Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge

This 2,550 acre refuge on Long Island’s south shore is bisected by the Carmans River—New York State-designated as wild and scenic and one of the Island’s largest. Wertheim hosts a wide variety of habitats including oak-pine woodlands, grasslands, ponds, river, streams and bay, as well as fresh, brackish and salt water wetlands. These habitats attract and support a remarkable diversity of wildlife including white-tailed deer, osprey, muskrat, wading birds, fox, weasel, turtles, and frogs. The Refuge also serves as a haven for waterfowl, such as black ducks, bufflehead and mergansers, along with shorebirds, raptors, songbirds and estuarine fish.

Management

Wertheim is managed to protect the Carmans River estuary for use by migratory waterfowl (particularly black ducks, bufflehead, wood ducks, scaup and gadwalls) and other waterbirds. Refuge staff manage impoundments, wetlands and forests to maintain and enhance habitat, wildlife diversity and productivity. Managers also maintain nesting structures for songbirds, barn owls, osprey and wood ducks. Deer hunting opportunities are also available at Wertheim NWR.

Visiting the Refuge

Wertheim offers four miles of hiking and some of the best canoeing on Long Island down the Carmans River. You can also enjoy wildlife viewing, nature photography, fishing, environmental education, nature interpretation, hiking, and cross‑country skiing. Waterfowl numbers peak in winter, while bird watching during the spring and fall migrations allows you to view a variety of birds including raptors, waterfowl and songbirds. Spring bloom decorates the river with beautiful flowers such as irises, marsh mallow and violets. Autumn colors are equally splendid! An information kiosk, wildlife observation blinds and public restrooms are provided for your convenience.

Directions: From Long Island Expressway (I‑495) take Exit 68S, or from Sunrise Hwy. (Hwy. 27) take Exit 58S to William Floyd Pkwy. (CR 46S). Right/West onto Montauk Hwy. (CR 80W). Left/South onto Smith Rd. for ¼ mile. Entrance road is on the Right. Refuge hours 8 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Friends of Wertheim: Visit the Friends of Wertheim web site for more information about Wertheim and the community related activities you can participate in to enhance the refuge experience!

Yaphank Creek, a tributary of the

Carmans River.

(Ó Alex Krevitz)

Irises, roses and more offer colorful

views in Spring & Summer, but don't

forget to come back for

Fall "leaf peeping"

(Ó Teri Kman)

Refuge staff monitor wood duck

nest boxes annually for breeding

success of this beautiful

migratory bird.

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