Bayside Beach Exploration at Circle Beach: All Ages
Exploration Leader: Jackie Avignone, South Fork Natural History Museum (SOFO) Environmental Educator
Join Environmental Educator Jackie Avignone for a walk through coastal habitats of bay beaches and salt marshes. We’ll learn about the native and invasive species that make up these areas and how they are adapted to their environments through hands on activities, that include dip nets and seining. We’ll explore wildlife from the ground up, as low as the fiddler crabs in the sand to as high as the Ospreys in the sky!
Please note that, as mandated by the latest State Executive Order regarding COVID-19 safety precautions, our outdoor nature walks are limited to a maximum of 25 people which includes our staff. SOFO will at all times follow stringent six-feet distancing separation protocols required by the Department of Health for the safety of our participants and environmental educators. We will provide masks and gloves for all attendees.
Advanced reservations are required for all events. To register for this walk, which is limited to 25 people please contact us at info@sofo.org. Spots will be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis, and we will confirm your reservation by email.
SOFO’s Young Environmentalists Society (YES!): Ages 10-16
Club Leader: Mare Dianora, an educator and the mother of two young sons, is an interdisciplinary artist whose practice involves building community and exploring connections to home and place.
The mission of SOFO’s new Young Environmentalists Society, known as YES!, for ages 10 to 16, is to engage young minds in developing a fuller awareness and understanding of the current state of our environment. The group works together and, through experience-based learning, place-based learning, critical thinking processes, and local activism, develops strategies for individuals and the community that are designed to shape how we live on this planet now and in the future.
The Club meets the last Saturday of each month, from 10am to 11:30am. This is a free program, thanks to the generosity of a foundation which prefers to remain anonymous. There is bilingual support for Spanish speaking participants.
Please note that, as mandated by the latest State Executive Order regarding COVID-19 safety precautions, our outdoor nature walks and programs are limited to a maximum of 25 people which includes our staff. SOFO will at all times follow stringent six-feet distancing separation protocols required by the Department of Health for the safety of our participants and environmental educators. We will provide masks and gloves for all attendees.
Advanced reservations are required for all events. To register for this program, which is limited to 25 people please contact us at info@sofo.org. Spots will be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis, and we will confirm your reservation by email.
“BioBlitz”—Surveying the Life of Vineyard Field: All Ages
*The museum will be closed for this program from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Program Leader: Rachel Speckenback, South Fork Natural History Museum (SOFO) Environmental Educator
A BioBlitz is an in-depth survey of all living things in an area over a period of time—usually 24 hours. For the sake of time and resources, SOFO will be conducting a sample BioBlitz in a given area of Vineyard Field, the field behind the museum, over a 3-hour timespan. Join program leader SOFO environmental educator Rachel Speckenbach and other SOFO educators to learn about plant and animal species identification and help us discover what’s living behind the museum! We will try to record as many plants, animals, and fungi as possible. This program provides a great opportunity for families to learn about the biodiversity of the South Fork. Please bring water and dress appropriately for working outdoors
Please note that, as mandated by the latest State Executive Order regarding COVID-19 safety precautions, our outdoor nature walks and programs are limited to a maximum of 25 people which includes our staff. SOFO will at all times follow stringent six-feet distancing separation protocols required by the Department of Health for the safety of our participants and environmental educators. We will provide masks and gloves for all attendees.
Advanced reservations are required for all events. To register for this program, which is limited to 25 people please contact us at info@sofo.org. Spots will be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis, and we will confirm your reservation by email.
Full Harvest Moon Hike with Friends of the Long Pond Greenbelt: All Ages
Cosponsored by the South Fork Natural History Museum (SOFO) and Friends of the Long Pond Greenbelt (FLPG)
Hike Leader: Dai Dayton, President, Friends of the Long Pond Greenbelt
Join Friends of the Long Pond Greenbelt and the South Fork Natural History Museum on this one-hour, leisurely-paced hike through open-field trails. This full moon’s name is attributed to Native Americans because it marked when corn was to be harvested. At the peak of harvest, farmers can work late into the night by the light of this moon. Afterward, stay for light refreshments and convivial conversation.
Please note that, as mandated by the latest State Executive Order regarding COVID-19 safety precautions, our outdoor nature walks are limited to a maximum of 25 people which includes our staff. SOFO will at all times follow stringent six-feet distancing separation protocols required by the Department of Health for the safety of our participants and environmental educators. We will provide masks and gloves for all attendees.
Advanced reservations are required for all events. To register for this walk, which is limited to 25 people please contact greenbeltnews@aol.com. Spots will be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis, and we will confirm your reservation by email.
Birding with Frank to Celebrate World Shorebirds Day: Adults/Children 8+
Walk Leader: Frank Quevedo, Executive Director, South Fork Natural History Museum (SOFO)
The numbers of shorebirds around the world have been declining. Global recognition of this decline has resulted in the creation of World Shorebirds Day. The day will be commemorated by a worldwide shorebird count to encourage conservation and recognition of these birds. Join SOFO for this Annual World Shorebirds Day program honoring these magnificent birds. No experience necessary to join. Binoculars are a must, a field guide to birds of eastern North America is recommended.
From the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service:
The World Shorebirds Day was shaped with the following goals:
- To advance community mindfulness about the need to safeguard shorebirds and their homes throughout their life cycles;
- To advance community mindfulness about the need for constant shorebird study;
- To link people with shorebirds through key shorebird places around the globe;
- To get shorebird supporters to present shorebirds to more birders;
- To increase mindfulness about the essential need for increased capital for shorebird study, observing and management.
