Group for the East End

10/19/2026

750 acres of open space has been protected!

Governor Kathy Hochul recently announced the acquisition of nearly 750 acres of open space surrounding the former Shoreham Nuclear Power Plant in Suffolk County, permanently securing one of the largest remaining undeveloped coastal parcels in the Long Island Sound Estuary.

The Group commends the governor and NYS Department of Environmental Conservation for preserving this special area in the Pine Barrens.

“From its undeveloped shorelines and remarkable wetlands, to its extensive areas of intact native forest, there are few pieces of unprotected property that so wonderfully embody Long Island’s rich ecological diversity, and which offer so many opportunities for exploring and enjoying nature.” - Bob DeLuca, Group for the East End President

Read more in the East End Beacon story below.

The woods surrounding the Shoreham Nuclear Power Plant, which never opened after intense anti-nuclear activism in the early 1980s, have long been eyed by environmentalists as a pristine ecosystem ripe for preservation. And now, that preservation has happened. New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced...

10/12/2026

First-time Birder’s Hour is back!

Join us for a monthly walk on the trails at Downs Farm Preserve on the North Fork of Long Island. We’ll check out the feeders, learn how to identify common backyard birds, and spend our time with other amateur birders.

Fall/Winter Dates:

October 14
November 15 (for the kids!)
December 9
January 13
February 13

Find details and register at thegroup.org/nature-outings

10/10/2026

Happy World Migratory Bird Day!

Help out our feathered friends by turning out your lights at night so they can naviagte dark skies safely, participating in community science projects like Project FeederWatch, and telling your friends and family to do the same! 🐦

10/06/2026

We had a blast at our honey harvesting event with Chris Kelly at Downs Farm Preserve on the North Fork! Take a peak 👀🍯

Join us for more events across the East End of Long Island. Learn more at thegroup.org/nature-eventings.

10/05/2026

Have you met Alex?

If you've been to any of the Group's habitat restoration sites on the North Fork recently, you may have seen Alex Whittle removing invasive species, planting native plants, taking photos, or even looking for turtles.

Alex joined the Group earlier this year as an environmental associate and has been an incredible asset to our team! He is hardworking, always prepared (just read his Q&A below), and is an all-around great guy to work with.

Read more about what Alex has been up to at the Group, his favorite things about field work, and what he enjoys about being outdoors on our blog.

Alex first learned about the Group from his dad. He saw that we were looking for another environmental associate, and with his son’s background in biology research and environmental studies, he encouraged Alex to reach out. Not only has Alex become an integral part of our habitat restoration and c...

09/28/2026

Fall is here! Join us on the beach and the trails, harvest honey, plant native plants, and more across the East End of Long Island. Here’s where you can get outside with the Group in October...

🦀 Bay Exploration — Saturday, October 3
🍯 Honey Harvesting — Sunday, October 4
🐦 Coastal Birding Walk — Saturday, October 10
🪶 Native American Talking Stick Workshop — Tuesday, October 13
🪺 First-Time Birder's Hour — Wednesday, October 14
🐚 East End Explorer’s Group: Towd Point — Saturday, October 17
🌳 Trail Cleanup — Saturday, October 31

For details and to register, visit thegroup.org/nature-outings.

09/21/2026

🌊 THIS SATURDAY 🌊

Join the Group and the Village of North Haven to explore the bay and learn how we can all protect our local waters. We’ll wade in search of sea creatures, investigate the sandy beaches, and much more. Plus, free snacks! 😉

This event is free to all, but we ask that you please register in advance at thegroup.org/nature-outings.

We hope to see you there!