A cool hike to think about in this heat wave:Quogue Refuge (Westhampton: home)

[Johninwestbury]

Wouldn't want to be there now, but it sure was nice in winter!
The Quogue Wildlife Refuge may be smaller in comparison to some of LI's larger preserves, but it makes up for that with all it's trails, ponds, and unique ecosystems. It is run by The Nature Conservancy and is located off Old Country Road in Quogue. This preserve features tidal ponds, freshwater ponds, pine barrens as well as dwarf pine plains in the northern section. It's location on the south shore makes it a popular place for birdwatching. On the east it is bordered by a dirt road, on the west and north the Westhampton Gabreski airport.


Upon entering Old Ice Pond is one of the first things you see next to the visitor center. And on this cold January day, it was covered with ice.







As you head north you pass a clearing where young pitch pines grow, it is also a popular spot for birdwatching.



Heading north you can go across a bridge and get a view of the stream that runs through the preserve.


Heading further north you pass through a dense pitch pine forest.


Pretty soon you will pass by North Pond.




Heading further north you notice the pines start getting shorter.


You are now in the northern section which actually enters a section of the Westhampton Dwarf Pine Plains.




Heading back along the eastern side of the preserve you can see a dirt road through the fence. It is lined with more "Pygmy" pines. Some great shapes here.


A dim trail to the right will take you to another small pond.


Eventually you will wind up by where they keep some injured birds and at the parking lot. But there's another section of the preserve just west on Old Country Rd across the RR tracks. A walkway takes you through some cattail marshes along Quantuck creek.





To find out more information, visit the Quogue Refuge website

Quogue Wildlife Refuge Home Page

To discuss the Long Island Pine Barrens and other "stuff" visit the LI Pine Barrens forums
longislandpinebarrens :: Index

[iluvmycuties]

John,


All it's missing are the Corona bottles! Just kidding!