Long Island National Wildlife Refuges

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Long Island National Wildlife Refuges

For the official source of information about the Long Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex go to http://www.fws.gov/northeast/longislandrefuges/.

For more about the Fish and Wildlife service go to www.fws.gov The Long Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex consists of 9 National Wildlife Refuges and one Wildlife Management Area spread across Long Island, totaling nearly 6,500 acres. The primary purpose for each unit within the Complex is to provide crucial habitat to protect and benefit wildlife. These units encompass many of Long Island’s

habitat types, including tidal wetlands, sandy beaches, and Pitch Pine forest. Long Island’s strategic location along the along the Atlantic Flyway provides important nesting, wintering, and migratory stop-over areas for hundreds of species of bird species. In addition to migratory birds the refuges also provide critical habitat for Long Island’s endangered species and other wildlife. Each refuge is unique and, as a Complex, provide a diverse and necessary component to wildlife survival.

09/09/2026

Monarchs on the move! Watch your step going in and out of the Wertheim Visitor Center, as we've seen several monarch caterpillars around the building searching for their preferred metamorphosis spot. Safe travels friends! 🦋

08/28/2026

Pine Barrens Discovery Day is back at Wertheim refuge on Saturday, September 12th! Get ready for a jam-packed day of learning and laughter for all ages featuring funshops, nature walks, seining the Carmans River, a pitch pine bonsai workshop, games and activities. See the event flyer athttps://doifws.prod.acquia-sites.com/sites/default/files/documents/2026-08/2026-pine-barrens-discovery-day.pdf

08/20/2026

Wertheim refuge is saddened to learn of the passing of long serving volunteer and former Friends of Wertheim President Claire Goad. Claire was one of the founding members of the Friends and in recognition of her efforts, was awarded the 2018 Volunteer of the Year award from the National Wildlife Refuge System. Learn more about her legacy at https://www.gleasonfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Claire-Goad?obId=49073288 . The Friends currently have a display honoring Claire in the Visitor Center lobby where visitors can leave well wishes in a Memory Book to be presented to the Goad family. Image courtesy of Anthony Graziano.

08/12/2026

Beneath the tall grasses and floating on the summer breeze, a quiet struggle for survival unfolds every day. Read the story of three indispensable pollinators searching for a place to rest, eat, and raise the next generation. Learn how we can welcome them home. 🥰

Discover how fireflies, monarchs, and bees face survival challenges and learn simple steps to create a welcoming habitat for these vital pollinators.

07/09/2026

Beginning on Tuesday July 14th at the Elizabeth A. Morton National Wildlife Refuge, refuge staff will limit trail access and facilities for several onsite projects, including replacing the beach-facing overlook and the siding on several public buildings. Thank you for your patience as we work to improve your visitor experience!

07/02/2026

A very Happy Independence Day to one and all! What better way to celebrate our nation's 250th anniversary this weekend, than enjoying our public lands? From July 3rd through July 5th, entrance fees will be waived at all National Parks and National Wildlife Refuges including the Target Rock and Elizabeth A. Morton refuges here on Long Island. Stay safe and hydrated! Image courtesy of Brian Kidd.

06/15/2026

LAST CALL! 🚨 The 2025 Federal Duck Stamp will be available for purchase at the Wertheim Visitor Center through the end of the month, at which point the 2026-2027 stamp becomes available. Not only do Duck Stamps make great collectors items, they also make a great gift idea for the wildlife enthusiast in your family! https://www.fws.gov/program/federal-duck-stamp

06/14/2026

Happy Flag Day! Today we commemorate the adoption of the United States flag on June 14, 1777, by resolution of the Second Continental Congress. Fees at all federal public lands, including National Parks and National Wildlife Refuges, are waived today. See you on the trail! Image courtesy of National Park Service LEGO Vignettes

05/26/2026

Stay aware on the trails! The time of year has come once again when female snapping turtles emerge from the Carmans River to lay their eggs. Turtles frequently target the edges of trails, sidewalks and landscaped areas that attract and retain heat. Please give these wild animals a wide berth and do not attempt to approach and/or move them. As always, any animals that appear to be in distress should be reported to staff at the Wertheim Visitor Center. Image of nesting snapping turtle by Indian Landing Loop trail courtesy of Eleanor Miele.

05/14/2026

Celebrate World Bee Day on May 20th with Garden for Wildlife! Bees are our most important pollinators, but they are often misunderstood. While the agriculturally important honey bee gets the spotlight, our native bees are actually the ecological powerhouses of the ecosystem.

In this special interactive session, naturalist David Mizejewski will bust common myths and reveal the fascinating biology and behavior of native bees. Just in time for National Pollinator Month! Register here: https://content.gardenforwildlife.com/live-stream-registration

Address

340 Smith Road
Shirley, NY
11967

Telephone

+16312860485

Website

http://www.fws.gov/northeast/longislandrefuges/

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