South Fork Natural History Museum & Nature Center

MUSEUM CLOSED: School Group (10 am - 1 pm)
2026-04-23 10:00 - 13:00, 2026-04-30 10:00 - 13:00, 2026-05-11 10:00 - 13:00, 2026-05-18 10:00 - 13:00, 2026-05-19 10:00 - 13:00, 2026-05-20 10:00 - 13:00, 2026-05-21 10:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)

Seal Cruise, co-sponsored with CRESLI
2026-04-25 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-05-10 10:00 - 12:00 | Southampton
For the third year in a row, 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.

Trade Out Your Traditional Lawns!
2026-04-25 11:00 | SOFO
Turn your grass lawn from an ecological dead zone to a thriving native plant community!
While a green grass lawn looks pretty to us, it offers very little to the insects, birds, frogs, and other animals that live in our neighborhoods. As environmental concerns rise, one way you can help at home is by diving into the world of alternative lawns! Lawn alternatives range from fields of clover to prolific fruit and vegetable gardening and can be customized to your needs and accessibility. Join SOFO educator Moe Kennedy for a presentation to learn about how you can turn your grass lawn from an ecological dead zone to a thriving community.
Program Leader: Moe Kennedy, SOFO Environmental Educator
This program is for adults & children 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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MUSEUM CLOSED: Birthday Party (2 pm - 4 pm)
2026-04-25 14:00 - 16:00

Spring Migration─Birding at Promised Land with Joe Giunta
2026-04-26 08:00 | Amagansett
Join Joe, an expert birder, international birding-tour leader, and delightful teacher on this very popular walk to see birds such as woodpeckers, nuthatches, titmice, chickadees, and bluebirds. Limited enrollment.
Walk Leader: Joe Giunta, birding instructor for the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, trip leader for New York City Audubon and lecturer for many local chapters, and owner of Happy Warblers LLC, a birding and educational travel company.
This program is for adults ages 16+.
For non-members, there is a $5 fee per person for this program. Members are free. Advanced reservations are required for all events.

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Story Time – Fun With Frogs
2026-04-26 10:30, 2026-04-26 13:30 | SOFO
Did you know that not only can you find frogs in ponds but there are also tree frogs on Long Island too? Join us for some stories to learn about our local frogs, meet SOFO’s resident frogs and make a fun frog craft to take home.
Program Leader: Crystal Possehl-Oakes, SOFO Outdoor Education Specialist
This program is for families.
For non-members, this program is included in the museum admission fee. Members are free. Advanced reservations are required for all events.

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Great East End Cleanup
2026-04-26 11:00
Join SOFO for the Great East End Cleanup! This program organized by Southampton Town and brings together organizations from all around Southampton to help take care of the places we love! Please be prepared to get muddy or sandy! And bring gloves if possible.
Coordinator: Rebecca Rogers, SOFO Environmental Educator
This FREE program is for all ages. Advanced reservations are required for all events.

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MUSEUM CLOSED: Outreach Event
2026-04-28, 2026-05-01, 2026-05-08, 2026-05-13

MUSEUM CLOSED: School Group (10 am - 1:30 pm)
2026-04-29 10:00 - 13:30

Full Flower Moon Hike
2026-05-01 20:30 - 21:30 | SOFO
Join Friends of the Long Pond Greenbelt and South Fork Natural History Society on a leisurely-paced hike through open-field trails. In most areas, flowers are abundant everywhere during this time. Thus, the name of this Moon. Other names include the Full Corn Planting Moon, or the Milk Moon. Join us for this leisurely paced one-hour hike in Vineyard Field, the field behind the South Fork Natural History Museum (SOFO).
Co-sponsored by Friends of the Long Pond Greenbelt & SOFO.
Meet at the SOFO Museum parking lot, 377 Bridgehampton Turnpike, 200 yards north of the RR tracks. To register, email: info@longpondgreenbelt.org.
Hike Leader: Jean McDermott, 631-599-2391.

Bugwatching Buddies Club: Start Seeing Monarchs Day
2026-05-02 11:00 | SOFO
When you think of migration, you probably think of birds going south for winter. However, one of the most famous migrating species is our very own Danaus plexippus, the monarch butterfly! As our milkweed plants start to grow back with the warming spring, the monarch butterflies return to lay their eggs on their favorite host plant, pollinating our gardens along the way. Come join SOFO to learn about the world of one of our favorite butterflies!
Club Leader: Moe Kennedy, SOFO Environmental Educator
This FREE program is for children ages 5-16. Advanced reservations are required for all events.

