The Long Island Pine Barrens Society

The Long Island Pine Barrens Society The Long Island Pine Barrens Society is an environmental education & advocacy organization focused on protecting drinking water and preserving open space.
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The Long Island Pine Barrens Society is a non-partisan, not-for-profit organization dedicated to the study, appreciation, and protection of the unique woodlands that are the Long Island Pine Barrens. Founded in 1977, the Society has become one of Long Island’s most effective champions of preserving natural resources through sound land use. Through its scientific research and public education programs, the Society has shaped public debate on the subject.

Summer’s almost here! Why not have some fun in the sun and take a walk through the Pine Barrens?
06/19/2026

Summer’s almost here! Why not have some fun in the sun and take a walk through the Pine Barrens?

Graduating high school seniors who intend to pursue a career in or related to the environmental sciences should apply fo...
06/18/2026

Graduating high school seniors who intend to pursue a career in or related to the environmental sciences should apply for the Robin Hopkins Amper Environmental Scholarship! This $5,000 scholarship has helped many students succeed over its seven years of existence. Head to pinebarrens.org/scholarship to learn how to apply. Applications close July 17th. Nassau and Suffolk County residents ONLY!

The Best of the Rest! With tomorrow marking the start of the US Open, it’s worth a reminder that we at the Pine Barrens ...
06/17/2026

The Best of the Rest! With tomorrow marking the start of the US Open, it’s worth a reminder that we at the Pine Barrens Society have and continue to oppose the uncontrolled use of EPCAL as a parking lot for the event. While vehicles parked on the paved former runways are not of major concern, the expected quantity of vehicles means that a substantial number may either be parked or driven on the porous gravel pathway. This porous gravel will allow dripping oil and other fluids from the many cars to seep down into the underlying aquifer, inflicting further contamination on an area that already suffers from a history of misuse. If you’re a Riverhead constituent and want the EPCAL property to be used more responsibly – or, even better, to be set aside for preservation – then please kindly let the town supervisor and councilmembers know. If you’re curious as to how best to communicate to elected officials, check out last month’s blog post https://www.pinebarrens.org/bridge-to-the-barrens/how-to-write-to-elected-officials/.

Trivia Tuesday! Have you tuned into this month’s TV show? If so, then you should know the answer to this trivia question...
06/16/2026

Trivia Tuesday! Have you tuned into this month’s TV show? If so, then you should know the answer to this trivia question. What species of uncommon tree is found in areas close to bodies of salt water? Leave your answer in the comments below and then click “See More” to get the answer!




Answer: the Atlantic White Cedar! This straight-trunked, hardwood tree was used extensively for various construction projects throughout history, resulting in its decline. Today, it most often is found in areas where freshwater begins to turn brackish, such as at Cranberry Bog Preserve or Hubbard County Park. This area where Atlantic White Cedars thrive is, quite literally, “Where the Pine Barrens Meets the Sea.” If you want to learn more, you can tune into our show on Cablevision Channel 20 or on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/0lySNWZioeM?si=JE3jjRU13vprnxpA

Halfway through June, and just a few weeks until Summer! How have you been enjoying the warmer weather? Hopefully you’ve...
06/12/2026

Halfway through June, and just a few weeks until Summer! How have you been enjoying the warmer weather? Hopefully you’ve taken a few hikes through the Pine Barrens!

The Robin Hopkins Amper Environmental Scholarship is currently accepting applications! Nassau and Suffolk County residen...
06/11/2026

The Robin Hopkins Amper Environmental Scholarship is currently accepting applications! Nassau and Suffolk County residents who are graduating high school now and entering college in the Fall, and who are pursuing a career in or related to the environmental sciences, should head to pinebarrens.org/scholarship to learn how to apply! Applications close July 17th!

The Best of the Rest! If you tuned into our TV show, you know that Long Island’s watersheds are a key part of the Pine B...
06/10/2026

The Best of the Rest! If you tuned into our TV show, you know that Long Island’s watersheds are a key part of the Pine Barrens ecosystem. That’s why several parcels situated along the Carmans River are included in The Best of the Rest initiative. Preserving land in watershed areas help keeps them clean and free from contaminants, as it limits the runoff from human activity that flows into the rivers.

Trivia Tuesday! This past Saturday, we visited Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge to celebrate the conclusion of our 2026...
06/09/2026

Trivia Tuesday! This past Saturday, we visited Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge to celebrate the conclusion of our 2026 “Middle School Kids Go To College” and “Inspiring Youth to Protect Their Environment” programs. As we have for the past two years, the celebration ended with a hike through the preserve, led by Jason Smith of the Central Pine Barrens Commission staff. This preserve is one of the most notable Pine Barrens parcels due to its inclusion of a major body of water. Do you know what that is? Leave the answer in the comments below, then click “See More” to get the answer!




Answer: Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge includes the Carmans River! One of Long Island’s two major watersheds, the Carmans River provides ample habitat for many species of flora and fauna, and is also a great spot to recreate, whether by hiking alongside it or by kayaking down it. In order to keep the river fresh and clean going forward, we’ve included several parcels in its watershed in our “The Best of the Rest” initiative. If you’re curious about that, or about our middle school programs, please visit our website at pinebarrens.org/the-best-of-the-rest, pinebarrens.org/middle-school-kids-go-to-college, and pinebarrens.org/inspiring-youth-to-protect-their-environment.

Nassau and Suffolk County residents! This is your weekly reminder that if you or someone you know is a graduating high s...
06/04/2026

Nassau and Suffolk County residents! This is your weekly reminder that if you or someone you know is a graduating high school senior, intent on pursuing a career in or related to the environmental sciences, then that person should apply for the Robin Hopkins Amper Environmental Scholarship. Head to pinebarrens.org/scholarship to get all the details!

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2042 N Country Road
Wading River, NY
11792

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