More About the South Shore Nature Center

The South Shore Nature Center resulted from the vision and generosity of Decker and Betty Orr. The Orrs donated their 23-acre East Islip property and family home to the Town of Islip in the 1970s and initiated the idea of creating an environmental education center. Then, working closely with Town Supervisor Peter Cohalen, they convinced neighboring property owners, including the Nature Conservancy and Suffolk County, to partner in the effort and eventually cobbled together the 200-acre sanctuary for the nature center. 

The Orr family home was converted into a visitor center (later renamed the “Orr Wildlife Learning Center” or “O.W.L Center” in honor of the Decker and Betty Orr), which featured beautiful dioramas and other nature exhibits, as well as live animals. Later, nature trails and long, wonderful boardwalk (expertly constructed by Christian Kranenberg) were added. Over the years, the property became a beloved community asset, providing opportunities for education, exploration and respite. 

For decades the Town of Islip staffed the facility with an on-site naturalist that acted as caretaker of the property and provided educational programming for schools, scout groups and the general public. Alison Tews served this role as the naturalist and caretaker – and the popular public face of the facility – for more than two decades until 2012.  

Seatuck took over the educational programming at the facility in 2013. In addition to providing weekend staffing at the welcome center, Seatuck also uses the facility to host school and public programs, including summer programs and the Little Peepers Forest Preschool.