Group for the East End

Oh, wintertime Explore nature in the chilliest of seasons and discover the sights, sounds, and smells of winter. Find our winter scavenger hunt in the blog post below. Don't forget to share your adventure with the Group on social media! Tag our page and use the hashtag #GFEEoutside.

Planting and caring for tree seedlings can help the future stewards of the environment learn about ecosystems and the valuable role trees play! NYS Department of Environmental Conservation's school seedling program offers free trees and shrubs to school and youth organizations. Learn more below and get planting!

#WildlifeWednesday: Through April, join the Group in a citizen science project to help learn more about backyard birds. Participate in Project FeederWatch from home, at a nature preserve, park, community center and more. The data you collect is sent to and used by actual scientists who look to track trends in populations like abundance and distribution. Citizen science projects are a great way to become involved in protecting local wildlife and wild places. Here at the Group, many of our wildlife monitoring projects utilize the help of volunteers. Learn more about getting involved in this program at feederwatch.org/about/project-overview

That wing span Peregrine falcon sighted in Hampton Bays by photographer Jim Colligan. On a clear day like this, we’ll certainly be looking up!

Shopping local is not just a great way to support your neighbors, it’s also good for the environment! Winning all around Where do you like to shop locally on the East End?

You don't always have to leave the house to learn about nature with the Group! Check out our virtual environmental program offerings, perfect for these chilly winter months. For more info, contact Group outreach and education manager Taralynn Reynolds at [email protected].

These North Fork night skies can leave us speechless. The Town of Southold's Dark Sky Lighting Code has helped protect these views and the wildlife that depend on evening skies. Avoid excessive artificial light, turn off exterior lights when unnecessary, and don't forget to look up

As the sun finally begins to set on 2020, we can all breathe a sigh of relief that better days are ahead. More people found solace in nature, looking to the East End as a safe harbor. Closing out this year, we're reminded of the good that the work of Group for the East End and our environmental and civic partners, and your support, has helped achieve... Plum Island has finally been protected from being auctioned off to the highest bidder. The Suffolk County Drinking Water Pr...otection Program was saved from a multi-million dollar raid. The Group started an exciting environmental education partnership with CAST Southold Town. The Great Pond restoration project was completed. Mattituck's last green corner has been preserved. Nitrogen treatment is now required on all new construction and substantial renovations, further protecting our drinking water... and much more. We look forward to continue our mission of protecting the nature of the place you love in 2021. Thank you all, and happy New Year!

Group for the East End protects the nature of the place you love. Things as simple as playing outside, spending time in nature, or even taking a sip of water are possible because people like you support our mission of protecting and restoring the environment of eastern Long Island through education, conservation, and advocacy. We fight for the protection of our land, water, and wildlife, we inspire children to become stewards of the environment, and we engage the community to embrace a conservation ethic and take action. Please, consider making your year-end tax-deductible donation to the Group today at bit.ly/gfeedonations2020. We are so grateful for your support. Thank you!

Real or fake Christmas trees... which is better for the environment? REAL! Real trees help fight climate change and even though your Christmas tree is cut down, you’re actually supporting forests. Approximately 10 million artificial trees are purchased in the US each season and nearly 90% of them are shipped across the world from China, resulting in an increase of carbon emissions and resources. Most are also not recyclable. Buying real trees also helps keep farms in business and keeps their land covered in healthy forest habitat that wildlife depends on. Plus, who doesn’t love that nostalgic fresh evergreen smell?

[UPDATE: Unfortunately due to the forecast, this Saturday's events are canceled. We hope to see you outside soon!] Now, we can exhale... Ready to get outside again? Bundle up and join Group for the East End for a Nature Walk: The Threshold of Winter with Wild Heart Nature Connection or a Recycled Paper Weaving Class with Naturally Curious Children - both on Saturday. Click the event name for details and signup information. We'll see you outside!

Some dream of beach days in December, we dream of these days on Shelter Island.

#WildlifeWednesday: Shelter Island photographer Jim Colligan has done it again... what a shot! He snapped this photo of a red-tailed hawk recently on the island. You can spot these predators above or along open fields, perched on telephone poles or standalone trees. Where have you seen a red-tailed hawk recently?

Wishing everyone safe, healthy, joyous holiday!

