David Weld Sanctuary

Location: Nissequogue, NY

Size: 125 acres

Date of hike: Jan. 19, 2014

David Weld Sanctuary is a beautiful preserve with picturesque bluffs, endless shells and enormous boulders along the Smithtown Bay.  I found out about the sanctuary when one of my Facebook friends posted photos from his recent hike there, and I knew I had to visit it as soon as possible.  However, when I pulled into the preserve's parking lot I was skeptical whether this would even be a worthwhile hike since there was only enough space for six vehicles.  If this place was as awesome as it seemed in my friend's photos, surely it would have a bigger parking lot, I thought.  But luckily, I was off base.  Way of base.

Before exploring, I familiarized myself with the history and habitats of David Weld Sanctuary.  The preserve is probably best known for its 50-foot bluff as well as a 60-foot-deep kettle hole that was formed when a colossal block of glacial ice melted in place during the last Ice Age, according to the Nature Conservancy's website.  It also boasts approximately 1,800 feet of beachfront property and a number of boulders that are scattered throughout the forest and shoreline.  "The David Weld Sanctuary is a wonderful place for birders, geology buffs and wildflower lovers to hike and explore nature," the website said.  "There's also just enough elevation change to help make the trails interesting, but not too daunting for little legs or family excursions."  Apparently, the property was donated by Mr. and Mrs. David Weld between 1969 and 1979, with additional acreage donated and purchased from neighbors.  Prior to the Welds' tenure, a man named Alden Blodgett and his wife, author and actress Cornelia Otis Skinner, bought the land and built a cabin that burned during a storm in 1987.

The sanctuary's entrance is located along Short Beach Road just west of Horse Race Lane, and it is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.  After parking, I started on the three-mile main trail that traverses a large field peppered with red cedar trees and loops around a red maple swamp, according to the conservancy.  I heard that the preserve's prettiest part is its beach region, so I decided to save the best for last.  That meant beginning with the loop into the woods.  The hiking was hilly, but not very hard.  With every step, I admired the array of trees that included black birch, hickory and tulip.  "The sanctuary landscape supports a remarkable diversity of trees, shrubs, vines, ferns and flowers, as well as a variety of birds and small mammals," the website said.  "In spring the giant tulip trees display magnificent blooms.  Look for their long and straight trunks, which were once used to make masts on ships."
 
The hike's highlight for me was the breathtaking beach and the bluff-top path that took me high over the water.  Call me crazy, but I like being just a step away from significant injury.  The adrenaline rush makes me feel alive.  As for the beach itself, it was like stepping into heaven.  Thousands of colorful shells covered the sand, while huge boulders sat along the shoreline begging to be climbed.  I scaled the biggest boulder, which was filled with graffiti.  "Embrace life," said one slogan.  "Pop a squat and enjoy the sunset," stated another one.  The spot was so inspiring.  While there, I threw on Haken's progressive metal masterpiece The Mountain, which is a perfect pick for a hike since its opening song is called "The Path."

Regarding wildlife, the sanctuary is home to various birds, many of which I glimpsed on the hour-long walk.  "In the summer months when you walk along the bluff, observe the burrow holes in the top two or so feet of sediment," the conservancy's website said.  "These were created by bank swallows."  Other birds in the preserve include brants, hummingbirds and orioles.  In addition, eastern tiger swallowtail butterflies can be seen by the property's tulip trees as its leaves are one of their caterpillars' favorite foods, according to the conservancy.

In summary, David Weld Sanctuary should be required hiking for everyone on Long Island.  While I wish I stayed for the sunset like the boulder recommended, I still had a great time.  Even the small parking lot turned out to be a blessing since it limits the number of people able to access the preserve.  And in a place this pretty and peaceful, the fewer the better.

(Updated: Jan. 19, 2019)
  

Map: David Weld Sanctuary (Google Maps image)
Parking: 40°54'18.9"N 73°12'31.1"W
Video: David Weld Sanctuary (360-degree view) 

 

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