After many recent gloomy days, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy what should be nicer weather coming up.
On Saturday, the South Fork Natural History Museum and Nature Center needs help cleaning the beach. SoFo hopes eager participants will come out and pick up as much trash as possible, getting one step closer to keeping hometown beaches clean and open. The cleanup begins at 8 a.m., and the location is to be determined. Advance registration is required by emailing [email protected] or calling 631-537-9735.
On Sunday, SoFo will host a piping plover tour, where the educator Rachel Speckenbach has invited participants to learn more about these birds and why they should be protected. This walk is limited to 10 people and begins at 9 a.m., with registration information the same as above.
Also Sunday, the Southampton Trails Preservation Society will lead a moderately paced four-mile hike. This excursion includes views of Cow Neck, Robins Island, and Southampton’s natural beauty. The meeting place is on Sebonac Road at the Kurt Billing kiosk, just east of the Tuckahoe School. The hike begins at 9 a.m. Selena May, the hike leader, can be reached for more information at 516-428-9492.
Calling all paddlers: On Tuesday, SoFo has planned a sunset nature tour of North Sea Harbor by kayak or paddleboard. The paddle begins at the Conscience Point Historic Site in Southampton. Participants will paddle near the oyster cages and have an opportunity to learn more about the importance of aquaculture. Then, they will explore tidal creeks into a pond surrounded by the preserve and practice mindful meditation. Taking along water, snacks, sunscreen, bug spray, a dry towel, and a camera is recommended. Kayak and paddleboard rentals are available. SoFo members can attend for free, but there is an admission fee of $10 per adult and $7 per child for non-members. Paddling will begin at 5:30 p.m. Advance registration is required.
Next Saturday, July 17, Lee Dion will lead a historical hike on behalf of the East Hampton Trails Preservation Society. Hikers will pass artificial and natural ponds, glacial erratics, kettle holes, and interesting trees. The meeting place is 74 Hands Creek Road, East Hampton, at 9 a.m. The contact number for the day of the hike is 631-375-2339.
Also on July 17, the Friends of the Longpond Greenbelt are seeking help cleaning up the roadside along their adopted road. The meeting place is Poxabogue Park, 191 Old Farm Road in Sagaponack, at 8 a.m. Bags are provided, but participants should take their own gloves. Peter Wilson can be contacted at 631-553-1393 for more information.
On Sunday, July 18, the Southampton Trails Preservation Society invites all to a moderately paced hike of more than three miles through an area steeped in history. During the hike, which is through the Anna and Daniel Mulvihill Preserve and the William Mulvihill Preserve, people will pass kettle holes, vernal ponds, glacial erratics, and the Great Swamp. Those interested should meet at 820 Brick Kiln Road in Sag Harbor at 10 a.m. Jean McDermott, the hike leader, can be reached at 631-599-2391.