15th Annual Wild Night for Wildlife Summer Gala
The Quogue Wildlife Refuge is a 305 acre non-profit nature preserve that was founded in 1934 and is home to diverse wildlife. Open 365 days a year from sunrise to sunset, visitors can enjoy walking seven miles of trails to explore diverse habitats including forests and ponds, as well as the ecologically rare Dwarf Pines in the Pine Barrens. Admission is free.
The Outdoor Wildlife Complex houses permanently injured wildlife that require human care to survive including owls, falcons, opossum, and other native New York animals. Educational programs are offered throughout the year for all ages, and our Summer Camp is in its 53rd year!
The Charles Banks Belt Nature Center offers spectacular views of Old Ice Pond as well as a variety of wildlife exhibits, live animals, a nature library, and gift shop. Come by and visit!
A bit of history:
The Quogue Wildlife Refuge is celebrating its 88th year of existence, and has a fascinating history that started in 1934. The black duck population declined sharply in the early 1930s due to several exceptionally cold winters which alarmed many local duck hunters. During a meeting at the Hampton Bays Firehouse, Charlie Belt explained the severity of the waterfowl plight, and suggested they establish a waterfowl refuge, a place where they could propagate and rear waterfowl “…to put two ducks in the air for every one we take.” From this meeting, the Southampton Township Wildfowl Association (STWA) was formed with 45 charter members; all were duck hunters and pioneer conservationists from the town of Southampton. Their signatures are on the charter which hangs over the fireplace in the Charles Banks Belt Nature Center at the Refuge.
