. Witnesses reported a flurry of activity, including crime scene investigation vehicles, marked and unmarked police cars, and numerous uniformed officers, along with plain-clothed agents combing the grounds.
Several crime scene search units from Nassau County were parked along the roadside and seen entering the dense brush with flashlights and equipment. Drones were also observed flying overhead, suggesting aerial reconnaissance or surveillance.
FBI Takes the Lead
While Nassau County police initially responded to press inquiries, they quickly deferred all questions to the FBI, indicating that the federal agency is likely leading the investigation. As of press time, the FBI has not issued a public statement or responded to inquiries about the nature or scope of the search operation.
This lack of official comment has fueled speculation, as residents wonder whether the investigation is tied to a cold case, ongoing criminal investigation, or missing person.
“It’s not every day you see this kind of presence here,” said one Jericho resident who wished to remain anonymous. “Underhill is usually quiet. Families walk here. Now we’re seeing officers with tactical gear—it’s unsettling.”
What Is Underhill Preserve?
The Underhill Preserve is one of Nassau County’s lesser-known yet ecologically significant green spaces. It was purchased in 2002 through a joint effort by the State of New York, Nassau County, and the Town of Oyster Bay, as part of a broader initiative to preserve open space and protect Long Island’s natural resources from overdevelopment.
The preserve consists of rolling hills, forested areas, and wetlands. It is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including migratory birds, deer, foxes, and other small mammals. Trails crisscross the preserve, making it a popular destination for local hikers, joggers, birdwatchers, and nature enthusiasts.
Underhill Preserve also plays an important role in stormwater management and groundwater recharge, filtering rainwater that seeps into Long Island’s aquifers—an important detail considering how reliant the region is on underground water supplies.
A History of Preservation and Controversy
The preservation of the Underhill land was met with praise at the time of purchase. However, over the years, the site has also been subject to debate and controversy. There have been occasional discussions about development projects, trail expansions, and even past incidents involving illegal dumping and trespassing.
The preserve’s location—bordering residential neighborhoods, a high school, and a major roadway (Route 107)—adds to its complexity. While valued for its environmental importance, the preserve has also, on occasion, attracted late-night visitors, partygoers, and, as some residents have claimed, "mischief."
In the past decade, the site has rarely been in the news. Wednesday night’s law enforcement activity marks the most significant event at the preserve in recent memory.
Community Concerns and Speculation
As word of the investigation spread across local social media platforms and community groups, residents have expressed concern for public safety and sought answers.
“Is there someone dangerous on the loose?” asked one commenter in a Jericho Facebook group.
“Was something buried there? Are they looking for evidence in an old case?” asked another.
At this time, law enforcement has not issued any alerts or public safety warnings, suggesting there is no immediate threat to the community. However, the scope of the search, coupled with the FBI’s involvement, points to a potentially serious or long-running investigation.
Some speculators have pointed to a possible connection to missing persons cases, while others suggest that the operation could be part of a wider federal investigation involving Long Island or the greater New York metropolitan area.
Not the First High-Profile Search on Long Island
This is not the first time federal authorities have conducted a major search in a wooded area on Long Island. In recent years, multiple high-profile investigations—ranging from MS-13 gang activity to cold-case homicides—have led law enforcement to secluded areas like state parks, beaches, and nature preserves.
Notably, the Gilgo Beach serial killings investigation, which eventually led to the arrest of Rex Heuermann, saw authorities scouring marshlands, parks, and beaches for human remains and evidence. That case taught Long Islanders that places often thought of as peaceful and scenic can sometimes conceal disturbing secrets.
While it remains unknown if the Underhill Preserve search is connected to any similar high-profile case, the methodical search effort and multi-agency involvement suggest that this is more than a routine investigation.
The Role of Nature Preserves in Law Enforcement Investigations
Nature preserves like Underhill often present both opportunity and challenge for law enforcement. Their secluded, wooded environments can be ideal for hiding evidence, but they’re also logistically difficult to search due to rough terrain and limited access roads.
Additionally, preserves are considered environmentally sensitive, requiring law enforcement teams to balance investigative needs with conservation concerns. Specialized canine units, forensic botanists, and cadaver dogs are sometimes deployed in these searches, particularly when the investigation involves missing persons or potential gravesites.
It is currently unknown if any specialized search units or cadaver dogs were deployed at Underhill.
What Happens Next?
For now, the community waits for answers. With both Nassau County Police and the FBI remaining tight-lipped, it is unclear how long the investigation at Underhill Preserve will continue, or what investigators are hoping to uncover.
Given the scale of the search, it’s possible that more information will be released in the coming days as the agencies conclude their fieldwork or if significant findings are made.
LongIsland.com will continue to monitor the situation closely and will provide updates as they become available.
If you live near the preserve or were in the area during the time of the search and have relevant information or footage, you are encouraged to contact local law enforcement or the FBI’s tip line.
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