Pine Neck Nature SanctuaryLocation: East Quogue, NY
Size: 77 acres
Date of hike: Feb. 21, 2015
Pine Neck Nature Sanctuary is a tiny hiking spot with a pine-oak forest, salt marsh and beautiful beach along the Shinnecock Bay. It also has a small loop trail that's popular for birdwatching and a section of the Bay to Bay Footpath, which we'll get to later. For starters, I found Pine Neck while looking for property under the jurisdiction of the Nature Conservancy, which maintains some of my favorite trails on Long Island. Having recently enjoyed a couple of the conservancy's other preserves, I was eager to squeeze in a hike at this "oasis," which is what the conservancy calls the sanctuary. Needless to say, even snow couldn't stop me.
Before exploring, I briefly researched the history and habitats of Pine Neck Nature Sanctuary, which is one of the few places where the pine barrens extend all the way to the south shore on Long Island, according to the Nature Conservancy's website. "The sanctuary's marked trail system, a loop that takes around an hour to hike, traverses through forest, skirts salt marsh and ends up at a viewpoint on the north side of Shinnecock Bay," the website said. "The clashing of habitats and picturesque landscapes make this an ideal place for nature photography, wildlife viewing, bird watching, and hiking." The conservancy also described this marsh as an excellent example of a saltmarsh cordgrass-dominated coastal meadow, which is a habitat important to both humans and animals because it can capture pollutants before they enter our bays and beaches. The property itself was once the waterfront estate of a lady named Zoe Van Wyck DeRopp, who donated a dozen acres to the conservancy in 1972, with additional acreage purchased as part of an agreement between the conservancy and the Town of Southampton in 2000. Lastly, for those wondering, pets are not permitted.
The sanctuary's entrance is on the south side of Head of Lots Road at the T-intersection with Coolidge Lane. There are 2.4 miles of nature trails inside the sanctuary, including a 0.9-mile main loop that parallels a portion of the roughly eight-mile-long Bay to Bay Footpath, which starts in Squiretown Park near the Peconic Bay and ends in Pine Neck Nature Sanctuary. The loop trail begins in a forest that resembles the "typical Long Island pine barrens-type habitat," according to the conservancy, and it eventually meanders along the coastal salt marsh where fields of saltmarsh cordgrass (also known as Spartina alterniflora) buffer the mainland and forest from the open waters of the Shinnecock Bay. "Intact, coastal marsh systems such as this one can act as important natural protection barriers during intense coastal storms such as tropical storms or hurricanes," the conservancy's website stated. "They're nature's way of protecting us from damaging storm surges and large flood events."
The preserve's highlights for me were its two viewpoints (one in the marsh; one on the beach) that overlook the Shinnecock Bay. The beauty was unbelievable. At the beach, I wandered westward past an osprey platform until I reached a small waterway called Weesuck Creek. From there, I retreated to the main trail. I noticed each time I passed the platform that an osprey would fly to a nearby tree and return shortly thereafter. I guess he felt threatened. Sorry, osprey! "Osprey nearly disappeared from Long Island during the 1970s due to the impact of DDT on their breeding success, but the numbers recovered since that pesticide was banned," a sign stated. "Now, the wooden platforms that have been erected for their nests are in high demand and many chicks hatch each spring along Long Island's shores."
Other birds ranged from great egrets to least terns, with the sanctuary's upland areas having orioles, tanagers and warblers. In addition, northern harriers and Iceland gulls can be seen at the main marsh and the mouth of Weesuck Creek, respectively. "Bring your binoculars because a diverse array of bird species can be found in the preserve throughout the year," the conservancy's website said. Also, look out for ticks, primarily from April to October. "Deer and lone star ticks are common at the preserve and proper protection measures should help to ensure an enjoyable experience throughout the year," the website said.
Upon completing the loop, I quickly went around again – but not before picking Tool's 2001 album Lateralus on my iPod. For some reason, I was in a Tool mood. I've begun to better appreciate their music in recent years, realizing the role they've played in the evolution of progressive metal, which is my favorite genre. Their aggressive album was just the right accompaniment on this day. Now if they'd just finally release a new album this lifetime.
Overall, I'd definitely recommend a visit to the sanctuary if you find yourself looking for a hike on Long Island's South Fork. The preserve is a peaceful place that left me feeling refreshed. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if I find myself back soon to tackle that Bay to Bay Footpath.
(Updated: May 8, 2020)
Parking: 40°50'51.7"N 72°33'56.6"W
Video: Pine Neck Nature Sanctuary (360-degree view)
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