HomeMy WebLinkAboutCU-84AHISTORIC AND NATURAL DISTRICTS
INVENTORY FORM . ~
DIVISION FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION
NEW YORK STATE PARKS AND RECREATION
ALBANY, NEW YORK (518) 474-0479
FOR OFFICE USE ONLY
UNIQUE SITE NO.
QUAD
SERIES.
NEG. NO.
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YOUR NAME: Town of Southold / SPLIA
DATE:March 20, 1986
YOUR ADDRESS:TovFD- Hall. Main Road TELEPHONE: 516-765-1892
Southold L.I., N.Y. 11971
ORGANIZATION (if any): Southold Town Community D~v,lopm~nt Offic~
1. NAME OF DISTRICT: M~d P.r~k Pr~rv~ - Th~ Natur~ Conservancy
2. COUNTY:SuffOlk TOWN/CITY: $0uthold VILLAGE: Cutchogue
3. DESCRIPTION:
Mud Cr~k Pros~rv~ in Cutchogu~ is a salt marsh that li~s
w~st of Skunk Lan~, imm~diat=ly north of Mons~ll Lan,
th~ h~ad of Mud Cr~k. It r~c~iv~s th~ tidal waters of
Mud Cr~k and tho fr~shwat~rs from th~ north. Th~ salt
m~adow fosters th= rar~ bird lif~.
4. SIGNIFICANCE:
Preservation of w~tlands and open spac~ is vital for Long
Island's futur~. ~~~~ In Colonial tim~s
tho marsh grass was valued as livestock b~dding.
This pr~s~rv~ was given to th~ Natur~ Conservancy by Flora
S. Luc= and G~org~ L. P~nny III in 1975, and by Winifr~d
Billard, Lois B. All~n, and Isab~ll Pric~ in 1981.
5. MAP: N.Y.S. DOT Southold Quad
F
HP-2 "'
o. SOURCES: Flier. ~ud Cr~k Marsh Preserve. 1982. The Natur~
Conservancy.
7. THREATS TO AREA:
BY ZONING If] BY ROADS []
BY DETERIORATION []
ADDITIONAL 0. OMMENTS:
BY DEVELOPERS
OTHER
8. LOCAL ATTITUDES TOWARD THE AREA:
Th~r~ is a strong movement towards conservation in th~ ar~a.
9. PHOTOS:
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MUD CREEK PRESERVE
Cutchogue
Suffolk County
6 Acres Salt Marsh
Of Interest Except along its eastern border, this
preserve is a salt marsh only one to two feet above
mean sea level. The preserve adjoins a tidal creek
providing nutrients to Peconic Bay. This creek is
met at the north by freshwater which mixes with
the tide waters from the bay. These conditions pro-
vide for a lush salt meadow. The marsh area is host
to three salt hay grasses, known as salt grass
(Distichlis spicata), salt hay (Spartina patens), and
cord grass (Spartina alternifolia). Along the wetter
areas of the marsh, the tall cord grass marks each
twist and turn of saltwater channels. Along the
eastern border is a narrow dry strip of oaFJhlcKory
forest. Part of this dry strip reflects its close proximity to the salt marsh by a thick
understory of marsh elder with some groundsel bush.
Fiddler crabs are common. The blue crab and its young, as well as numerous minnows,
provide a bountiful food supply for water birds such as the snowy egret, green heron, great
blue heron, and clapper rail.
History it is probable that the Corchaug Indians gathered shellfish and fish in and around
the marsh. In the colonial period the grasses of the salt marsh provided an excellent source
of livestock bedding and for shipping to market. The preserve was given to the Conservancy
by Flora S. Luce and George L. Penny, Ill in 1975. Additional acreage was given by Winifred
Billard, Lois B. Alien, and Isabele Price in 1981.
Admission to Presence Like other preserves, this area is open to individuals and small
groups who obtain prior permission from the Conservancy and who abide by the Conser-
vancy's policies on preserve use. There are no trails in the marsh area. The preserve should
be viewed from the dry strip along Skunk Lane to the east of the preserve.
Directions Take the Long Island Expressway to the end (exit 73) and follow County Road
(Route 58) east. In approximately four miles, Route 58 merges with Route 25. Follow Route
25 east past Cutchogue, approximately 3/4 mile, turn right on Eugene's Road, then right
again onto Skunk Lane. Continue south past Norwold Drive to the left and park in the clear-
ing on the right some 300 feet further south opposite the entrance to the Stoutenburgh
residence.
Th~ Natur~ Conservancy. 1982
Mud Creek Marsh Preserve
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SCALE:
O 200
SALT MARSH GRASSES
OAK/HICKORY WOODEDGE
MARSH ELDER/GROUNDSEL
SPOT ELEVATION I1~ FEET
Th~ Natur~ Conservancy. 1982