State parks, nature centers, and non-profit wildlife groups across Long Island are still keeping busy with the colder weather by posting numerous outdoor events to keep people exercising, and to educate the public on the many onderful aspects of nature in the wintertime. For one, seal walks across Long Island are picking up, as the seals come to the area in droves as part of their migration patterns, and will be around for most of the winter. There are also bird watching events for amateurs and professionals alike. If you are a writer, nature in the wintertime can be very inspiring, and the Theodore Roosevelt Nature Center at Jones Beach State Park is hosting a series of walks for poets to gather inspiration and share their work. Many of these nature events are also free of cost, so you can enjoy a day out with the family while still saving up for the holidays! Be sure to layer up and register for these wonderful wintertime events:
Cranberry and Dunes Hike
November 22, 10:00 a.m.
Napeague Harbor Road off Route 27
Amagansett - 11930
631-375-2339
Cost: Free
Bring a plastic bag and wear low cut boots for a fun trip to learn about the walking dunes and pick cranberries.
South Shore Audubon Society Bird Walk
November 23, 9:30-12:00 p.m.
Merrick Road and Ocean Avenue
Massapequa Park - 11758
516-467-9498
Cost: Free
Bring your binoculars and learn about Long Island’s diverse species of birds from walk leaders, naturalists, and experienced birders.
Preschool Nature Explorers
November 27, 1:00-2:15
South Shore Nature Center
130 Bayview Ave.
East Islip - 11730
631-581-6908
Cost: $8 per child
This nature exploration class is designed for young children to enjoy everything the outside world has to offer by taking hikes, making nature crafts, planting seeds, and going on scavenger hunts. It is offered on the last Thursday of the month through the end of January.
Day After Turkey Day Hike in Barcelona
November 28 10 a.m.
Sag Harbor State Park Golf Course
Off Route 114
Sag Harbor - 11963
631-725-3367
Cost: Free
Take a 3.5 mile hike around Barcelona Neck using old Trustee roads dating back to the 1700s. Some of this trail may be on the beach.
“Owl Prowl” At Old Bethpage Village Restoration
November 29, 6:00 p.m.
Old Bethpage Village Restoration
Round Swamp Rd.
Old Bethpage - 11804
(516) 572-0200
Cost: $5 per person, additional $3 per person for the hike (only open to first 30 registrants)
Live owls will be brought out for this 1-hour presentation, which will include local species and owls from around the world. There will be a hike after the presentation to listen for owls. Please bring a flashlight.
Birding at Montauk Point
December 6, 9:00 a.m.
Montauk Point
2000 New York 27
Montauk – 11954
516-433-5590
Cost: Free
The Huntington-Oyster Bay Audubon Society will host this fun search for winter birds, including spot scoters, eiders, loons, gannets, pond ducks, gulls, razorbills, and snow buntings. Registration is necessary.
Poetry Hike: Winter Walk
December 13, 9:30-2:00 p.m.
Theodore Roosevelt Nature Center at Jones Beach State Park
Ocean Pkwy.
Wantagh - 11793
516-780-3295
Cost: $4 per person
Nassau County’s first poet laureate, Max C. Wheat and poet, teacher, and naturalist Tom Stock will lead this poetry hike for people ages 18 or older. Be sure to make a reservation.
Holiday Party for Wildlife
December 13, 1:00 p.m.
Tackapausha Museum and Preserve
Washington Ave
Merrick Road and Sunrise Highway
Seaford 11783
516-571-7443
Cost: $5 per person
Witness a 1-hour live animal presentation and a special visit from Santa, then join ecologist Pierre Warny to discuss the specimens at Tackapausha while enjoying light refreshments.
Seal Hike in Montauk
December 21, 12 p.m.
Montauk Point State Park
2000 Montauk Highway
Montauk - 11954
631-668-5000 ext.201
Cost: $4 per adult, $3 per child
Meet at the Montauk Concession Building, and be sure to register a spot on this 3-mile hike. Spots fill up fast!
Other dates: January 3, January 4, January 19