Group for the East End

06/06/2026

"At the heart of the natural North Fork are three things that aren’t always as showy in their consistent, daily presence: insects, birds and native plants. Yet despite their tenacious existence, there’s so much we can learn about them and why they’re deeply important to the health of our local lands."

Thank you northforker for including Group for the East End in this important piece on native plants, pollinators, and conservation.

When you meet a North Fork transplant, many mention their love of the landscape as a top reason for moving here. And for families who have been here for generations, the ecosystems that exist in our eastern Long Island enclaves are often a prime reason to remain — or, at the very least, an obvious...

06/04/2026

Have you ever seen a Fowler’s toad? If not, this is a good time of year to look, but you’ll have to look closely…

These native toads are more likely to be seen than heard as they blend in quite well with the woodlands they call home. They can vary in color, and may be brown, tan, gray, or even reddish.

Please remember to view wildlife safely and respect their space 💚

06/01/2026

Learn about shorebirds, help restore wildlife habitat, and celebrate Indigenous culture this month. Here's where you can get outside with the Group in June...

🥾 Trail Cleanup — Monday, June 8
🐦 First-Time Birder's Hour — Saturday, June 13
🪺 'Be a Good Egg' on the Beach — Sunday, June 14
🐣 'Be a Good Egg' on the Beach — Tuesday, June 16
🌱 Restoration Day — Thursday, June 18
🌼 Sustainable Garden & Meadow Tour ReWild North Fork — Saturday, June 20
🦋 Monarch Waystation Garden Tour & Talk with ReWild North Fork — Thursday, June 25
🐚 Estuary/Marine Exploration with The Green School — Saturday, June 27
🪶 Tee P*e Ted Exhibit Reception with Tony Valderrama — Sunday, June 28

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

05/30/2026

Spending time in nature provides incredible emotional benefits, for children and adults alike. Studies show that spending time in outdoor spaces, whether a park, beach, or your own backyard, reduces stress and improves mental health. For Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re sharing a few of the emotional benefits and tips to get you and your family outdoors on our blog. Check it out below!

Spending time in nature provides incredible emotional benefits, for children and adults alike.  Studies show that spending time in outdoor spaces, whether a park, beach, or your own backyard, reduces stress and improves mental health . For Mental Health A

05/29/2026

'Tis the season! Thanks northforker for including us in this great story on the East End's (unofficial) mascot! 😍

Ospreys are everywhere on eastern Long Island — circling the sky, feeding their young in nests on waterside platforms (and occasionally atop electrical poles in store parking lots) or diving into the bay to grab a seafood snack. The birds are a constant presence on the island from March to Septemb...

05/23/2026

Happy World Turtle Day! 🐢

Turtles are on the move. If you see a turtle crossing the road, here’s how you can help:

• If you see a turtle crossing the street, pick it up and place it on the other side of the road in the same direction it was heading
• Pick turtles up by their shell, never their tail
• If you see an injured turtle, do not leave it behind and contact immediately by calling 631.779.3737

Whether a turtle is alive, injured, or deceased, please report it on the North Fork Turtle Watch form at the link in bio!

Special thanks to North Fork Side by Side for supporting this project.

05/20/2026

Happy World Bee Day! 🐝

Bees are important pollinators that play a critical role in our ecosystems. Group environmental associate Sofia Vallecillo shares a few ways we can do our part to support our native bees.

05/15/2026

Ah, baby Baltimore orioles! 😍

Group director of outreach Taralynn Reynolds shares a little info on this common backyard bird species.

05/11/2026

Noise pollution from gas-powered lawn equipment has a significant impact on birds. It can increase stress levels, reduce life spans, prohibit them from attracting mates and establishing nests, and make it difficult to listen for predators.

And here’s the thing – WE NEED BIRDS.

Birds are pollinators. They control pests. They deepen our connection to nature. Birds improve our quality of life.

Recognizing the negative impact of gas-powered lawn equipment on our environment and human health, the New York State Legislature passed a bill to offer rebates to commercial businesses purchasing zero-emission landscaping equipment.

Learn more about this bill and the importance of making the switch on the initiatives page on our website at the link in bio.

05/06/2026

Before we can bring students out to explore the beach on one of our many spring field trips, we like to explore the beach ourselves!

Maidstone Beach in East Hampton is a favorite for beachcombing, studying the plants of the beaches, dunes and near-shore waters, and discovering the diverse living organisms that call this place home.

Interested in getting your child outdoors with the Group? Get in touch! Our experienced educators work with schools, scouts, and youth groups to offer science-based programs that are engaging, informative, and fun.

📧 Learn more by contacting Jennifer Skilbred at [email protected].