Wertheim
Shirley, NY 11967-2245
Plan Your Visit
Know Before You Go
- Late October through early April offer the best times to view waterfowl on the refuge. The forest 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.
- Mosquitoes and flies can be prevalent during the spring and summer. Be sure to bring bug spray.
- Poison ivy and ticks are found throughout the refuge. Stay on the trails to limit your exposure.
- Restrooms are located at the visitor center and the start of the White Oak trail.
Points of Interest
- Experience the interactive exhibit hall featuring Long Island ecosystem dioramas, Discovery Island touch table and night room.
- Visit the nature store run by the non-profit Friends of Wertheim Refuge.
- Hike almost six miles of trails through Pine Barrens forests and along the State designated “scenic Carmans River.”
- Discover recreational opportunities on all the Long Island National Wildlife Refuges.
- FREE Junior Refuge Manager program (Ages 7 – 12) and Virtual Geocache program (Ages 10 – 16)
Activities
Wertheim offers more than six miles of hiking trails and some of the best paddling on Long Island. Visitors can also enjoy wildlife viewing, nature photography, fishing, environmental education, nature interpretation, and cross-country skiing on the refuge.
Driving Directions
By Vehicle
- From the Long Island Expressway (I-495), take Exit 68S to William Floyd Parkway (CR 46S). Make a right onto Montauk Highway (CR 80W), followed by a left onto Smith Road. Follow Smith Road for approximately one-quarter mile (crossing over railroad tracks) – the Refuge entrance is on the right.
- From Sunrise Highway (NY 27E), take Exit 58S to William Floyd Parkway (CR 46S). Follow directions as above.
Transit Directions
- The Long Island Rail Road’s Montauk Branch provides daily service from New York City to the Mastic-Shirley station approximately one mile east of the visitor center. From the station, walk south on Surrey Circle (across from the station entrance) to cross William Floyd Parkway at the pedestrian signal. Continue on Surrey Circle until it reconnects with Northern Boulevard and make a left. Turn left on Smith Road (where Northern Boulevard ends) and the refuge entrance will be 0.2 miles on your right.
- Suffolk County Transit (SCT) provides bus service on Montauk Highway, located approximately one mile north of the Visitor Center. Riders on the 66 or 68 may walk one mile down Smith Road to the refuge.
From Long Island Expressway (I-495) take Exit 68S, or from Sunrise Highway (Highway 27) take Exit 58S to William Floyd Parkway (CR 46S). Right
(West) onto Montauk Highway (CR 80W). Left (South) onto Smith Road (for 1/4- mile.) Entrance road is on the right. The refuge is open during daylight hours.
Activities
More Activities
Get Involved
Whether you want to further conservation, learn more about nature or share your love of the outdoors, you’ve come to the right place. National wildlife refuges partner with volunteers, youth groups, landowners, neighbors and residents of urban and coastal communities to make a lasting difference.
Services
At this field station we offer a variety of public recreation opportunities, including hunting, fishing, paddling, hiking, wildlife observation, nature photography, interpretive programs and environmental education.
About
Established in 1947, Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge protects 2,550 acres on the south shore of Long Island. The refuge is bisected by the Carmans River, a New York state designated scenic river and one of the largest rivers on the island. It hosts a variety of habitats including oak-pine woodlands, grasslands, and wetlands that support diverse wildlife such as white-tailed deer, osprey, and migratory birds. Wertheim also serves as the headquarters and visitor center for the Long Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex.