South Fork Natural History Museum & Nature Center

MUSEUM CLOSED: School Group (10 am - 12 pm)
2024-03-08 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York)

MUSEUM CLOSED: Maintenance
2024-03-05, 2024-02-06

MUSEUM CLOSED: Outreach Event (1 pm - 4 pm)
2024-03-02 13:00 - 16:00, 2024-02-28 13:00 - 16:00, 2024-02-13 13:00 - 16:00

Origami Animals
2024-03-02 10:30 | SOFO
Learn more about the native animals in SOFO’s backyard, and learn how to create these animals out of origami paper! Open to all origami enthusiasts, regardless of experience. Materials fee: $3.
Program Leader: Erin Hwong, SOFO Environmental Educator
This program is for adults, teens, and children ages 10+.
For non-members, there is a $15 fee for adults and a $10 fee for children for this program. This program fee will also provide non-members with free admission to the museum on a day of their choice. Members are free. Advanced reservations are required for all events.

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Seal Walk at Cupsogue Beach County Park
2024-02-25 13:30 | Westhampton
Several species of seals come to visit Long Island during the colder winter months in search of food. The three most common species that visit Long Island at this time of year are harbor seals, gray seals, and harp seals. Join us for a guided walk during low tide and learn more about these mammalian winter visitors and how to safely view them. Limited enrollment.
Program Leader: Ian Robinson, SOFO Environmental Educator
This program is for adults, teens, and children ages 8+.
For non-members, there is a $15 fee for adults and a $10 fee for children for this program. This program fee will also provide non-members with free admission to the museum on a day of their choice. Members are free. Advanced reservations are required for all events.

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Full "Snow Moon” Hike with Friends of the Long Pond Greenbelt
2024-02-24 17:30 | SOFO
The Farmer’s Almanac tells us that, since the heaviest snow usually falls during this month, native tribes of the north and east most often called February’s full moon the Full Snow Moon. Join us on this leisurely paced, one-hour hike through open-field trails behind the South Fork Natural History Museum (SOFO) and stay afterward for some light refreshments and convivial conversation. Hikes are limited to 25 participants. To register by email, contact greenbeltnews@aol.com. To contact the hike leader, Jean Dodds, on the day of the hike, call 631-599-2391.
Cosponsored by Friends of the Long Pond Greenbelt and South Fork Natural History Museum
Walk Leader: Jean Dodds, Secretary, Friends of the Long Pond Greenbelt
This free program is for all ages.
Advanced reservations are required for all events.

Seal Cruise, co-sponsored with CRESLI
2024-02-24 12:00 - 14:00, 2024-02-10 12:00 - 14:00 | Southampton
This year the Coastal Research and Education Society of Long Island (CRESLI) and the South Fork Natural History Museum and Nature Center (SOFO) are co-sponsoring seal cruises.
Join us as a CRESLI scientist leads 2 hour expeditions to view, photograph and gather information about the diversity and distribution of the seals in Shinnecock Bay. You’ll learn about the different species of seals in our waters, as well as the characteristics and behaviors that allow these animals to thrive. You’ll hear about the history of seal exploitation and recovery and see these animals in their natural habitat.
CRESLI Seal Cruises on the RV Peconic around Shinnecock Bay will meet and board 30 minutes before the listed departure time at the dock area.
This program is for adults, teens, and children ages 8+. The cost for the cruise is $40 per person.
Spaces are limited and registration is required. Registrations can be made by visiting cresli.org.

SOFO Young Environmentalists Society (YES!) Meeting
2024-02-24 10:00 | SOFO
The mission of SOFO’s 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 on the last Saturday of each month, from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM.
Club Leader: Mare Dianora, YES! Director, educator, and the mother of two young sons, is an interdisciplinary artist whose practice involves building community and exploring connections to home and place.
This is a FREE program, thanks to the generosity of a foundation that prefers to remain anonymous, for ages 10 to 16.
The date may change for this program. Please contact SOFO at (631) 537-9735 for info@sofo.org for up-to-the-minute information.

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Young Birders Club Meeting
2024-02-24 10:00
Birding is a wonderful way to make new friends, learn about the environment, and get outdoors. Join our Young Birders Club! The Club meets at 10 AM on the third Saturday of every month and is open to anyone ages 8 to 18 who is interested in learning about birds. Since Long Island has many great habitats that are home to a wide variety of species, we concentrate on birding in local areas. Please bring binoculars if you have them (we will have a few pairs to lend) and a field guide to birds of the Eastern United States. If you don’t have a field guide, we’ll have one for you to use.
Club Leader: Frank Quevedo, SOFO Executive Director
This FREE program is for anyone ages 8-18.
Advanced reservations are required for all events.

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Winter School Break Outdoor Nature Programs: Birding for Beginners
2024-02-23 10:30 - 11:30 | SOFO
Join SOFO’s Environmental Educators for our Winter School Break Nature Education Programs!
These programs are for children of all ages.
For non-members, there is a $15 fee for adults and a $10 fee for children for this program. This program fee will also provide non-members with free admission to the museum on a day of their choice. Members are free. Advanced reservations are required for all events.

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Winter School Break Outdoor Nature Programs: Nature Bingo
2024-02-22 10:30 - 11:30 | SOFO

SOFO’s East End Outdoor Nature Education with Crystal at Birch Creek Pond
2024-02-21 13:00 | Flanders
SOFO is offering a monthly program that will take place on the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 1 PM for children ages 3 to 7 years and is geared toward homeschooling families. Programs will have a variety of activities to strengthen language development, literacy, math, and science and will take place at various locations on Eastern Long Island.
We will continue our adventures on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, exploring the trails next to Birch Creek Pond, learning about pond edge plants and the Pine Barrens, and searching for last year’s bird nests, including some stories and simple nature journals.
Program Leader: Crystal Possehl-Oakes, SOFO Environmental Outdoor Education Specialist. Crystal has worked as an environmental educator at SOFO since 2005 and part-time since 2019 after her son Wyatt was born. Crystal and Wyatt look forward to meeting you and learning with you!
There is a $5 per child admission/material fee, participating adult included.

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Winter School Break Outdoor Nature Programs: Where Do Bugs Go in Winter?
2024-02-21 10:30 - 11:30 | SOFO

Winter School Break Outdoor Nature Programs: Spruce Up Your Tree Knowledge
2024-02-20 10:30 - 11:30 | SOFO

Winter School Break Outdoor Nature Programs: Where Do Animals Go in Winter?
2024-02-19 10:30 - 11:30 | SOFO

Storytime and Meet the Animals: Salamander Homes
2024-02-18 10:30 | SOFO
Join us for an enchanting journey into the fascinating world of salamanders in our “Story Time & Meet the Animals” program featuring the captivating book A Salamander’s Life by John Himmelman. Through this immersive experience, children will discover the unique movements and activities of these incredible creatures, followed by a special opportunity to meet two living salamander species—the Spotted Salamander and the Tiger Salamander—equipping them with the knowledge to eagerly anticipate our upcoming salamander walks.
Program Leader: Crystal Possehl, SOFO Environmental Outdoor Education Specialist
This program is for children ages 3-7.
For non-members, there is a $15 fee for adults and a $10 fee for children for this program. This program fee will also provide non-members with free admission to the museum on a day of their choice. Members are free. Advanced reservations are required for all events.

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StoryWalk® - Over in the Forest: Come and Take a Peek
2024-02-17 10:30 | SOFO
Combine the joy of reading with the wonders of nature through StoryWalk® on February 17th, 2024, at SOFO. Geared for the young adventurers under 7, the program kicks off at 10:30 AM. Participants will gather to follow Melanie on a guided trail, reading laminated pages from the delightful children’s book Over in the Forest: Come and Take a Peek. As you stroll through the scenic path, learn about the animals inhabiting the old field, creating an immersive, educational, and enchanting experience inspired by the innovative StoryWalk® concept developed by Anne Ferguson and Rachel Senechal. Join us in this literary journey amidst nature’s beauty.
Program Leader: Melanie Meade, Education Director, South Fork Natural History Museum
This program is for children ages 3-7.
For non-members, there is a $15 fee for adults and a $10 fee for children for this program. This program fee will also provide non-members with free admission to the museum on a day of their choice. Members are free. Advanced reservations are required for all events.

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Moderately-paced 3 Mile Walk Along the Hills of the Atlantic Gully Trail with Dai Dayton
2024-02-17 10:00 - 12:00 | Watermill
Moderately-paced 3 mile walk down a steep incline into Southampton’s most peculiar trail system and then up again for dramatic views of the golf course and the ocean beyond. The Atlantic Golf Course is a private members club designed by legendary golf course architect Rees Jones in 1992 and is the natural habitat of the Northern Harrier, the only North American member of the hawk family known as harriers. Views of the fairways offer a lovely undulating seaside style with swales and bumps, hollows and long wispy fescue. Hilly terrain.
Walk Leader: Dai Dayton, President, Friends of the Long Pond Greenbelt
This FREE program is for adults, teens, and children ages 10+.
Advanced reservations are required for all events.

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Andy Sabin’s Annual Eastern Tiger Salamander Search
2024-02-10 19:30 | SOFO
Herpetologist Andy Sabin will take us into the nighttime woods in search of the largest of our native salamanders, the endangered Eastern Tiger Salamander. Don’t miss a rare opportunity to see this salamander as it makes its way to the pond to mate and to lay its eggs. Please bring a flashlight and wear boots, as late winter rains will make the ground soggy. This walk will take place only if there have been heavy rains.
Walk Leader: Andy Sabin, President, South Fork Natural History Museum Board of Directors
This program is for all ages.
For non-members, there is a $15 fee for adults and a $10 fee for children for this program. This program fee will also provide non-members with free admission to the museum on a day of their choice. Members are free. Advanced reservations are required for all events.

