HomeMy WebLinkAboutNP-6HISTORIC AND NATURAL DISTRICTS
INVENTORY FOPg!
DIVISION FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION
NEW YORK STATE PARKS AND RECREATION
ALBANY, NEW YORK (518I 474-0479
FOR OFFICE USE ONLY
UNIQUE SITE NO.
QUAD.
SERIES.
NEG. NO.
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YOUR'NAME: To~rn of Southold / SPLIA
DATE:March 20, 1986
YOUR ADDRESS: Town Hall~ Main Road TELEPHONE: 516/76~-1892
Southold L.I., N.Y. 11971
ORGANIZATION (if any):Southold Town Community D~v~loom~nt Offic~
1. NAME OF DISTRICT: Meadow Beach Preserve - Th~ Natur~ Conservancy
2. COUNTY: TOWN/CITY: VILLAGE:
3. DESCRIPTION:
A 15 acr~ pr~s~rv~ of salt w~tlands and b~ach lying
w~st of Hors~sho= Cove.
An osprey platform has b~n ~r~ct~d in th~ north-
w~st=rn s=ction.
4. SIGNIFICANCE:
Acros of valuabl= salt marsh ar~ h~r~ preserved by th~
gift in 1971 of th~ Nassau Point Association which
purchased th~ prop=rty by issuing bonds.
5. M.~: N.Y.S. DOT Southold and Southampton
Quad (composite.)
HP-2
6. SOURC£S: ThE Natur~ Conservancy. BrOchure. 1982
7. TH~REATS TO A~REA:
BY ZONING [] BY ROADS []
BY ~DETERIORATION []
ADDITIONAL ~OMMENTS:
OTHER
BY DEVELOPERS
none known
8. LOCAL ATTITUDES TOWARD THE AREA:
9. PHOTOS:
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Meadow Beach Preserve
0
Th~ Na%ur~ Cons~rvanc,v. 1982
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MEADOW BEACH PRESERVE
Cutchogue
Suffolk County
12 Acres Salt Marsh
of Interest This preserve is a combination of
natural estuary, sandy beach, luxurious green
marsh and secondary growth on the dredged fill to
the east. The bay beach has been subject to con-
stant change over the years, increasing in width an-
nually. An osprey platform has been constructed
near a lone cedar in the northwestern part of the
preserve. The tidal marsh is host to cord grasses
and other grasses typical of such areas. Among the
grasses are many species of marsh plants such as
sea lavender, sea rocket, and seaside knotweed.
The marine animal population is abundant. Fiddler
crabs are common. Mussels, scallops, and other
marine mollusks abound. Osprey and heron find the preserve a productive feeding ground.
The area is a prime spot to observe migrating shorebirds and waterfowl.
History Acres of salt marsh and ~horeline on Long Island have played a significant part in
the economy in both colonial aed pre-colonial times. Oysters and other shellfish were
valued as food and salt hay as I~,ulation and for use in livery stables. A local group, the
Nassau Point Association, purchased the property by issuing bonds. The Association then
deeded the preserve to the Conservancy in 1971. Since then most of the bonds have been
surrendered to the Conservancy as gifts.
Admission to Preserve Like other preserves, this area is open to individuals and groups
who obtain prior permission from the Conservancy and who abide by the Conservancy's
policies on preserve use. Because of the unstable conditions in the tidal marsh, visitors are
requested to restrict themselves t~ the dr~ sandy areas, except for significant educational
and scientific purposes. During th¢~ breeding season visitors are requested not to go close
to the osprey pole and nest.
Directions Take the Long Island Expressway to Exit 73 and follow Route 58 approximately
4 miles to its junction with Route ;~5. Approximately 3/4 miles east of Cutchogue turn right
on Eugene's Road (by a Mobil Stalion), then right again on Bay Avenue which becomes
Nassau Point Road at the Caub~way. Park at Nassau Point Park and walk along the
shoreline to the preserve.
~h~ Naturo Conservancy. 1982