Today is #GivingTuesday, and we hope you'll support us in protecting the nature of the place you love. The East End has become a safe harbor for many in 2020. The value of living at peace with nature is something worth fighting for. Since 1972, Group for the East End has led the way in protecting and restoring the environment of eastern Long Island through education, conservation, and advocacy. We fight for the protection of our land, water, and wildlife, we inspire children... to become stewards of the environment, and we engage the community to embrace a conservation ethic and take action. Please, make your donation today at bit.ly/gfeegivingtuesday2020. Thank you for your continued support!

#WildlifeWednesday: Naturally dark skies play a huge role in supporting wildlife and ecosystems. There are many nocturnal species on the East End and throughout the world that rely on night skies, like this barn owl! Some species come out to hunt in the dark of night, some escape the heat of day, mate, or avoid predators. Today, artificial light threatens our wildlife. As part of the #NorthForkDarkSkyCoalition, Group for the East End is working to raise awareness of the impo...rtance of dark skies and educate people about the dark sky lighting requirements in place on the North Fork. We are encouraging Town of Southold to adopt a resolution to take part in April 2021's International Dark Sky "Turn Your Lights Off" challenge to reduce light pollution locally. By simply flipping the switch, we can all have a positive impact on the wildlife we share our environment with. The New York Times

A conservation victory for the holidays! The battle to protect Plum Island has been a long one, and we a thrilled with this outcome... I think it’s safe to say that this action may be one of the most important conservation opportunities that we have had in the last decade, and one of the most uplifting environmental outcomes in what has otherwise been a very, very tough year for people across our region and throughout the nation, Group for the East End president Bob DeLuca said. It’s also important to recognize that this was a bipartisan effort and demonstrates that when the public is unified, our elected leaders can work together for the collective good and produce some very meaningful outcomes. Read more in The East Hampton Star story below.

Tonight is the night! It has been nearly 400 years since Saturn and Jupiter passed this close to each other in the sky, and nearly 800 years since the alignment of the two occurred at night. According to NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration, nearly everyone around the world to witness this great conjunction. We are incredibly fortunate that the East End is a place where you can look up into the night sky and actually see the stars. However, light pollution t...hreatens not only our ability to see the stars, but can disrupt wildlife, impact human health, waste energy, and contribute to climate change. With this in mind, Group for the East End is proud to be part of the #NorthForkDarkSkyCoalition. We raising awareness of the importance of dark skies and urging Town of Southold to adopt a resolution to take part in the upcoming International Dark Sky "Turn Your Lights Off" challenge in April 2021 to reduce light pollution right here in Southold. When you are looking up tonight, we hope you will be inspired to join us. See more

When the weather outside is freightful, few things are better than curling up with a good book. Shop your local bookstores this year for these green picks! [Helpful tip: Don't see it on the shelves? Ask an employee if they can special order!] Share your favorite green books with us in the comments!

Group for the East End environmental associate and founder of Fix Our Earth Stephanie Licciardi is offering great sustainable gift ideas. If you still have a few items on your list, check out this great roundup! Do your research, be thoughtful about your gifting, and don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Do you have any favorite sustainable gifts you like to give?

Who says the beach can't be enjoyed year-round on the East End? Last weekend, we brought the beach to CAST Southold Town! Group for the East End assistant director of environmental education Anita Wright led this fun program where participants read a story, made sensory bottles, played with magnets and magnetite, and played fish heads and tails. Can't wait to find more ways to explore nature, inside and out, again soon!

Cold and snowy days are on the horizon! Pass the time, stay cozy indoors, and help winter wildlife by making your own bird seed wreath. It also makes for a great interactive family activity and you can look out your window for all our winter bird species. Give it a go and share your creations with us by tagging Group for the East End on Facebook and Instagram.

Cool, but not (no pun intended)... NOAA Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research's Arctic Report Card tracks recent environmental changes relative to historical records. What does this have to do with the East End? Well, global warming is a global issue and we are not immune, to put it simply. Check it out: arctic.noaa.gov/Report-Card Group for the East End has been tackling the issue of global warming through our advocacy, conservation, and education efforts, as well as o...ur involvement with Project Drawdown. There are many solutions to help reverse global warming, many of which we can do as individuals: groupfortheeastend.org/global-warming. Stay in the know, get involved, and make a difference for future generations!

Don’t make Stephanie sad. Dispose of balloons safely, carry out what you carry in, go the extra mile and pickup trash you see on trails and beaches. We all love the East End and the wildlife we share it with, so let’s protect this beautiful place.

We know we'll be looking up tonight...