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Fish Dissection: The Biology, Anatomy & Physiology of a Bony Fish with Rob “Rockfish” Gelling
2024-02-10 10:30 - 12:30 | SOFO
Join Rockfish for an up-close look at the external and internal anatomy of a fish. Does a fish have a balloon inside? How does a fish scale reveal its age? How does a fish hear? What will a gut analysis reveal? Don’t miss a chance to roar ahead in your Living Environment lessons by learning how the organ systems of a finfish compare to your own! Materials fee: $5.
Program Leader: Rob Gelling, SOFO Environmental Educator and Aquarist
This program is for adults, teens, and children ages 8+.
For non-members, there is a $15 fee for adults and a $10 fee for children for this program. This program fee will also provide non-members with free admission to the museum on a day of their choice. Members are free. Advanced reservations are required for all events.

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Long Island Mammal Survey Presentation
2024-02-04 10:30 | SOFO
Join Ian Robinson for a presentation on SOFO’s efforts in the Long Island Mammal Survey. The NYSDEC is responsible for managing wildlife species throughout the state. Developing and implementing these plans requires environmental surveys for species distribution and abundance. In this presentation, I will share my experience setting up and managing the trail cams, displaying some footage, and discussing the abundance and distribution of these animals.
Program Leader: Ian Robinson, SOFO Environmental Educator
This program is for adults, teens, and children ages 10+.
For non-members, there is a $15 fee for adults and a $10 fee for children for this program. This program fee will also provide non-members with free admission to the museum on a day of their choice. Members are free. Advanced reservations are required for all events.

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Behind-the-Scenes Tour at the Long Island Aquarium
2024-02-03 11:15 | Riverhead
Join SOFO for a behind-the-scenes tour of the Long Island Aquarium! Here, we’ll have a chance to learn the inner workings of the aquarium, from animal feedings to tank maintenance and so much more from a staff member of the Long Island Aquarium.
Tour Leader: Long Island Aquarium Education Staff, assisted by Erin Hwong, SOFO Environmental Educator
This program is for adults, teens, and children ages 10+.
Program fee: for members, there is a $25 fee per person, and for non-members, there is a $35 fee (includes all-day admission to the Aquarium and Butterfly Garden). Advanced reservations are required for all events.

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Birding for Beginners Walk in Vineyard Field
2024-02-03 10:00 | SOFO
Explore Birding as a new hobby: Take a walk with volunteer docents Cindy & Dave in the Vineyard Field behind the Museum and learn how to identify the birds that we might find, including blue jays, black-capped chickadees, starlings, northern mockingbirds, and red-tailed hawks. Listen to the voices and observe the behavior of the birds to help identify them. No prior experience is required. Bring binoculars if you have them.
Program Leaders Cindy Lenkiewicz and Dave Polek, SOFO Docents
This FREE program is for adults, teens, and children ages 6+.
Advanced reservations are required for all events.

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Winter Specialties of Shinnecock: Search for Avian Visitors of the North
2024-02-03 09:00 | Southampton
The barrier beach area at Shinnecock is one of the few remaining undeveloped dune/salt marsh habitats on the eastern end of Long Island, an area that frequently has wintering snowy owls and short-eared owls. Join Frank on one of SOFO’s most popular birding walks. Bring binoculars or a spotting scope and a bird field guide (if you have one).
Program Leader: Frank Quevedo, Executive Director, South Fork Natural History Museum
This program is for adults, teens, and children ages 10+.
For non-members, there is a $15 fee for adults and a $10 fee for children for this program. This program fee will also provide non-members with free admission to the museum on a day of their choice. Members are free. Advanced reservations are required for all events.

Sign Up Here!

Storytime and Meet the Animals: Under the Snow
2024-01-28 10:30 | SOFO
Join us for a delightful and interactive storytime experience, delving into the mysterious winter habitats of various animals, as we read Melissa Stewart’s enchanting book Under the Snow to learn about different hibernation habits. Throughout the story, kids will have the exciting opportunity to meet the winter-dwelling creatures mentioned in the book, including wood frogs, spotted salamanders, red-spotted newts, turtles, and more, providing a hands-on connection to the captivating world beneath the snow!
Program Leader: Crystal Possehl, SOFO Environmental Outdoor Education Specialist
This program is for children ages 3-7.
For non-members, there is a $15 fee for adults and a $10 fee for children for this program. This program fee will also provide non-members with free admission to the museum on a day of their choice. Members are free. Advanced reservations are required for all events.

Sign Up Here!

Seal Cruise, co-sponsored with CRESLI
2024-01-27 12:00 - 14:00 | Southampton
This year the Coastal Research and Education Society of Long Island (CRESLI) and the South Fork Natural History Museum and Nature Center (SOFO) are co-sponsoring seal cruises.
Join us as a CRESLI scientist leads 2 hour expeditions to view, photograph and gather information about the diversity and distribution of the seals in Shinnecock Bay. You’ll learn about the different species of seals in our waters, as well as the characteristics and behaviors that allow these animals to thrive. You’ll hear about the history of seal exploitation and recovery and see these animals in their natural habitat.
CRESLI Seal Cruises on the RV Peconic around Shinnecock Bay will meet and board 30 minutes before the listed departure time at the dock area (address: Stony Brook Marine Station, 8 Little Neck Road, Southampton, NY 11968).
This program is for adults, teens, and children ages 8+. The cost for the cruise is $40 per person.
Spaces are limited and registration is required. Registrations can be made by visiting cresli.org.
