We went to East Hampton village’s Nature Trail on the official first day of spring. And the swan song of winter.
A little sanctuary for wildlife right near Main Street.
Once it was a swamp and wetlands. Then in 1901 part of it became a private Japanese water garden.
And since 1951 the land deeded to East Hampton village. Now 24 acres with 25 bridges for children to roam and wander. Safely.
We crossed a road that cuts across it and continued along side a small marsh. At the end looping back towards the family of waterfowl at the start of the village nature trail.
My children were strangely quiet as we headed back. It was as if they’d joined me listening and looking at nature silently breathing as it prepared to come back to life once again.
But an Erdem goose, known as this wildlife sanctuary’s leader of the pack, began honking loudly.
And the ducks danced and flew up in the air as if they were celebrating with us the spring equinox.
East Hampton Village Nature Trail
The start of this nature preserve is at the end of David’s Lane off East Hampton’s Main Street. The trails cross Hunting Lane and then merge before reaching Fithian Lane. There is a clearing in one section with park benches, otherwise children should keep to the paths to avoid the marshy areas. The paths are also suitable for pushing young children in strollers. With the duck feeding pond, this nature trail is a great place to take younger children for a walk in the Hamptons, Long Island.
A sign at the start of the trail requests that the waterfowl are not fed bread. It recommends instead that you bring nutritional feed such as poultry feed or cracked corn bought from one of the local shops. Other options are uncooked oats, birdseed, rice, chopped grapes or defrosted peas or corn. The sign also explains that the waterfowl have formed one big happy family of which the goose is the leader of the pack! There is room for a few cars to park near the duck feeding area at the start of the East Hampton Village Nature Trail.
I’ve just written a wonderful book about the East Hampton Village Nature Trail. Beside a marvelous natural setting and the vast wildlife, the old water garden has an interesting and beautiful past. The books name is “Eden of East Hampton” and should be available by June 1, 2015. I highly suggest that all visitors to East Hampton not pass up the opportunity to visit the Nature Trail. However, please follow the rules of the park on the sign that Kriss has posted above. Bicycles and scooters are not allowed on trails because they disrupt the wildlife which often causes them to panic and run, many times into roadways. The same applies to running which is why the nature Trail is posted at all entrances as WALKING TRAILS ONLY. Thanks everyone.
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Amazing picture of the ducks leaving the water, what a capture! Ooh that goose looks a bossy boots 🙂
That does look like a very tranquil place (loud goose aside!) – beautiful photos. Brilliant to see your kids on their scooters too; how funny that we both got the scooters back out this week!
Fabulous you did so well capturing those bird shots the swan and flying sucks are great. Mich x
What a super little nature place to have close by
It looks so atmospheric there, lovely photos as always too #CountryKids
Fabulous photos as always and such a beautiful place to visit. Here’s to Spring and even more time outdoors.
Thanks Izzie – I’m so ready for Spring!
What lovely pictures Kris! It’s hard to believe that this trail is so close to a main street, what a great place to reconnect with nature! #country
It’s lovely that the land was deeded to the village as a nature preserve. Originally most of it was owned by three local families over a century ago.
I just realized that we have a trail near my mother-in-law that we can go to. I have been looking for new places to go this spring and your post reminded me of that =)
#countrykids
It’s great finding a child friendly trail nearby
What a lovely area to roam. Almost feel the stillness in your photo. Trying to imagine it as a Japanese water garden. Must have been spectacular. #CountryKids
That looks like a brilliant place to explore. I do like the way that there are so many signs detailing all the relevant information.
I wouldn’t expect a sign in the UK to say ‘no guns’!
What amazing pics, love the last one of the ducks in flight. It’s making me want to take our boys to Slimbridge, which is our nearest wetland bird sanctuary. Great to find you via #CountryKids
It was so nice to get the kids out on the scooter as well as feed the ducks. Thanks for stopping by
It looks very peaceful and beautiful there, apart from that goose!
I couldn’t believe what a loud honk that goose could emit – no wonder it’s the leader….it’s the loudest!