Long Island National Wildlife Refuges

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Long Island National Wildlife Refuges

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For the official source of information about the Long Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex go to http://www.fws.gov/northeast/longislandrefuges/.

For more about the Fish and Wildlife service go to www.fws.gov The Long Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex consists of 9 National Wildlife Refuges and one Wildlife Management Area spread across Long Island, totaling nearly 6,500 acres. The primary purpose for each unit within the Complex is to provide crucial habitat to protect and benefit wildlife. These units encompass many of Long Island’s habitat types, including tidal wetlands, sandy beaches, and Pitch Pine forest. Long Island’s strategic location along the along the Atlantic Flyway provides important nesting, wintering, and migratory stop-over areas for hundreds of species of bird species. In addition to migratory birds the refuges also provide critical habitat for Long Island’s endangered species and other wildlife. Each refuge is unique and, as a Complex, provide a diverse and necessary component to wildlife survival.

10/26/2026

For the sake of our future pollinators, please leave the leaves! 🍁

Discover why leaving fallen leaves benefits wildlife, the environment, and your garden. Learn how to create a sustainable fall landscape.

10/22/2026

On October 27, we're celebrating President Theodore Roosevelt's birthday with a fee-free day on our Long Island National Wildlife Refuges, as well as all participating public lands across America!

Teddy's passion for conservation helped shape America's public lands legacy, including the establishment of the national wildlife refuge system and the protection of millions of acres of public lands.

What better way to honor his legacy than by getting outside and enjoying the incredible places he helped preserve! Photo courtesy of The Library of Congress.

09/24/2026

Happy Birthday to the man who brought us the world's most lovable green frog! Image of Jim Henson and his famous muppets courtesy of National Park Service LEGO Vignettes.

09/24/2026

With significant storm activity anticipated over this weekend, refuge staff remind Wertheim visitors to exercise extreme caution if/when hiking refuge trails. High winds increase the likelihood of dead pine trees falling on the trail and injuring a visitor. Be safe!

09/09/2026

Monarchs on the move! Watch your step going in and out of the Wertheim Visitor Center, as we've seen several monarch caterpillars around the building searching for their preferred metamorphosis spot. Safe travels friends! 🦋

08/28/2026

Pine Barrens Discovery Day is back at Wertheim refuge on Saturday, September 12th! Get ready for a jam-packed day of learning and laughter for all ages featuring funshops, nature walks, seining the Carmans River, a pitch pine bonsai workshop, games and activities. See the event flyer athttps://doifws.prod.acquia-sites.com/sites/default/files/documents/2026-08/2026-pine-barrens-discovery-day.pdf

08/20/2026

Wertheim refuge is saddened to learn of the passing of long serving volunteer and former Friends of Wertheim President Claire Goad. Claire was one of the founding members of the Friends and in recognition of her efforts, was awarded the 2018 Volunteer of the Year award from the National Wildlife Refuge System. Learn more about her legacy at https://www.gleasonfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Claire-Goad?obId=49073288 . The Friends currently have a display honoring Claire in the Visitor Center lobby where visitors can leave well wishes in a Memory Book to be presented to the Goad family. Image courtesy of Anthony Graziano.

08/12/2026

Beneath the tall grasses and floating on the summer breeze, a quiet struggle for survival unfolds every day. Read the story of three indispensable pollinators searching for a place to rest, eat, and raise the next generation. Learn how we can welcome them home. 🥰

Discover how fireflies, monarchs, and bees face survival challenges and learn simple steps to create a welcoming habitat for these vital pollinators.

07/09/2026

Beginning on Tuesday July 14th at the Elizabeth A. Morton National Wildlife Refuge, refuge staff will limit trail access and facilities for several onsite projects, including replacing the beach-facing overlook and the siding on several public buildings. Thank you for your patience as we work to improve your visitor experience!

07/02/2026

A very Happy Independence Day to one and all! What better way to celebrate our nation's 250th anniversary this weekend, than enjoying our public lands? From July 3rd through July 5th, entrance fees will be waived at all National Parks and National Wildlife Refuges including the Target Rock and Elizabeth A. Morton refuges here on Long Island. Stay safe and hydrated! Image courtesy of Brian Kidd.

Address

340 Smith Road
Shirley, NY
11967

Telephone

+16312860485

Website

http://www.fws.gov/northeast/longislandrefuges/

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