The only dam on West Brook, a major tributary of the Connetquot River, failed in 2019 and allowed the artificial pond behind it to drain. For the first time in over 100 years, the brook could once again flow naturally from its headwaters in Bayard Cutting Arboretum State Park down to the tidal reaches of the Great South Bay. It is now one of a only a few free-flowing streams on Long Island. It has great ecological potential as a place where migratory fish can return and other native riverine species can once again find a home.
2025 LI Natural History Conference
The 2025 Long Island Natural History Conference will be held on March 28-29. More details coming soon!
Nissequogue River
The Nissequogue River, the largest river on Long Island’s North Shore, is artificially impounded by two dams that significantly impact its overall ecological health. The upstream dam, at Stump Pond in Blydenburgh County Park, recently failed.
Protecting Birds – EN
In September 2019, in a widely reported article appearing in Science magazine, researchers documented a significant decline in the overall abundance of birds in North America. Studies showed a 29% reduction birds since 1970, totaling approximately 3 billion birds. Some bird groups – such as grassland birds – have declined even more precipitously, dropping by more than half.
Protecting Birds Copy
In September 2019, in a widely reported article appearing in Science magazine, researchers documented a significant decline in the overall abundance of birds in North America. Studies showed a 29% reduction birds since 1970, totaling approximately 3 billion birds. Some bird groups – such as grassland birds – have declined even more precipitously, dropping by more than half.
Water Reuse Copy
Long Island is facing a water crisis, with regard to both the fresh drinking water aquifers that sustain our daily lives and the salty coastal waters that enrich them. This crisis is reflected by what has been a steady, many decades-long deterioration in water quality, from excess nitrogen fueled by human sewage, to toxic plumes and spills, all while we “mine” our water supply by taking out more water than is being replenished.
Long Island Mammal Survey
The Long Island Mammal Survey was launched in 2023 to assess populations of terrestrial and semi-aquatic mammal across Long Island.
Volunteer River Herring & Eel Survey
The annual Long Island Volunteer River Herring & Eel Survey is one of Long Island’s longest running community science projects.
Bat Map Long Island
Bat Map Long Island About Bat Map LI BatMap Long Island is a community science project that enlists bat lovers in an effort to identify important bat foraging sites and roosts across Long Island. Participants are simply asked to submit
Coyote Tracker
Coyote Tracker is a community science project that engages Long Islanders in the effort to monitor the colonization of our region by Eastern Coyotes.