50 Things to Do Before Memorial Day: Take a Hike through Quogue Wildlife Refuge

Memorial Day weekend draws ever closer, and while we at Dan’s Papers can’t wait, we also know there are many things we have to squeeze in during the next few weeks on the East End, lest we lose our chance with all that summer brings. We know that if we don’t get out and do these now, we’ll have to wait until after Labor Day before we try again…and so will you!

We continue our countdown of things to do before Memorial Day weekend on the East End with #13: Take a Hike through Quogue Wildlife Refuge

Nestled right next to Francis S. Gabreski Airport in Westhampton Beach, the Quogue Wildlife Refuge trails and Distressed Wildlife Complex are open from sunrise to sunset every day. Founded 80 years ago this year, the refuge includes seven miles of trails that exhibit species and ecosystems peculiar to Long Island, including the famous dwarf pines in the Pine Barrens.

The refuge was founded in 1934 to maintain the local black duck population during a period of severe winters. Then known as the Southampton Township Wildfowl Association, the organization garnered a great deal of attention two years after its inception when it was successful in restoring the local duck populations. The refuge has since served to put local animal populations back on their feet in times of hardship, and to rehabilitate and care for severely and permanently injured animals.

But the refuge keeps up to date. The refuge is a welcoming place to visitors as well as to educational speakers. Visit quoguewildliferefuge.com to see the list of upcoming events at the refuge; this includes organic gardening workshops, healthy home environment presentations and nighttime hikes on the grounds. Be sure to sign your kids up for the 2014 Summer Field Ecology Program, and take a peek at Long Island Adventure Week, because this is the first year the program is being offered to adults.

By Memorial Day the trails will be swarming with nature buffs and slowpokes, so before the summer rush, get some nature time in!

Come back tomorrow for 50 Things to Do Before Memorial Day in the Hamptons #12.

<< Read Memorial Day Countdown #14