12 for 12! This month, we’re heading west to the Suffolk County Environmental Center (SCEC), in Islip. Operated by the Seatuck Environmental Association, this charming little preserve packs some great variety in a small area. It provides a decent workout without stretching on forever, making it perfect for those of you looking to squeeze some outdoor time into your busy schedules.
Tucked away in the marshes south of Islip, the Suffolk County Environmental Center immediately offers ample parking, some wide dirt trails, and a sizeable open field all around the Scully Estate. Given the season, the estate wasn’t open when I visited, so if you’re interested in this historic building, call ahead of time ((631) 581-6908). The early trails and the field offer an ample view of the surrounding forest, which is host to various sparrows, woodpeckers, and other birds typical of the habitat. A small bridge over a thin creek (which at the time of visiting was mostly dried out) marks the entrance to the forest trails proper, and here’s where I have to give a small warning. The Center’s trails are difficult relative to their short length. Roots cover much of the forest floor, and once you enter the marsh the trails become incredibly narrow, to the point where you’re required to walk in a single file and might even have to sidle your way along at various points. This is not a preserve where you can ignore your footwork, and not the place for a breezy stroll. While I called this a “warning,” that’s not exactly accurate. Difficult trails like this are some of the most enjoyable. They force you to be intentional about where and how you walk, and with that intention comes greater connectedness to your surroundings. The SCEC’s difficulty is a core part of its beauty.
And how beautiful it is! If you’re a fan of Long Island’s marshes (and who isn’t?) then this preserve will be right up your alley. Much of the trail is made up of boardwalks resting right on the water. The constant give of the terrain beneath your feet is a joy, and the view of a marsh on one side and a pond on the other is superb. In the warmer months, this place is full of egrets, herons, and even some ibises. Even in the late winter, though, I saw a kingfisher, some ducks, and my first Red-winged Blackbird of the year. It’s hard to get a better sign of the coming spring than that!
If you’ve followed along with this series, I think you can probably see that there’s a pattern to Long Island’s numerous nature preserves. They can all be placed into two broad categories: mini-vacations that demand your attention for hours and, and short and sweet places that pack a lot into a small space. The Suffolk County Environmental Center certainly falls into the latter category, and it’s a remarkably good example of it. With multiple habitats including a wide variety of plant and animal species, it’s the ideal place to get a sense of the scope of Long Island’s ecology. The trail also provides a satisfying challenge, without forcing you to commit hours on end to master it. By striking this balance, this preserve cements itself as the perfect place for an experienced hiker who’s schedule has made it impossible to visit a Mashomack or Connetquot, or for someone looking for something a bit more intense than a Swan River or Patriots Preserve. To sum up: this preserve fills in a niche, and does it very well, making it an easy place to recommend.
By Travis Cutter, Long Island Pine Barrens Society
