Celebrate the 20th Anniversary of One of the Greatest Conservation Successes in Long Island’s History - Preservation of Montauk’s Hither Woods

East Hampton, NY—September 27, 2006—Twenty years ago, the 557 acre northern portion of Hither Woods fronting on Fort Pond Bay, Montauk, was protected in a precedent setting tripartite purchase by New York State, Suffolk County and the Town of East Hampton with assistance from The Nature Conservancy. This initial purchase was followed by the preservation of an additional 925 adjacent acres. When added to the already protected lands at Hither Hills State Park, Hither Woods is part of one of the largest and most spectacular wilderness areas on Long Island, encompassing more than 3,000 contiguous acres.

WHO: To commemorate this important milestone, the Town of East Hampton, Suffolk County, New York State, The Nature Conservancy, East Hampton Trails Preservation Society, Concerned Citizens of Montauk and Group for the South Fork have teamed up to organize a celebration.

WHEN and WHERE: Saturday, October 7th and Sunday October 8th; Rain date for the Sunday activities, Monday, October 8th. See attached Schedule of events for exact times and locations.

WHAT: Two days of scheduled hikes, mountain bike rides and kayak trips touring the wild and beautiful Hither Woods Preserve (see attached schedule) will culminate at 12 noon on Sunday October 8th with live music, food, speeches, displays and entertainment all free and open to the public. This celebration will be held in Town parkland at Rod’s Valley overlooking Fort Pond Bay.

DIRECTIONS: Rod’s Valley is located at the west end of Navy Road, Montauk. From the west, take Route 27 ( Montauk Point State Parkway) to Montauk, turn left on Second House Road (at directional sign to Hither Woods Celebration) and follow to a sharp bend in the intersection with Industrial and Navy Roads ( a directional sign to Hither Woods Celebration posted near the lumber yard). Turn onto Navy Road and cross the Long Island Rail Road tracks before making a left and follow Navy Road (directional sign to Hither Woods Celebration) to its western end.