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East End Environment Series: History of Oysters on Long Island
2026-05-02 16:00 - 17:00 | SOFO
Join us for a lecture presented by John “Barley” Dunne, director of the East Hampton Shellfish Hatchery, describing the fascinating history of the oyster in New York. Early 1900’s New York, specifically the east end of Long Island, was a major epicenter for growing, harvesting, and marketing the eastern oyster. The industry was fueled by aquaculture practices even in its infancy. Here is a look at the fascinating history of oysters and the industry that sprang up on the two forks of Long Island. Many fine photos depict the extent of the oyster community at the turn of the century and how a new industry is arising in the present. Barley will provide some oysters for your enjoyment after the lecture, as well as shucking lessons for those who are interested.
This FREE program is for adults and children ages 10+. Advanced reservations are required for all events.
Presenter: John “Barley” Dunne, Director of East Hampton Town Shellfish Hatchery

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MUSEUM CLOSED: Maintenance
2026-05-06

Memorial Nature Walk for Naturalist and SOFO Founder Larry Penny
2026-05-09 08:00 | SOFO
Larry Penny spent many years guiding children and adults in exploring and understanding our natural world. He was one of the original founders of the South Fork Natural History Society in 1989 and a noted East End naturalist and educator; his weekly column “Nature Notes” was featured in the East Hampton Star for many years. He served as East Hampton Town Natural Resources Director for 28 years. “He was a very good naturalist; I really admired him for his work, his writing, and his dedication to stopping development. “─ Andy Sabin, SOFO President.
Join us, and experience nature for yourself, in his memory.
Walk Leader: Frank Quevedo, SOFO Executive Director
This FREE program is for adults, teens, and children ages 8 and up. Light Refreshments provided. Advanced reservations are required for all events.

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Spring Migration Bird Walk at Big Reed Pond
2026-05-10 09:30 - 11:30 | Montauk
Take a walk with the Montauk Library Bird Club, Third House Nature Center, and South Fork Natural History Museum, led by Frank Quevedo. Observe and learn to identify spring birds of Big Reed Pond, a National Natural Landmark in Montauk. This will be a slow-paced 3-mile hike through woodland and wetland, leading to a shallow freshwater pond. Please wear tick protection and appropriate footwear. All experience levels are welcome. A limited number of binoculars will be available to borrow. Registration is required.
Co-sponsored with Montauk Library Bird Club and Third House Nature Center
Walk Leader: Frank Quevedo, SOFO Executive Director
This FREE program is for adults & children ages 10 and up. Advanced reservations are required for all events.

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Birding for Beginners−Spring Migrants in Vineyard Field
2026-05-16 10:30 | SOFO
Explore Birding as a new hobby: Take a walk with volunteer docents Cindy & Dave in the Vineyard Field behind the Museum. We’ll look for regular inhabitants in the field, and perhaps some spring migrants. We’ll also learn how to identify the birds that we might find, including blue jay, black-capped chickadee, starling, northern mockingbird and red-tailed hawk. Listen to the voices and observe the behavior of the birds to help identify them. No prior experience 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 10 and up. Advanced reservations are required for all events.

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Meet Rescued Birds of Prey with Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center
2026-05-16 13:00 | SOFO
Meet two of the resident raptor ambassadors from the Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center, the only wildlife hospital on the east end of Long Island. See these incredible birds of prey up close, learn all about their species and their personal journeys. You can also help save wildlife!
Co-sponsored with the Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center (EAWRC)
Program Leader: Tammy Flanell, EAWRC
This FREE program is for adults & Children ages Pre-K and up. Advanced reservations are required for all events.

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Young Birders Club Meeting
2026-05-23 09:00
Please note: this program was rescheduled from 5/16.
Birding is a great way to make new friends, learn about the environment, and get outdoors. Join our Young Birders Club! The Club 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 here for you to use.
Club Leader: Aidan Perkins, Wildlife Biologist
This FREE program is for adults and children ages 8-18. Advanced reservations are required for all events.

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Black Racer Snake Search with Andy Sabin
2026-05-23 09:30 | SOFO
Andy Sabin, known to us as the “Salamander Commander,” is equally as interested in snakes as he is in salamanders. In fact, Andy is fascinated by all kinds of reptiles and amphibians, so he is just the right person to lead us on a search for the Northern black racer snake (Coluber constrictor). What’s more, we’re in luck— the field behind SOFO, known as Vineyard Field, is the perfect habitat for this very active, diurnal (it comes out during the day) reptile. To ensure we can find them, we’ve put boards out in the field which these snakes like to hide under. So, we’re very likely to see some snakes on our search with Andy.
Walk Leader: Andy Sabin, President, SOFO 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.

Sign Up Here!
