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Tucked behind the state fish hatchery, this little gem of a preserve includes some of the oldest forest on Long Island. Perhaps because the terrain is so steep that farming was impossible, the woodlands around St. John’s Pond were not cut repeatedly by settlers.
As the trail climbs a steep slope, then heads down the to the pond on the other side, it passes giant tulip trees and mighty oaks that loom over gnarled groves of tall mountain laurel shrubs.
What to See
As you proceed along the nature trail, you’ll get a good look at how changes in topography lead to transitions from in habitat.
Red oak, chestnut oak, yellow birch and black birch form the canopy of the relatively dry, upland woods. Below them grow an understory of mountain laurel, with Canada mayflower and large stands of hay-scented fern carpeting the forest floor. Next, you’ll encounter a lowland, wet woods habitat where red maple, tupelo, and stately tulip trees tower above dogwood, spicebush, and sweet pepperbush.
Finally, as you approach the mucky soils along the pond’s edge, you will come upon a woodland swamp, with sphagnum moss growing on downed logs.
As you walk, look out for red foxes, flying squirrels, opossums, raccoons and eastern moles. If you’re lucky, you could get a glimpse of a river otter in or near the pond. Muskrats and turtles also make their home around the pond. St. John’s Pond is a haven for birds as well, from migrating songbirds to hawks and great horned owls.
The appearance of skunk cabbage in the swamp and the blooming of woodland wildflowers are among the highlights of spring, along with the waves of spring warblers and other migrants stopping to rest on their journey north.
In summer, ospreys may be fishing in the pond as you explore the lush cinnamon ferns and other tropical-looking vegetation near the water’s edge.
It’s worth a trip to see the autumn foliage spectacle, beginning with the red maples and tupelo turning shades of burgundy and scarlet, and the avian migrants making their way back to warmer southern climes.
In winter, you can get a good look at buffleheads and other beauties bobbing and diving in the pond.
What to Do
Bird watchers and other nature lovers and students of all ages have long been drawn to the preserve’s varied habitats and plethora of wildlife. Combined with a trip to the Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery, it’s a great destination for families.
Planning Your Visit
The trails are open for hiking and observing nature from dawn to dusk. Restrooms in the offices are open Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm.
Please prepare for your visit by reading our guidelines and downloading a trail map (.pdf).
Directions
- From the Long Island Expressway, take Exit 45 (Woodbury and Manetto Hill Road exit) and bear right at the end of the exit ramp onto Manetto Hill Road.
- Go 0.2 mile and turn right onto Woodbury Road.
- Proceed 3.4 miles and turn left onto Harbor Road (Route 108).
- Go 1.6 miles and turn left at lights onto Route 25A.
- Proceed 0.1 mile and turn left into the Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery entrance.
- Go past the Hatchery toward St. John’s Church and bear right into the upper parking lot.
- The entrance path to the Preserve is at the left end of the parking lot.
- Obtain a key to the Preserve gate at the Hatchery admission booth between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. any day except Christmas and Thanksgiving. Please remember to return the key.
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Nature picture credits (top to bottom, left to right): Photo © Kara Jackson/TNC (St. John's Pond Preserve); Photo © nicknbecka/Creative Commons (River otters), Photo © Wayne MacPhail/Creative Commons (skunk cabbage).
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