Long Island National Wildlife Refuges

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

05/13/2026

Join us for a free Spring Bird Walk at Wertheim on Saturday May 16, 2026 from 9:00am-11:00am led by naturalist MaryLaura Lamont from Hallock State Park Preserve.

May is peak migration season for thousands of northbound birds winging their way to breeding grounds. Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge witnesses a great migration of many different birds including shorebirds, waders, neotropical species of warblers, vireos, thrush and grosbeaks as well as sparrows and hawks. This is a 2.5 mile walk on the White Oak Trail. Please bring binoculars and tick protection (light colored clothes, tucked into tall socks, repellent, etc.) and rain cancels the program.

Meet at the Wertheim Visitors Center
340 Smith Rd., Shirley, NY 11967

04/30/2026

With trees in bloom across Long Island, now is the perfect (all too brief 😢) moment to appreciate the important early spring nectar trees provide to our pollinators. The next time you consider adding a tree or shrub to your landscaping, consider going native!

04/30/2026

Spots still available for this Saturday's iPhone Photography Workshop at Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge 🌿

Join us for an in-depth, hands-on experience and learn how to take creative control and create more expressive images in one of Long Island’s most beautiful natural settings. All proceeds from this event support the vital stewardship and education efforts of Friends of Wertheim. Use the link below for more info and to reserve your spot today. You'll be amazed at what you can achieve‼️

04/27/2026

This Saturday at Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge 🌿

Join us for an in-depth, hands-on, iPhone Photography Workshop. Learn how to take creative control and create more expressive images in one of Long Island’s most beautiful natural settings. All proceeds from this event support the vital stewardship and education efforts of Friends of Wertheim. Use the link below for more info and to reserve your spot today. You'll be amazed at what you can achieve‼️

Please click the link to complete this form.

04/21/2026

Wertheim Visitor Center, parking lots, and trails will be closed to the public until 1pm this Saturday and Sunday (April 25th and 26th) for our annual Youth Turkey Hunt. The Visitor Center will open Saturday only from 1-4pm, and parking lots and trails Saturday and Sunday from 1pm to sunset.

04/20/2026

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is currently soliciting public comment on two draft compatibility determinations and two draft environmental assessments regarding recreational shellfishing, commercial shellfishing, and aquaculture on the Congressman Lester Wolff Oyster Bay National Wildlife Refuge on Long Island.

The Service's draft determinations find all uses to be compatible when conducted under identified stipulations and with non-mechanized harvest methods (i.e., without hydraulic and mechanical methods). The stipulations align with state and town regulations. The public comment period will be open for 30 days from April 20, 2026 – May 20, 2026.

More information can be found on the refuge website (https://www.fws.gov/refuge/congressman-lester-wolff-oyster-bay) and documents are available on the refuge library page (https://www.fws.gov/refuge/congressman-lester-wolff-oyster-bay/library) or at the Wertheim refuge visitor center. Please send any comments regarding the Draft Compatibility Determinations or Draft Environmental Assessments by email to: [email protected]. Image of clammers courtesy of USFWS/Matt Poole.

04/10/2026

Come celebrate Earth Day at Wertheim on Saturday, April 18th! The Friends of Wertheim are offering a guided nature walk, and a volunteer invasive plant removal and native planting. Lunch will be provided to volunteers for either the removal or planting session. Visit https://ow.ly/q2Pf50YH0MR or call 631-286-0485 for more information.
Friends of Wertheim NWR

04/01/2026

Capture Breathtaking Photos with Your iPhone! On Saturday, May 2nd, join professional photographer Anthony Graziano for a workshop that will take you well beyond basic snapshots and provides skills to create art quality photographs that you will be proud to share and display.

Your iPhone is more than just a camera—it’s a powerful creative tool waiting to be unlocked. Whether you’re a casual shooter or aspiring pro, this immersive workshop will show you how to harness its full potential for stunning landscape photography. Discounted registration through April 15! Funds raised from this workshop will support the Friends of Wertheim. Registration is available at

Please click the link to complete this form.