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Target Rock National Wildlife Refuge

 

Target Rock is an 80-acre Refuge on the Lloyd Neck Peninsula of Long Island’s north shore. The Refuge, made up of mature oak-hickory forest and a ½ mile rocky beach, supports a variety of songbirds (particularly warblers in the spring, mammals, shorebirds, fish, reptiles and amphibians. During the colder months, diving ducks are common offshore while harbor seals use the beach and nearby rocks as resting sites. Spring bloom at Target Rock will remind you of its days as a formal garden with flowering rhododendrons, azaleas and mountain laurel.

 

 

Management

Target Rock provides excellent habitat for migratory birds due to its coastal location. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service manages the Refuge to protect this special habitat for migratory songbirds, shorebirds, waterfowl and other wildlife. From April 1st through August 31st, a portion of the beach at Target Rock is closed to public use in order to provide undisturbed nesting areas for bank swallows and a safe place for shorebirds like the piping plover to nest and feed. We appreciate your respecting the beach closures to protect your nation’s wildlife for present and future generations!

 

 

Visiting the Refuge

The nature trail at Target Rock winds through hardwood forest, past seasonal ponds and along the shore of Huntington Bay. You can enjoy such wildlife-dependent activities as photography, wildlife observation, environmental education, nature trails, nature interpretation, and fishing. State regulations apply when you fish. An information kiosk and public restrooms are provided for your convenience.

 

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

Entrance Fee Schedule:
Vehicle - $4.00
Pedestrain/bicycle - $2.00
Annual Refuge Pass (valid 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 the Long Island Expressway (I-495), take Rte. 110N to Huntington. Left/West on Rte. 25A (Main St.). Right/North onto West Neck Rd. to Lloyd Harbor Rd. Straight onto Target Rock Rd. Entrance is on the Right. 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.

 

 

 

Target Rock Headlands

Target Rock headlands/Huntington Bay


 

Northern Flicker
Northern flicker and other birds make use

of dead "snag" trees for shelter & food,

(Ó Ed Sambolin)
 

 

14-foot Rock in Water
Legend has it that the British Navy used

this 14-foot rock for target practice

during the War of 1812!