Mashomack PreserveLocation: Shelter Island, NY
Size: 2,039 acres
Date of hike: July 27, 2017
Mashomack Preserve constitutes nearly one-third of Shelter Island and is often referred to as the "Jewel of the Peconic." So, it's no surprise I liked it so much that I hiked it twice this summer. My first visit was with a friend who is a native of Sag Harbor, which is just a five-minute ferry ride from Shelter Island. My next visit was a solo hike that lasted about four hours. Needless to say, the preserve was calling to me after my initial visit. And if something calls to me, I'll listen.
Prior to hiking, I did a little research to learn more about the preserve's history and habitats. Geographically, Mashomack boasts about 11 miles of sandy coastlines and has interlacing tidal creeks, woodlands and fields that make it "one of the richest habitats in the Northeast," according to the Nature Conservancy. "While many only think of Mashomack Preserve as the 'other' side of Shelter Island, the human and natural histories of this New York treasure reach far back into the 17th century," the conservancy's website said. Apparently, Shelter Island was originally inhabited by the Manhanset indians, who were part of the widespread Algonquin culture, and a chief deeded all of the island to a sugar merchant from Barbados named Nathanial Sylvester in 1653. Sylvester established a Quaker refuge on the island before his son Giles sold the land to the Nicoll family, who were early settlers in the Islip vicinity and owned the Mashomack property for 230 years, according to the conservancy. The site was eventually leased to local fish and game clubs and almost transformed into housing developments before the conservancy bought it for more than $10 million in 1980. Lastly, for those curious, Mashomack is an indian term meaning "where they go by water."
Upon arriving, I was enthusiastically greeted by a volunteer and asked to sign a visitor's log. To my surprise, the people who signed before me came from locations ranging from Canada to the UK. The visitor center contained informational displays, a small gift shop, and even a cool 3D map of Shelter Island. But since I was craving nature, I beelined for the trailhead to the right of the building. There are several trail options: red (1.5 miles), yellow (three miles), green (six miles), and blue (10 miles). All are loops that begin and end at the visitor center. During my first visit, I completed the green trail. During my second visit, I pursued the blue. I must say, they're all very well-marked with a trail map posted at almost every intersection. They also contained an occasional informational kiosk that described wildlife and plant life. Most unmarked trails were off limits though. "For your safety and to protect Mashomack's plants and wildlife please stay on marked trails," one sign said. "Exploration of unmarked areas may result in increased exposure to ticks and the disturbance of sensitive habitats."
One early highlight was a gazebo with a breathtaking view of several swans in Smith Cove. Don't miss it. Shortly thereafter, you'll come across a beautiful meadow where the yellow, green and blue trails intersect. It's easy to take a wrong turn, so study the map carefully. The green trail explores the preserve's southern section that borders the cove and passes Log Cabin Creek and Sanctuary Pond, while the blue trail ventures deep into the preserve and offers incredible views of Gardiners Bay. Interestingly, certain trails had signs stating that prescribed fires had occurred there. "The reason for burning the area was to test the effectiveness of fire in removing dense strands of catbrier to allow for regeneration of forest tree and shrub species," said one sign from April 1995. "We'll monitor this area for several years to document the effect of fire and help us determine future forest management needs."
Regarding wildlife, Mashomack has one of the east coast's largest concentrations of nesting ospreys and more than 200 species of birds have been recorded in the preserve since 1980, according to the conservancy. It is also a popular stop for migratory birds like black ducks, hooded mergansers and Canada geese. Personally, I encountered everything from cheeky chipmunks to a painted turtle to a red fox, which trotted a circle around me. As for plants, the property hosts a pine swamp complex comprised of growth rooted in a floating mat of sphagnum moss. "Probes have found organic accumulations dated to be 3,900 years old," said the conservancy, which calls it "the only natural community of its kind on Long Island."
Before planning a visit, it's important to note the preserve's hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. from March through September; 9 a.m.-4 p.m. from October through February. It's closed on Tuesdays, except in July and August when it is open daily, and is only open on weekends in January. There's a suggested donation of $3 for adults and $2 for children. During your hike, I also encourage you to listen to Billy Joel's "The Downeaster 'Alexa,'" which is the fourth single from his 1990 album Storm Front. The song is gorgeous and it mentions Gardiners Bay.
Without question, Mashomack Preserve is required hiking for nature lovers on Long Island. While the lengthy blue trail might be too much for some hikers, I urge everyone to at least get out on the green. And don't forget to play a little Billy Joel. It'll add some extra magic.
Map: Mashomack Preserve (Google Maps image)
Parking: 41°03'26.5"N 72°19'29.2"W
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