Please note that, as mandated by the latest State Executive Order regarding COVID-19 safety precautions, our outdoor nature walks are limited to a maximum of 25 people which includes our staff. SOFO will at all times follow stringent six-feet distancing separation protocols required by the Department of Health for the safety of our participants and environmental educators. We will provide masks and gloves for all attendees.
Advanced reservations are required for all events. To register for this walk, which is limited to 25 people please contact us at info@sofo.org. Spots will be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis, and we will confirm your reservation by email.
Snapping Turtles—Andy’s Annual Prehistoric Monster Hunt: All Ages
Walk Leader: Andy Sabin, President, South Fork Natural History Museum (SOFO) Board of Directors
Of ancient lineage, the Snapping Turtle—which can grow to a length of three feet from head to tail and weigh as much as 70 pounds—will be the main subject of this annual adventure with Andy. You’ll also get to know the Eastern Painted Turtle and perhaps meet up with the aptly named Stinkpot Turtle. Children love this annual walk.
Please note that, as mandated by the latest State Executive Order regarding COVID-19 safety precautions, our outdoor nature walks are limited to a maximum of 50 people which includes our staff. SOFO will at all times follow stringent six-feet distancing separation protocols required by the Department of Health for the safety of our participants and environmental educators. We will provide masks and gloves for all attendees.
Advanced reservations are required for all events. To register for this walk, please contact us at info@sofo.org or call 631-537-9735. Spots will be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis, and we will confirm your reservation by email.
Who Lives in a Salt Marsh? All Ages
Program Leader: Melanie Meade, South Fork Natural History Museum (SOFO) Education & Outreach Coordinator
Discover how animals are adapted to survive in this habitat and why it is so important to many kinds of fish and shellfish. We’ll pull a seine net in the water and dig in the sand to see what creatures make their homes in a salt marsh. Wear bathing suit/shorts and water shoes, bring sunscreen, a towel, water, and a light snack.
Please note that, as mandated by the latest State Executive Order regarding COVID-19 safety precautions, our outdoor nature walks and programs are limited to a maximum of 25 people which includes our staff. SOFO will at all times follow stringent six-feet distancing separation protocols required by the Department of Health for the safety of our participants and environmental educators. We will provide masks and gloves for all attendees.
Advanced reservations are required for all events. To register for this program, which is limited to 25 people please contact us at info@sofo.org. Spots will be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis, and we will confirm your reservation by email.
Beach Walk at Maidstone Park Beach: All Ages
Walk Leader: Paul King III, South Fork Natural History Museum (SOFO) Environmental Educator
The weather is still warm and much of the crowds have left, providing a great time to explore our beaches before summer ends. Maidstone Park Beach is a beautiful hidden beach in East Hampton that has spectacular views of Gardiners Bay, quiet sands, and calm water. During this walk we will explore the Park and learn about what lives in our local bays, as well as what makes this spot such a unique and special location.
Please note that, as mandated by the latest State Executive Order regarding COVID-19 safety precautions, our outdoor nature walks are limited to a maximum of 25 people which includes our staff. SOFO will at all times follow stringent six-feet distancing separation protocols required by the Department of Health for the safety of our participants and environmental educators. We will provide masks and gloves for all attendees.
Advanced reservations are required for all events. To register for this walk, which is limited to 25 people please contact us at info@sofo.org. Spots will be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis, and we will confirm your reservation by email.
SOFO Cleans the Beach —Help Needed: All Ages
Cleanup Crew: South Fork Natural History Museum (SOFO) Environmental Educators
Did you know that it takes 450 years for a plastic bottle to break down in the ocean? Every day thousands of tons of waste and trash are dumped into oceans worldwide. Not only does this waste harm—and sometimes kill—the marine life we know and love, it makes its way up the food chain into the food we eat, hurting humans as well. In just one hour, you can help make the beach a cleaner and safer place for everyone! Please join us in our efforts to keep our hometown beaches pollution-free! This is a free program.
Please note that, as mandated by the latest State Executive Order regarding COVID-19 safety precautions, our outdoor nature walks are limited to a maximum of 25 people which includes our staff. SOFO will at all times follow stringent six-feet distancing separation protocols required by the Department of Health for the safety of our participants and environmental educators. We will provide masks and gloves for all attendees.
Advanced reservations are required for all events. To register for this walk, which is limited to 25 people please contact us at info@sofo.org. Spots will be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis, and we will confirm your reservation by email.
What tree is this? —Tree Identification: Children Age 7+
Walk Leader: Jackie Avignone, South Fork Natural History Museum (SOFO) Environmental Educator
Come master the basics and vocabulary of identification of our native tree species! In this hands-on program attendees learn about summer foliage identification through field sampling. Tree identification is a useful skill for people of any age and background. All trees have different environmental requirements—knowing these requirements can help you determine where to plant a tree and what it needs to thrive such as; soil type, sunlight, shade, temperature, nutrients and much more. Please bring water and dress appropriately for being outdoors.
Please note that, as mandated by the latest State Executive Order regarding COVID-19 safety precautions, our outdoor nature walks are limited to a maximum of 25 people which includes our staff. SOFO will at all times follow stringent six-feet distancing separation protocols required by the Department of Health for the safety of our participants and environmental educators. We will provide masks and gloves for all attendees.
Advanced reservations are required for all events. To register for this walk, which is limited to 25 people please contact us at info@sofo.org. Spots will be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis, and we will confirm your reservation by email.