wildlife + conservation Long Island

Coastal Research and Education Society of Long Island

Founded in the summer of 1996 by a group of experts in marine mammal science, environmental sciences, education and conservation. CRESLI was formed for the purposes of conducting research, providing educational experiences and promoting conservation of coastal ecosystems. Research and education are inextricably linked in all CRESLI activities. As such, CRESLI actively seeks cooperative alliances with researchers, educational institutions, and the participation of the public.

Fire Island National Seashore

FINS provides diverse marine and terrestrial habitats that support a wide variety of wildlife. Every season is a good season to view Fire Island wildlife and you may be able to observe many of these animals during your excursion in the park. Some animals are seldom seen but are vital components of a healthy natural ecosystem.

One of the most exciting times to view wildlife on Fire Island is during migration. In September and October, thousands of birds and monarchs make a temporary home on the barrier beach as they rest and refuel along their southbound journey. Fire Island's sandy shores, thicket, forest, and marsh provide diverse habitat for these travelers, and the island's place along the Atlantic Flyway make it an attractive stopover for more than one-third of North America's bird species. 

In winter, you may see snowy owls scanning open habitat for their small mammal prey or encounter seals hauled out on the beach. Red fox and white-tailed deer can also be observed year-round. Whether you come to see land animals or marvel at marine life, please do so from a safe distance and help keep wildlife wild.

Group for the East End

Since 1972, Group for the East End has led the way in protecting and restoring the environment of eastern Long Island through education, conservation, and advocacy. They fight for the protection of our land, water, and wildlife, they inspire children to become stewards of the environment, and they engage the community to embrace a conservation ethic and take action.

Long Island Clean Water

The Long Island Clean Water Partnership is a coalition of environmental organizations who are committed to restoring and protecting Long Island’s water quality.

Quogue Wildlife Refuge

A 305 acre non-profit nature preserve that was founded in 1934 and is home to diverse wildlife. Open 365 days a year from sunrise to sunset, you can enjoy walking seven miles of trails to explore diverse habitats including forests and ponds, as well as the ecologically rare Dwarf Pines in the Pine Barrens.

The Outdoor Wildlife Complex houses permanently injured wildlife that require human care to survive including owls, falcons, a fox and other native New York animals.

Theodore Roosevelt Santuary and Audubon Center

A home for discovery and exploration in Oyster Bay. Managed by Audubon New York, the center was established in 1923 as the country’s first National Audubon Society songbird sanctuary. Theodore Roosevelt’s gravesite sits at the edge of the sanctuary property. Fourteen acres boast extensive native plant demonstration gardens, several small ponds, a mile of hiking trails, and their famous Bessie Potter Vonnoh fountain sculpture

Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge

This 2,550 acre refuge on the south shore of Long Island is bisected by the Carmans River; a New York state designated scenic river and one of the largest on the island. Wertheim hosts a variety of habitats including oak-pine woodlands, grasslands and fresh, brackish and salt water wetlands. These habitats attract and support many types of wildlife including white-tailed deer, osprey, muskrat, fox, turtles, frogs and fish. The refuge also serves as a haven for waterfowl, shorebirds, raptors and songbirds.

Seatuck Environmental Association

Dedicated to conserving Long Island wildlife and the environment; this organization pursues its mission by advocating for wildlife and advancing conservation projects, engaging community scientists in wildlife research, and offering high-quality environmental education opportunities for Long Islanders of all ages.

Uplands Farm Sanctuary

True to its name, Uplands Farm Sanctuary in Cold Spring Harbor, retains the appearance of an old dairy farm, complete with a silo and open meadows that were once cattle pastures. Today, the old brick farm buildings serve as an office for The Nature Conservancy's Long Island Chapter. The preserve offers visitors the chance to enjoy a variety of natural habitats and native species. Nearly 2.5 miles of marked trail meanders from bird and butterfly meadows, through deciduous forests, and into a white pine-shaded ravine.

NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation

Wildlife Health resources and guide

North Shore Wildlife Sanctuary

The mission of this sanctuary is to preserve or to aid in the preservation of all types of wild nature, including natural areas, flora and fauna, and biotic communities; to establish nature reserves to be used for scientific, educational, and aesthetic purposes; to promote education in the fields of nature preservation and conservation. The North Shore Wildlife Sanctuary has 13 properties closely centered around the communities of Mill Neck and Lattingtown. The properties include a wide variety of habitats such as lakes, salt marshes, swamps, open meadows, and forests.

Suffolk County Environmental Center

A public nature center located on the Scully Estate in Islip, New York. The facility, which opened on Earth Day 2010, is operated by the Seatuck Environmental Association through a long-term custodial agreement with the Suffolk County Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation. The 70-acre facility lies near the shores of the Great South Bay and is adjacent to the Seatuck National Wildlife Refuge and the Islip Town Beach. A system of trails and boardwalks gives visitors access to the property’s diverse mix of habitats, including extensive salt marsh, freshwater wetlands and mature upland forest. In addition to opportunities for self-guided exploration and passive recreation, visitors can take advantage of Seatuck’s full schedule of public and private nature programs at the nature center.

Volunteers for Wildlife

A non-profit Wildlife Hospital & Education Center located in Locust Valley, New York. The Center is dedicated to the preservation of Long Island's wildlife & natural habitats through education & wildlife rehabilitation since 1982. Volunteers for Wildlife admits over 2,000 injured & orphaned wild animals to their hospital every year.