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Elizabeth A. Morton National Wildlife Refuge

Morton National Wildlife Refuge, a 187-acre peninsula on Noyack and Little Peconic Bays, boasts exceptionally diverse habitats. Sandy and rocky beaches fringe the peninsula, while wooded bluffs overlook the Bays. Morton consists of upland forest, grasslands, ponds, saltmarsh, beach and a lagoon. These habitats are used by a variety of wildlife including white-tailed deer, eastern chipmunk, painted turtles, green frogs, songbirds and osprey. Waterfowl, such as long-tailed duck, common goldeneye and white-winged scoter, are common during the winter months, while piping plover, terns, and other shorebirds use the beach during  the spring and summer months.

Management

Morton Refuge is managed to protect a unique natural area for migratory birds. Federal and state threatened & endangered species such as piping plover, least tern, and roseate tern use the refuge for nesting, chick rearing, feeding and resting. A portion of the beach at Morton is seasonally closed (April 1st - August 31st) in order to protect habitat for nesting and migrating birds. Nesting structures (platforms, nest boxes) are erected to help increase bird productivity. Wetlands and grasslands on the refuge are managed to enhance habitat diversity for migratory birds and other wildlife.

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What's New

2013 Internship Opportunities

Conservation Biology Intern (2 positions) (PDF 35k)

Invasive Species Intern (1-2 positions) (PDF 35k)

Visitor Services Intern (1 position) (PDF 35k)
     Visitor Services Intern Application (PDF 50k)

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Visiting the Refuge

The nature trail at Morton passes through upland areas and onto the beach. You can then follow the peninsula for almost 2 miles, travel an upland trail or visit a brackish pond (partial beach closure April 1st – August 31st). Saltwater fishing from shore is permitted (state regulations apply). Enjoy nature photography, wildlife observation, hiking, nature interpretation and environmental education. An information kiosk and restrooms are provided for visitor convenience.

An entrance fee is charged, which helps to protect wildlife habitat, and maintain refuge trails and facilities. For groups over 12, you can request an entrance fee waiver (pdf - 71KB) by filling out a fee  waiver form and returning to Todd Weston.

Environmental education on the refuge. Credit: USFWS

Entrance Fee Schedule

Vehicle - $4.00
Pedestrian/bicycle - $2.00
Annual Refuge Pass (valid for 12 months from the month of purchase) - $12.00
Duck Stamp (valid July 1 to June 30) - $15.00

Please send annual pass and duck stamp requests to:

Long Island NWR Complex
340 Smith Road
Shirley, NY 11967

Directions

From Sunrise Hwy. (27E), Left/North onto North Sea Rd. (CR 38) for North Sea. Right onto Noyack Rd. for 5 miles. Entrance is on the Left. Refuge hours are ½ hour before sunrise to ½ hour after sunset. An entrance fee is charged.  Please call the refuge office at 631-286-0485 for more details.