Group for the East End Stays Busy Despite Move

Local environmental advocacy organization Group for the East End moved out of its longstanding office in Bridgehampton and will now operate solely out of its Southold office on the North Fork.

Group for the East End made the move to save money, according to Southampton Patch, but its coverage remains the same. Group president Bob DeLuca told Patch that the Bridgehampton space was costing $15,000 to $18,000 per year and donations have been inconsistent since the economic downturn in 2008.

Despite its move to full time operations on the North Fork, the Group is continuing to do its good work on both forks. See the events below and click to donate or join Group for the East End.

On Sunday, January 27 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., the Group is gathering to watch, feed and interact with the chickadees at the Elizabeth A. Morton National Wildlife Refuge off Noyac Road in Noyac. If you’ve never been, these birds will fly down and literally eat right out of your hand!

During a short nature walk through the woods to Peconic Bay, you’ll spend some time attempting to meet these energetic songbirds up close. The walk is appropriate for the entire family and birdseed will be provided. For reservations or more information, please contact Steve Biasetti at 631-765-6450 ext. 205 or email sbiasetti@eastendenvironment.org.

On Saturday, February 2 from 10-11 a.m., join Group educator Missy Weiss at the Downs Farm Preserve in Cutchogue for a birdhouse-building workshop. Each participant will construct and take home a birdhouse. Registration is required.

For reservations or more information, please contact Missy Weiss at 631-765-6450 ext. 219 or email mweiss@eastendenvironment.org.

On Sunday, March 3 from 1-3:30 p.m. visit Hampton Bays’ barrier island for an exciting bird– and seal–watching excursion along Dune Road.

Hampton Bays’ barrier island provides excellent wildlife-watching opportunities throughout the year. During this late-winter search the Group hopes to find Harbor Seal, Common Loon, Horned Grebe, American Bittern, Great Egret, American Oystercatcher, Long-Tailed Duck, Snow Bunting, Marsh Hawk, and perhaps Short-Eared or Snowy Owl. Binoculars are required. For reservations or more information, please contact Steve Biasetti at 631-765-6450 ext. 205 or email sbiasetti@eastendenvironment.org.

On its website, www.groupfortheeastend.org, Group for the East End describes itself as the protector of the environment on the East End. “We’re the watchdogs, policing policy. We’re hands on, protecting and restoring our environment and igniting kids’ passions. If you want to make sure this place stays pristine, now and forever, make a difference,” it says.