Westhampton Beach - Legislator Jay Schneiderman (I-Montauk) announced that Cupsogue Beach County Park in Westhampton will host a number of seal watching walks throughout the month of March to help county residents get better acquainted with nature.

The Coastal Research & Education Society of Long Island (CRESLI) seal walks at Cupsogue Beach County Park (at the western end of Dune Road in Westhampton Beach) will depart from area near the fence at the western end of the parking lot. Meeting times are 15 minutes prior to departure. These walks are suitable for children. The CRESLI will lead an approximately two-hour, one-mile walk to observe a variety of species. "Parents and teachers will be interested to know the walks are suitable for children," added Schneiderman, a former science teacher.

Historically, Long Island's seal species have included harbor and gray seals, which are relatively abundant in nearby waters from late fall until late spring. However, "arctic" species such as harp, hooded, and ringed seals that were once extremely rare for Long Island, have been increasingly sighted in recent years.

Weather permitting, walks will take place on:

 • March 17, 9 a.m.

 • March 18, 10 a.m.

 • March 24, 1:30 p.m.

Meet at Cupsogue parking lot, western end, Dune Road, Westhampton Beach. For more information, or to reserve a spot, call the Coastal Research & Education Society of Long Island at 631-244-3352.

Reservations are required. Cost is a suggested donation of $5/adult, $3/child (under 12) which will help support CRESLI's research programs.