Elizabeth A. Morton National Wildlife Refuge

The Morton 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, ponds, saltmarshes, beach, a lagoon and grasslands. These habitats provide for a variety of wildlife including white-tailed deer and other mammals, reptiles, amphibians, songbirds and raptors like the osprey. Wintering waterfowl, such as long-tailed ducks and white-winged scoter, are common during the colder months, while shorebirds, particularly piping plover, use the beach in the warmer months.

Management
The 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, rearing young, feeding and resting. In order to protect the peninsula’s habitat for wildlife, access to that part of the beach is seasonally closed (April 1^st - August 31^st). Nesting structures (platforms, nest boxes) are erected to help increase bird productivity. Wetland management enhances waterfowl use and grasslands are maintained for habitat diversity and migratory birds. 

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 1^st – August 31^st). Saltwater fishing from shore is permitted (state regulations apply). Enjoy nature photography & observation, hiking, nature interpretation and environmental education. An information kiosk and restrooms are provided for your convenience.

An entrance fee is charged; monies collected help protect wildlife habitat as well as maintain Refuge trails and conveniences.

Entrance Fee Schedule:
Vehicle - $4.00
Pedestrain/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
360 Smith Road
P.O. Box 21
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.

Jessups Neck peninsula, named for early settler

John Jessup, forms a north-south corridor of

shelter for migratory birds.
 

Partial beach closure from April-August protects

nesting sites for federally threatened piping

plover & other federally protected shorebirds.
(© Alex Krevitz)

Black capped chickadees greet visitors

year-round along the trail! To protect these &

other birds from predatory rats, please do not

leave behind piles of birdseed.

(© Sheldon Pollack)