While it is easy to hold up the ideal nature preserve as one which is removed from any semblance of human civilization, such a mentality can conceal a remarkable truth. Beautiful preserves can be carved out even in the middle of residential areas. There does not need to be a clear delineation between developed and undeveloped areas. We can populate our neighborhoods with green spaces and reap the rewards of doing so. Fish Thicket Preserve proves this point. Sandwiched between Woodside Avenue in East Patchogue and several residential developments, it nevertheless provides a quality hiking experience, perfect for the amateur naturalist, someone looking to get some exercise, or someone who needs a quick break from the life of a homebody.
Fish Thicket Preserve is a very low-key place. Situated right off Woodside Avenue, the only indication that it’s there is an old sign that has seen better days. There’s no parking lot, but an ample shoulder allows for plenty of cars to park right beside the entrance to the preserve. Then, there’s a simple slope leading down to the entrance of the park, at which point a pair of trails diverge. The preserve has two loops, an inner loop and an outer loop. The outer loop can be accessed about halfway through the inner loop, and is interesting for its shift in the habitat. Where most of Fish Thicket consists of hardwood Pine Barrens forest, the outer loop consists of a sizable shrubland, with sparser trees and extensive grasses and shrubs. Thus, even in this small area, we can see the diversity of the Pine Barrens ecosystem. Indeed, at the right time of year, many unique species can be found in Fish Thicket. The only time I’ve ever seen the elusive Bay-breasted Warbler, a migratory species which stays around for barely two months of the year, was in Fish Thicket.
One thing to note about Fish Thicket is that it’s not an easy hike. Elevation changes frequently, and there are often rocks or roots covering the trail. Thus, while it is accessible in the sense that it is conveniently situated between several residential areas, it is not a good fit for anyone with mobility issues.
Since 2024, the Pine Barrens Society has included Fish Thicket Preserve in its middle school programs. Each year, we take as many students as possible to Fish Thicket. The groups have ranged in size over the years from 25 to over 60 students, plus teachers and other chaperones. We’ve incorporated this hike into the program for a few key reasons. First, we want to give the students context for what they’re learning about as they work on their projects. It’s all well and good to see a diagram of the aquifer system, but being in the Pine Barrens allows for an easier demonstration of how it actually works. Second, we want to show them the looming threat of the Brookhaven Landfill. From the entrance of the preserve, the “mountain” can easily be seen at the eastern end of Woodside Avenue. Finally, we want to give the kids a fun day outdoors. That Fish Thicket readily enables all these ends, while also being convenient due to its proximity to the schools most of the children come from (the Patchogue-Medford district).
Fish Thicket Preserve is a fine example of how suburbia does not necessitate the exclusion of high quality green spaces. Whether you’re looking for a place to hike, bike, or bird-watch, it can provide what you’re looking for. It also can support solo hikers or sizable groups, meaning it’s for those craving peaceful solitude, or a companionable afternoon. Many preserves are jacks-of-all-trades, and that’s almost always a good thing. Fish Thicket is that, and has the convenience of its location to boot. If you’re in the area, it’s well worth a visit.
By Travis Cutter, Long Island Pine Barrens Society
