Long Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex
Northeast Region
 


340 Smith Road
Shirley, NY 11967

Visitor Opportunities

A fisherman at Target Rock National Wildlife Refuge. Credit: USFWS
A fisherman at Target Rock National Wildlife Refuge. Credit: USFWS

 

Opportunities

Several of the Complex’s nine units are open to the public, while others are closed to maximize the chances of protecting wildlife species by minimizing human disturbances.

Morton, Target Rock, and Wertheim National Wildlife Refuges are opened to the public and have maintained facilities for visitors. Here, you will find informative interpretive signs and brochures at kiosks to orient you to the trail system. In addition, each of these Refuges provides parking and restroom facilities. A fee waiver for group visits is available upon request. For more information about group visits, click here.

While open to the public, access to Oyster Bay National Wildlife Refuge is limited by boat from the Long Island Sound and/or local boat ramps and marinas. Please note that there are no parking or restroom facilities at this location.

Much of Amagansett National Wildlife Refuge is closed to the public to protect the sensitive dune ecosystem and beach nesting birds. However, you may access the Refuge by walking the shoreline area bordering the Atlantic Ocean.

The Lido Beach Wildlife Management Area and Conscience Point, Sayville, and Seatuck National Wildlife Refuges are closed to the public to give wildlife and its habitat a chance to thrive. Access to these locations for research and educational purposes is permitted only by Special Use Permit.

Birding is a favorite pastime at refuges across the country! Credit: USFWS
Birding is a favorite pastime at refuges across the country! Credit: USFWS

Activities to enjoy during your visit:

** By appointment
*** New York State regulations apply, as well as special refuge rules and regulations.

During your visit, help protect wildlife by respecting the following regulations:

  • Keep pets off the refuges, their presence disturbs wildlife
  • Use official trails only.
  • Take only pictures, leave only footprints.
  • Respect refuge boundary signs, closed areas, and private property.
  • Pack your garbage out with you.
  • At Morton National Wildlife Refuge, bird seed left on the ground has attracted an overabundance of rats and other predators that prey on young piping plover chicks and other native verbs.
Elizabeth A. Morton NWR offers beach, forest, and pond habitats for kids of all ages to explore! Credit: USFWS
Elizabeth A. Morton NWR offers beach, forest, and pond habitats for kids of all ages to explore! Credit: USFWS

When to Watch

Late October through early April offer the best times to view waterfowl on the refuges. The forests come alive in spring with the arrival of warblers and other migratory songbirds, while, red fox, wild turkey and white-tailed deer may greet you year-round.

Environmental Education

The Long Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex offers excellent opportunities for environmental education and interpretation for students and teachers. For the general public there are numerous special events offered during the warm months, featuring guided interpretive programs and demonstrations. Morton, Target Rock and Wetheim National Wildlife Refuges have facilities for visitors, including information kiosks, brochures, nature trails, restrooms, and ample parking.

The information kiosks and brochures will help guide you along refuge trails and the Carman's River.

Check out our national Let's Go Outside! program.

Group Visits

Please contact Todd Weston, Park Ranger, (Todd_Weston@fws.gov) for more information and to acquire a fee waiver for group visits.

When planning for a group visit of 12 or more people to Morton National Wildlife Refuge you must apply for a special use permit through the Special Use Permit process. To apply for a special use permit please contact Todd Weston, Park Ranger.

If planning for a group to visit Target Rock National Wildlife Refuge your group can request an entrance fee waiver (pdf - 71KB) by filling out a fee waiver form and returning to Todd Weston.
Last updated: April 28, 2012