We are continuing our winter series of monthly hikes with the goal of discovering various habitats and landscapes throughout Long Island, exploring new trails, immersing ourselves in nature, practicing teamwork and challenging ourselves in a fun way. We will also be working on collecting photos and notes on the flora and fauna we find interesting to contribute to a specialized project on iNaturalist.

Our second hike will take place at Sunken Meadow State Park. With a wide range of topographic features, Sunken Meadow offers pristine views of the Long Island Sound with Connecticut in the distance. Three bridges stretch over Sunken Meadow Creek as it runs from the interior of the park to tidal flats at the mouth of the Nissequogue River. In 2020 a resilience and restoration project was completed, including the installation of bioswales and other green infrastructure to protect 135 acres of salt marsh in this fragile and diverse ecosystem.  (information derived from Suffolk County Parks Dept & LI Sound Study)

We will be meeting in Lot 1 of Sunken Meadow State Park located in Kings Park.

What to bring/further instructions:

• Please dress warm and wear layers
• Hiking boots/snow boots with thick socks
• Hat/sunglasses
• Water bottle/snack
• Binoculars (if you have)