If you are looking for a relaxing and scenic getaway on Long Island, you might want to check out the Sound Avenue Nature Preserve in Riverhead. This 15-acre preserve offers a variety of natural habitats, including meadows, pastures, woodlands and wetlands. You can enjoy a leisurely walk along the trails, admire the views of the Long Island Sound, and learn about the history and ecology of the area.
What to Expect
The Sound Avenue Nature Preserve is located at 3092-3128 Sound Ave, Riverhead, NY 11901. It is open from dawn to dusk, and admission is free. There is a parking lot at the entrance, and a kiosk with maps and information. The preserve has two main trails: the Meadow Trail and the Woodland Trail. The Meadow Trail is about 0.6 miles long, and it takes you through a former farm field that is now being restored to native grasses and wildflowers. The Woodland Trail is about 0.4 miles long, and it leads you to a bluff overlooking the Long Island Sound. Along the way, you can see various plants and animals, such as goldenrod, milkweed, monarch butterflies, bluebirds, woodpeckers, deer and foxes. You can also spot some historical features, such as stone walls, farm equipment and an old barn.
Why It Matters
The Sound Avenue Nature Preserve is not only a beautiful place to visit, but also an important one for conservation. The preserve was created in 2012 by the Town of Riverhead, with the help of the Peconic Land Trust and other partners. The land was once part of a larger property that was threatened by development in the 1960s and 1970s. The property was owned by LILCO (Long Island Lighting Company), which planned to build a nuclear or coal power plant on the site. However, due to public opposition and environmental concerns, the project was abandoned. In 2003, the Trust for Public Land bought the property from KeySpan (the successor of LILCO), and sold part of it to New York State for a park (Hallock State Park Preserve), and part of it to Hallockville Museum Farm. The remaining 15 acres were donated to the Town of Riverhead for a nature preserve.
The Sound Avenue Nature Preserve is part of a larger effort to protect the natural and cultural heritage of the North Fork of Long Island. The preserve helps to preserve the rural character of the area, provide habitat for wildlife, and educate the public about the environment. The preserve also serves as a buffer between the Hallockville Museum Farm and the Hallock State Park Preserve, creating a contiguous green space for recreation and conservation.
How to Enjoy It
The Sound Avenue Nature Preserve is a great place to visit any time of the year, but especially in the spring and summer, when the meadows are full of colorful flowers and butterflies. You can bring a picnic lunch and enjoy it at one of the benches or tables along the trails. You can also bring your binoculars and camera to observe and photograph the wildlife. You can also combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Hallockville Museum Farm or Hallock State Park Preserve, which offer more opportunities for learning and exploring.
The Sound Avenue Nature Preserve is one of the hidden gems of Long Island, and a perfect destination for nature lovers. Whether you are looking for a peaceful escape from the city, or a fun adventure with your family or friends, you will find something to enjoy at this preserve. So grab your hiking shoes and head over to Sound Avenue Nature Preserve today! You won’t regret it!