The Group for the East End has many activities planned at Downs Farm Preserve for the month of May. Check below for the various events that will be happening throughout the month.
Nature themed story hour, May 2
Children ages 2 to 5 are welcome to join Group for the East End staff at Downs Farm Preserve as they enjoy a nature-themed story, create a fun craft, and explore the nature center. The event takes place Tuesday, May 2 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
For reservations or more information, please contact Jessica Kennelly at 631-765-6450 ext. 215 or click here to email her.
Shorebird wildlife search, May 6
Shinnecock Bay is teeming with migrant shorebirds and nesting waders.
Accompany Group For The East End on a midday wildlife search along Dune Road in Hampton Bays. Among the animals we expect to see are Great and Snowy Egrets, Great Blue Heron, Glossy Ibis, American Oystercatcher, Willet, and Greater Yellowlegs.
The walk is scheduled for May 6 from 10:30 to 1 p.m. Participants should meet at the parking lot on the west side (Hampton Bays side) of the Shinnecock inlet.
Binoculars are required.
For reservations or more information, please contact Steve Biasetti at 631-765-6450 ext. 205 or email him by clicking here.
Environmental movie night (for adults), May 8
What Are the Bees Telling Us?
Join Group For The East End at Downs Farm Preserve as we watch Queen of the Sun, by award-winning filmmaker Taggart Siegel.
Taking us on a journey through the catastrophic disappearance of bees, this engaging and ultimately uplifting film weaves a dramatic story of the heartfelt struggles of beekeepers, scientists and philosophers.
Refreshments will be available. For reservations or more information, please contact Jessica Kennelly at 631-765-6450 ext. 215 or email her by clicking here.
Full Flower Moon hikes, May 10
According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, Native Americans named this moon because flowers are abundant everywhere during this time of year. Other names include the Full Corn Planting Moon or the Milk Moon.
Join one of Group For The East End’s naturalists for one of the two free beautiful, crisp moonlit walks through the trails of Downs Farm Preserve. Discover the sights and sounds of the world at night. Participants may bring a flashlight/headlamp.
The walks take place on May 10. The first session is geared toward families with younger children. It runs from 7:45 to 8:30 p.m. A later walk is scheduled for adults from 8:45 to 9:30 p.m.
For reservations or more information, please contact Jessica Kennelly at 631-765-6450 ext. 215 or click here to email her.
Whales, marine mammals and sea turtles in N.Y. waters, May 20
Marine Animal Conservation in New York needs your help.
Join Group for the East End and Robert A. DiGiovanni Jr., chief scientist at the Atlantic Marine Conservation Society and marine biologist for over 20 years at Downs Farm Preserve in Cutchogue. Learn how you can help these majestic marine animals that use the same oceans that we do. The talk will take place from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
For reservations or more information, please contact Jessica Kennelly at 631-765-6450 ext. 215 or click here to email her.
Songbirds on the move, May 21
Songbirds of all sorts migrate through the woods of eastern Long Island in mid-May. Join us for a short nature walk at the Downs Farm Preserve as we search and listen for warblers, vireos, thrushes, flycatchers, tanagers, and others. The walk takes place from 9 to 10:30 a.m.
Please bring binoculars.
For reservations or more information, please contact Steve Biasetti at 631-765-6450 ext. 205 or click here to email him.
Spring herb gardening, May 21
Come explore the spring herb garden at Downs Farm Preserve in Cutchogue with Group for the East End and local herbalist, Heather Cusack. Enjoy herb teas while planting the garden. Afterward, we’ll search the trails for wild spring edibles. This event is geared toward family fun.
For a donation of $3, take home an herb plant to start your own garden.
For reservations or more information, please contact Jessica Kennelly at 631-765-6450 ext. 215 or click here to email her.
Book Club, May 25
Are you a bookworm and someone who loves nature? Join us for our once-a-month book club meeting. Enjoy refreshments in the nature center as we discuss our first book, Desert Solitaire by Edward Abbey from 6 to 7 p.m.
For reservations or more information, please contact Jessica Kennelly at 631-765-6450 ext. 215 or click here to email her.