This year I have a heightened appreciation for nature-oriented activities like these, especially as I grapple with the uncertainty of tomorrow. When I get outside and go for a walk on the beach or watch the sun set on the horizon, I feel bettermore positive, more hopeful and a little less consumed by the news of the day. - Group for the East End president Bob DeLuca. We’ve been so fortunate to have a place like the East End throughout these troubling times. The Group has been the leading environmental watchdog for the East End for nearly 50 years, and we hope you’ll consider us for #GivingTuesday on December 1 when making your tax-deductible donations. Thank you for your continued support in protecting the nature of the place you love

For the past several years, Group for the East End has monitored nesting shorebirds on North Fork beaches through a contract with Southold Town. Our 2020 data shows that 14 nesting pairs produced 21 fledgling piping plovers across 23 monitoring sites. While this data shows that populations are stable, these New York State-endangered birds still face threats on our shores. Learn more in The Suffolk Times story below, and remember to #ShareTheShore!

In light of all we have faced in 2020, there is still so much to be thankful for. We hope you have the time to reflect today, and enjoy time with family (here or virtually!) Happy Thanksgiving, all!

East End Alliance for Racial Justice - eearj recently shared some ways to honor indigenous peoples this Thanksgiving, including learning more about the native land you are on with this interactive map below. Take a few minutes to research the history of the indigenous community while enjoying your Thanksgiving feast with family - at home or virtually! For a little extra history, Group for the East End intern Allegra Brogard wrote a blog post over the summer about the history of Fort Corchaug, which includes one of our favorite preserves to host nature outings - Downs Farm Preserve in Cutchogue. You can read that post here: groupfortheeastend.org//collision-collaboration-and-confli

Some fall things...

At times like this, we are grateful for every inch of land that has been preserved, every beach we can walk, harbor we can fish, and the spectacular wildlife right in our own backyards. We must recognize the profound challenge of protecting this beautiful place that has become a safe harbor during the pandemic. Undoubtedly, people will continue flocking to nature preserves, beaches, parks, and their own backyards to breathe and find solace. With this greater appreciation for nature comes the added responsibility to protect our already fragile environment. Please consider Group for the East End when making your tax-deductible donation on #GivingTuesday - December 1. Together, we can protect the nature of the place you love.

We’ve heard of some snowy owl sightings recently across the East End! As stunning as these creatures are, we want to take this opportunity to remind you that these are wild animals and they need their space. Disrupting their rest or scaring it from its cover causes undue stress, and expends critical energy that wildlife needs to survive. Observe all animals respectfully, and enjoy all the beauty nature has to offer. Learn more about enjoying and protecting New York's wildlife at nyswap.org.

The air is crisp, the leaves are falling, and the sun is still shining... let's get on the trails! Groupies chose some of their favorite places to hike this fall and year-round. Check out the blog post: groupfortheeastend.org//18/staff-picks-favorite-hiking-tra Where do you like to hike in the fall?

Save the Date! #GivingTuesday is December 1. Swipe through to see how your support has allowed the East End to be still defined more by its beaches and bays than by its highways and shopping malls. Please consider Group for the East End when making your tax-deductible donation for Giving Tuesday so we can continue the fight to keep this gorgeous place our safe harbor #gfeeoutside #groupfortheeastend #northfork #longisland #conservation #saveourplanet #exploreli #discoverli #eastend #eastendli #southampton #easthampton #southold #shelterisland #greenport #hamptons #montauk #riverhead #northforkli #wildlife #longislandsound #peconicbay #preservation #northforker #shinnecockbay #nature #education #animals #SuffolkCounty

Save the Date! #GivingTuesday is December 1. Click through to see how your support has allowed the East End to be still defined more by its beaches and bays than by its highways and shopping malls. Please consider Group for the East End when making your tax-deductible donation for #GivingTuesday so we can continue the fight to keep this gorgeous place our safe harbor

This partnership with Naturally Curious Children has been such a fun and exciting way to explore nature with kids, despite all of the challenges of the pandemic. We are so grateful to have beautiful places like Downs Farm Preserve on the East End to engage, educate, and inspire. #Repost: "This sweet one has been to nearly every class we’ve held with Group for the East End. When she arrives she marches right up, says hello, grabs her kit and starts working. She knows the r...outine. When she’s done, she walks back over and shows me what she’s made. ‘Look, Nicole.’ And, my heart is happy. The connections and relationships are a huge part of why I have loved these classes so much. When friends spot each other as they arrive or new friendships are formed, I am thrilled to be a part of it."

The leaves are falling! Click through for some simple eco-friendly tips for managing your autumn lawn

#WildlifeWednesday: We've been lucky with some very warm days in autumn! But, temperatures will drop again on land and at sea, and sea turtles that have lingered in our waters instead of migrating south may become victims of cold stunning. While walking the beach, be on the lookout for these animals! Report strandings immediately, even if the sea turtle appears to be dead, to the NYS Stranding Hotline at 631.369.9829 so responders from Atlantic Marine Conservation Society and NY Marine Rescue Center can help

Our ocean resources are shared across the world. Though far from the East End, we support our conservation colleagues and partners including The Moore Charitable Foundation, Waterkeeper Alliance, Surfrider Foundation, and others in their quest to keep these waters safe. The Bahamas is poised to drill for oil in 3.9 million acres of pristine waters by the end of the year. Join @ourislandourfuture and take urgent action to stop this irreversible and devastating insanity: http://chng.it/XWhStvfpsZ

Good morning, good morning.

These gorgeous fall days have us enjoying the outdoors as much as possible. Changing leaves, wildlife sightings, crisp, clean air... the East End is stunning this time of year. Our crew walked the trails of Arshamomaque Preserve recently, where we have been cleaning and creating trails for the Bay to Sound project over the last few years. We can’t wait to share more soon... [Bay to Sound is funded by the New York State Department of State under Title 11 of the Environmental Protection Fund]

Eating organic, locally-grown food is a great form of personal advocacy to protect the environment. But, it can be expensive and out of reach for many. Group for the East End assistant director of environmental education Anita C. Wright recently spoke with Layton Guenther of Quail Hill Farm and Peconic Land Trust on the importance of this type of environmental advocacy and how it can be accessible to our community as a whole.

The big day is coming so, please, vote. And not just in tomorrow’s election, but those on the local, state, and federal levels, too. Speak up for the environment and wildlife. Your voice matters - make it heard.

Chris Kelly, owner of Promised Land Apiaries, knows a thing or two about pollinators. The master beekeeper shared his thoughts with Group for the East End on personal advocacy to help protect the environment by reducing pesticide use. Pesticides and herbicides contaminate groundwater, kill honeybees and pollinators, cause respiratory illnesses, and hurt fish and birds. Reduce or eliminate your use, opt for natural alternatives, and help by planting native plants that require little-to-no fertilizer.

Happy Halloween from the Group! Do you prefer cute or spooky?

Environmental protection and politics are inextricably linked. We know democracy isn't perfect, but voting is a fundamental right and a power that can be exercised to standup for the environment. Group for the East End director of membership Kristina Lange and media relations manager Rachel Bosworth face their fears of the camera to share how voting, a simple, personal form of environmental advocacy, is critical to protecting the nature of the place you love.

Little acts in your day-to-day life can make a big difference. Did you know just by buying locally-grown food (or growing your own), spending time outdoors, reducing pesticide use, and getting involved in local politics, you can be an advocate for the environment? Watch for some simple tips and tricks, and help us protect the nature of the place you love.

Hot off the press! It's no secret, 2020 has been a challenge for all of us and for the environment. The East End became a safe harbor for many during the course of the pandemic and, like many, we had to adapt quickly. Thanks to your support, we've been working hard to keep protecting the nature of the place you love. Read our newsletter online at groupfortheeastend.org/newsletters

Pumpkin waste around Halloween is scary, but you can do something good for the birds! Turn those softening orange globes into a backyard feeder for our feathered friends. Get easy DIY tips in the National Audubon Society article below.

Halloween doesn’t have to be all that spooky These tips and tricks will help you celebrate this ghoulish holiday while keeping wildlife happy

Let’s get the kids outdoors, enjoying nature and learning at the same time! This program is designed to be fun and educational, led by certified forest therapy guide Linda Lombardo of Wild Heart Nature Connection and Group for the East End Outreach and Education Manager, Taralynn Reynolds. Click below for details and to sign up

Follow the migration of our beloved monarch butterflies back to their wintering grounds in Mexico! This map by Journey North is updated regularly. Get updates here: bit.ly/2Tb1REa

#WildlifeWednesday: A symbol of strength, courage, and freedom, a bald eagle is certainly a sight to see. Spotted by Shelter Island photographer Jim Colligan during an outing on Dune Road in Hampton Bays, this bald eagle serves as a reminder that even the most powerful and majestic creatures need our protection. Group for the East End is committed to protecting and restoring the places where wildlife live, and educating the public about their plight. Learn more about our work and how you can get involved at groupfortheeastend.org.

