Get together with the Group for the South Fork and discover all the unique and wonderful things that make the Hamptons such a destination. Try a hike or paddle in a canoe or even do a little stargazing. Whatever your fitness level there's something for the entire family!
JULY
PADDLE BONAC CREEK
Thursday, July 21st - 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Bring your canoe or kayak and explore Accabonac Harbor on this evening paddle. We'll put in at the Landing Lane boat launch. Call Anita C. Wright at (631) 537-1400, ext. 17, for information or to sign up.
AUGUST
NEW MOON STARGAZING
Thursday, August 4th, 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Come join your fellow budding astronomists under the new moon sky in our search for Cassiopeia, Pegasus, Draco, and friends. As the sun sets, we will travel along the Point Woods Trail until we reach the bluffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Once at the bluffs, we will gaze towards the heavens and hopefully learn a few new constellations. Please bring water, a flashlight and sturdy hiking shoes or boots. Contact Jodi Grindrod at (631) 537-1400, ext. 23, or jgrindrod@hamptons.com for more information and reservations.
SUNDAY STROLL BY THE BAY
Sunday, August 14th - 11 a.m. to noon
Enjoy gorgeous views of Shinnecock Bay in Southampton Village without buying beachfront property! Munn Point is a great place to look for shorebirds and enjoy the scenery. Contact Kate for reservations and directions kschertel@hamptons.com or (631) 537-1400, ext. 13.
ADULT FIELD NATURALIST COURSE
Monday, August 15, through Friday, August 19 - 8:30 a.m. to noon
This course will explore the variety of ecological communities that make the East End such a special place. Participants will enjoy an excellent introduction to the plant and animal life of Long Island's beaches, bays, salt marshes, ponds, and woods. FEE: $150. Leader: Steve Biasetti. Call (631) 537-1400 x15 or email sbiasetti@hamptons.com for reservations.
NORTHWEST PADDLE
Tuesday, August 16th - 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Enjoy an evening paddle in scenic Northwest Creek. Bring your own kayak or canoe, life jacket, binoculars and water. Leader: Elise Jacobs. Call (631) 537-1400 x21 or email ejacobs@hamptons.com for reservations.
FULL MOON IN THE WALKING DUNES
Friday, August 19th - 7:30 to 9:00 p.m.
Take advantage of the second closest Full Moon of the year and join the Group for this evening stroll through the spectacular Walking Dunes. As the sun sets we will venture to the Phantom Forest and enjoy the rising of the moon over Block Island Sound. Wear hiking shoes and bring a flashlight (in case it's overcast). Contact Jodi Grindrod at (631) 537-1400, ext. 23, or jgrindrod@hamptons.com for more information and reservations.
SEPTEMBER
DUSK WALK IN GRACE ESTATE
Thursday, September 1st - 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.
Greet September with an evening outdoors! We'll hike in the long shadows of late day on the trails of Northwest Woods. Call Anita C. Wright at (631) 537-1400, ext. 17, for information or to sign up.
BACK TO SCHOOL WALK
Saturday, September 10th – 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Welcome the new school year by taking a walk around the Tuckahoe Hill Preserve in North Sea, just behind Tuckahoe School. Children are welcome and encouraged to join! Contact Kate for reservations and directions kschertel@hamptons.com or (631) 537-1400, ext. 13.
TREK THE PAUMANOK PATH THROUGH THE CENTRAL PINE BARRENS
Saturday, September 17th - 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Get your canteen and strap on your hiking boots for a six-mile trek deep into the heart of western Southampton's pine barrens preserve. Join Group for the South Fork President Bob DeLuca for some good exercise and a unique exploration of Long Island's last intact wilderness. Contact Bob DeLuca for reservations and directions: bdeluca@hamptons.com or 631-537-1400, ext. 16.
PADDLE ALEWIFE BROOK
Saturday, September 17th - 10 a.m. to noon
Join us for a late morning paddle through this picturesque waterway near Cedar Point County Park in East Hampton. Bring your own kayak or canoe, life jacket, binoculars and water. Leader: Elise Jacobs. Call (631) 537-1400 x21 or email ejacobs@hamptons.com for reservations.
'ROUND THE POINT AND BALANCE AN EGG
Thursday, September 22nd - 4:30 to 7:00 p.m.
Celebrate the arrival of autumn with a hike around Montauk Point. As the sun begins to wane and the moon waxes, we will travel along the Money Pond Trail to the Montauk Lighthouse. We will then follow the path through Turtle Cove to the bluffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and return to our vehicles via the Point Woods Trail. Please bring water, a snack and a flashlight, and wear sturdy hiking shoes or boots. Contact Jodi Grindrod at (631) 537-1400, ext. 23, or jgrindrod@hamptons.com for more information and reservations.
AUTUMN TOUR OF THE DUNE ROAD WILDLIFE TRAIL
Sunday, September 25th - 8 to 10:30 a.m.
Join us for a morning wildlife search along Dune Road west of the Shinnecock Inlet. The trip is timed to coincide with low tide, which should enhance our chances to see diverse shorebirds and wading birds. If winds are blowing from the northwest, migrating swallows, hawks, dragonflies, and butterflies will compete for our attention. Please bring binoculars. Call (631) 537-1400 x15 or email sbiasetti@hamptons.com for reservations.
OCTOBER
1ST ANNUAL MONTAUK 5K TRAIL RACE
Saturday, October 1st - 10 a.m.
Join other nature lovers, environmentalists, runners and friends in this 1st Annual Montauk 5K Trail Race. Get pledges and run to raise money for Group for the South Fork's environmental programs. This beautiful and challenging 5K trail race will take place in historic Camp Hero State Park and includes spectacular views over the Atlantic Ocean. To register, call or e-mail Mike Bottini: mike@peconic.org or (631) 267-5228.
GOT CRANBERRIES?
Saturday, October 1 - 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Start the fall season with a visit to one of Suffolk County's most interesting freshwater wetlands systems at the Cranberry Bog Nature Preserve in western Southampton Town. Join Group for the South Fork President Bob DeLuca for a comfortable hike along the edge of the property's serene freshwater pond, which once fed an extensive commercial cranberry bog that produced some 21,000 bushels of fruit each year. Contact Bob DeLuca for reservations and directions: bdeluca@hamptons.com or 631-537-1400, ext. 16.
BLOCK ISLAND NATURAL HISTORY WEEKEND
Friday October 14 - Sunday October 16.
Don't miss this unique opportunity to see the natural wonders of Block Island with naturalist Mike Bottini. Trip price includes guided hikes, two nights accommodation at the historic Mitchell Cottage, round trip ferry from Montauk, Saturday breakfast-lunch-dinner and Sunday breakfast. Scott Comings of the Block Island Chapter of the
Nature Conservancy will join us for dinner Saturday night to discuss his organization's work on the island. An optional kayak tour has been arranged for Sunday morning. Depart Montauk Friday; return to Montauk Sunday. Cost will be approximately $300 based on double occupancy. Space is limited to 12 people. To reserve a place or if you have any questions contact Mike Bottini at mike@peconic.org or (631) 267-5228.
