For as long as there have been human beings, there have been human beings who work hard in opposition to the natural world which we inhabit. Industries of all kinds have resulted in massive ecological changes, many of them harmful, since the dawn of agriculture. Cranberry Bog Nature Preserve is a county park that proves that such historic developments are not the end to a healthy, thriving environment, and that what may seem like a permanent industrial activity may be nothing more than a brief bump in the road towards an ecologically balanced Long Island.
Cranberry Bog Nature Preserve is a county park tucked away in Riverhead. It is technically not a “natural park,” a fact which can be deduced from its name. Nearly a century ago, it was the site of a cranberry farm, at a time when that was a thriving industry on Long Island. The pond, which is a central fixture of the preserve, was created by the farmers to supply water to the farm. Other remnants of the preserve’s former life are scattered throughout the park, such as a section of forest with no underbrush (as it had long ago been cleared and only in recent years has been allowed to grow back), as well as the ruins of an old pump house, and part of the trail.
And yet, were you unaware of this history, it would be hard to deduce from the park alone that it was not natural in origin. Cranberry Bog is a paradise for a remarkable variety of animals, including snakes, turtles, frogs, herons, and even some of Long Island’s rarer specimens, such as the elusive Black Vulture. A handful of benches are strategically placed around the main pond, allowing you to rest and absorb the beautiful scenery. At this time of year, in the midst of the fall bird migration, you’re likely to see a good handful of warblers, such as the Common Yellowthroat and American Redstart.
Besides the handful of benches, Cranberry Bog’s trail is fairly accessible. It’s often wide, often sandy, and there are a couple of wooden bridges. One portion of the trail is covered in extensive roots, so you’ll have to be careful there. This is not a preserve that is readily accessible to those of you who use wheelchairs, crutches, or other mobility aids. Neither is it a preserve that is exclusively for hardcore hikers. Besides the one root-covered section, the trail is flat and easy on the feet. The most difficult thing when it comes to Cranberry Bog is not the hike, but finding a parking space. At best, there is room for four small cars packed very closely together. Three cars can fit comfortably. So, when driving in, be considerate, careful, and patient.
Don’t let the name fool you, Cranberry “Bog” Nature Preserve is a beautiful place. With a relatively easy trail through extensive woodland and around a shimmering pond, it’s sure to delight and calm those of you looking to escape the gray, concrete world we’ve built for ourselves. Populated by a wide variety of species, including some rarer specimens, it provides an enticing day in the Pine Barrens for any naturalist. And, perhaps most significant of all, the history which still marks the preserve stands as a testament to the impermanence of even the most dominant, destructive industries. It’s never too late to undo the damage we’ve caused and in doing so create a core part of the people’s park.
For more on this preserve, stay tuned for our upcoming 48th Anniversary Gala, which will premiere on our Facebook page and YouTube channel on Thursday, October 23rd at 7 pm. That event will feature an extensive exploration of Cranberry Bog, as we highlight the importance of Preserving the People’s Park.
By Travis Cutter, Long Island Pine Barrens Society