We’re so excited to have been doing programs again and Downs Farm Preserve in Cutchogue is one of our favorite locations! Thank you Naturally Curious Children and Wild Heart Nature Connection for helping us get people outside this weekend. We can’t wait for more events soon... in the meantime, here’s a glimpse at a beautiful weekend.

Rising with the sun on the water... it’s not a bad way to start a weekend on the East End.

Another summer has come and gone, and again our water, "the gold that fuels our local economy," is still at risk. This Newsday article covers the recent annual report from Stony Brook University professor Christopher Goebel on the state of Long Island's waters. "Every major bay and estuary on Long Island, from Great Neck to East Hampton, was afflicted this summer with toxic algae blooms or oxygen starved waters, primarily from heavy loads of nitrogen stemming from sewage and septic systems, according to a new report on the region's water quality impairments." Click below to read more.

Earning top marks! Protecting, preserving, and strengthening our water quality is certainly a team effort. Group for the East End is proud to partner with Save the Sound and many other fantastic organizations to help protect this invaluable resource that is representative of our very way of life. While this is certainly great news, we must keep up the good fight! Read more in the Riverhead News-Review story below.

In honor of Indigenous Peoples Day, we're revisiting the history of one of our most-used sites for nature outings and restoration projects. In the blog post below, our summer intern Allegra Brogard details the history of the site and its cultural importance today, particularly as environmental advocacy is at the forefront of modern conservation work. "Downs Farm Preserve in Cutchoguethe 51 acres of woodlands and wetlands on which Group for the East End leads trail walks and... educational activitiesis a treasure for those interested in Long Island’s indigenous societies. On the left side of Downs Creek and 2,000 feet north of Peconic Bay lies a three-quarter acre patch of land overrun with dense trees and brush. Practically incognito today, the patch of land was once Fort Corchauga palisade fortification built by the indigenous Corchaug tribe in the 1630s and abandoned in the 1660s." Read more below.

A conservation victory for your Sunday! On Tuesday, the Southold Town Board unanimously adopted a zone change protecting the 9-acre Plum Island Ferry terminal property in Orient. "Bob DeLuca, the president of Group for the East End said Tuesday the goal is to protect Plum Island’s 'incredible natural resources while also maintaining a limited research development zone within the island’s already developed footprint.'" Read more in The Suffolk Times story below.

Promised Land Apiaries's Chris Kelly met with Taralynn Reynolds of Group for the East End at Downs Farm Preserve in Cutchogue to talk about preparing the beehives for winter. Get an inside look as bees are already huddling together in preparation for the cooler months!

#WildlifeWednesday: Just a squirrel, doing squirrel things. This guy is getting plump just in time for the cold weather months ahead. Though tree squirrels do not hibernate during winter, they do rely on fat reserves and food caches while staying in their nests.

Your voice matters. Your vote counts. Voting is a fundamental right of every US citizen. Check your voter registration status and make a plan to vote early, in person, or on election day. Swipe through for important dates and details in Suffolk County.

Oh milkweed, how we love thee... This amazing plant creates an ecosystem in its existence and supports so much life, including our beloved monarch butterflies! Group for the East End's Taralynn Reynolds recently visited Quogue Wildlife Refuge and took these photos of common milkweed. This progression of photos shows a new pod and a bursting pod, with the cotton-like tufts that carry seeds in the wind.

Group for the East End environmental associate Stephanie Licciardi spoke with Atlantic Marine Conservation Society (AMSEAS) field biologist and education coordinator Erich Dietterle about the problem of marine debris for our beaches and wildlife. Another great personal form of environmental advocacy is participating in a beach cleanup or conducting one of your own, opting for reusables over single-use plastics, and reporting marine animal strandings and entangelments to AMSEAS and the NYS Stranding Hotline at 631.369.9829. Keep the beach clean and you just may save an animal's life!

Group for the East End's Taralynn Reynolds chats with Cara Fernandes from Quogue Wildlife Refuge about their butterfly garden, some fall gardening tips to support native plants and wildlife, and the milkweed plant. If you haven't already, this 300-acre nature preserve is a must-visit!

#WildlifeWednesday: Spotted! Praying mantis on sedum. These garden predators are often attracted to habitats with colorful, fragrant flowers and a water source. Create this space for them, and they will benefit your garden by eating pest insects. They’re pretty cool to look at, too!