Sunday, April 25, 2010

Seatuk's Grand Opening









The Seatuk Environmental Association recently opened their nature preserve in Islip, NY, hosting a ribbon cutting ceremony Thursday and an eco-carnival yesterday. The foundation, now housed in the former Scully estate, is situated on 200+ acres along the Great South Bay, and features a growing selection of hiking trails. The variety of those trails is rather impressive. Moving from hard woods to salt marshes, the birdwatching is extraordinary. Egrets, osprey, red-shouldered blackbirds, cardinals, and of course the standard waterfowl of Canada geese and mallards pepper the property. The house itself, with its wonderful slate-roof, is also a treat to explore. Upcoming events include yoga and meditation, as well as showcasing a current photography exhibition.
The carnival, a charming low-tech affair featuring eco-friendly booths like wild animal rescue, face painting, and worm production, had a huge turn out of people from all over the area. It was great to see, especially with the threats to the NYS parks system's budget looming in Albany. But what could be a better way to build community and environmental awareness than having families meet up at the local nature preserve? That sounds like a worthwhile investment of public funds to me.

7 comments:

pve design said...

Wonderful. Have you ever been to Wave Hill, I am in hopes to go today in spite of the wet conditions.
ENJOY nature on this Sunday.
pve

heidi said...

I feel a playdate coming on...

Nadine @ BDG said...

You should both come--and you, too modernemama-- and we'll do a blogging picnic.

Clare said...

Oh how fun!! Is that you family? If so, you are one lucky lady! Your family is beautiful!

modernemama said...

did someone mention pic-e-nic?

Nadine @ BDG said...

Clare-- how nice of you to say-- I do feel quite lucky. I should mention that only one of the girls is mine-- Olivia on the far right.

and Moderne, my dear, I absolutely did-- sounds like a summer must.

Unknown said...

Thanks for coming to the events and for helping to spread the word, Nadine! We really appreciate it. I especially liked your description of our Eco-carnival as "a charming, low-tech affair" - lovely, that's just what we had in mind! I hope all your readers will, in fact, come down for play dates and participate in our programs. We'll be waiting for them! But one disclaimer: our property is only 70 acres, not 200 (the National Wildlife Refuge next door is 200 acres.) I look forward to meeting you soon. Thanks again, Enrico Nardone, Seatuck Director