Town of Hempstead to provide free guided tours of Marine Nature Study Area in Oceanside

While the Town of Hempstead’s South Shore is widely known for pristine, sandy beaches and waterways teeming with oceanic wildlife, there is another facet of the township’s local environment — the wetlands found at the town’s Marine Nature Study Area in Oceanside.

Staff from the town’s Department of Conservation & Waterways are offering guided tours of the saltmarshes that encapsulate the Marine Nature Study Area’s 52-acres of preserved nature space. The tours, part of a pilot program intended to welcome a wider audience to the study area, offer members of the public an opportunity to catch a glimpse of what Hempstead’s pre-settlement environs looked like as they travel the winding paths of the preserve while connecting with nature right in their hometown.

“A key component of Hempstead Town’s environmental conservation effort is protecting our township’s unique nature spaces to both safeguard habitats for local wildlife, and provide future generations of Long Islanders the opportunity to enjoy the majesty of our community’s preserved ecosystems,” Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin said, according to a news release.

The guided walkthroughs are slated to take place the week of President’s Day and will offer participants the chance to view the multitude of native plant and animal species that make their home in Hempstead’s wetlands. The February tour dates also provide ornithophiles the opportunity to experience the majesty of migratory bird species that choose Long Island’s southern coastline as their winter destination.

The limited pilot program tours are available to Town of Hempstead residents with pre-registration required and slots filled on a first come, first served basis. They are set for Feb. 16 to 18 from 2 to 3 p.m. each day. Additional preserve walkthroughs will be scheduled should there be sufficient public interest and circumstances allow for it.

In order to facilitate social distancing and prevent disruption to natural habitats, all tours will be capped at 10 members of the public with mask wearing required. All residents participating in the tours are also required to complete a health screening form upon arrival to the tour site, at 500 Slice Drive, Oceanside. The complimentary tours are provided at no cost to participants.

“I am proud of Hempstead Town’s history of environmental stewardship and the long tradition of protecting our township’s native plant and animal species,” said Councilman Anthony D’Esposito, whose district encompasses the Marine Nature Study Area, according to a news release. “I urge my neighbors to take part in these great educational tours and explore our community’s great nature spaces.”

Town of Hempstead residents interested in participating in the tours may register by emailing their name, phone number and address for residency verification to Communications@tohmail.org or by calling the Town of Hempstead Department of Communications at (516) 812-3303.

Residents participating in one of the hour-long tours are urged to dress for colder temperatures, wear appropriate outdoor footwear (such as boots) and to bring binoculars to aid in sightseeing. Photography is also permitted and encouraged.

“The Marine Nature Study Area is such an amazing space, and I am excited for my neighbors to have the opportunity to experience this awesome preserve and the incredible wildlife it is home to,” Clavin said. “Come on down, bundle up and prepare to experience the majesty of Hempstead Town’s natural beauty.”

Courtesy Town of Hempstead; compiled by Mike Smollins