This Saturday, January 7th at 2:00 p.m. the Southfork Natural History Museum will be leading their seal walk at Cupsogue Beach County Park. The program is for adults, teens, and children ages 5 and older, and it will be led by the SOFO Environmental Educator.
Many animals from the north travel to the South Shore of Long Island to find food in the cold winter months. Pinnipeds—or seals—are a common visitor in the winter that we get to admire here on the East End. This time of year, harbor seals, grey seals, and harp seals can typically be spotted as they are the three most common species that arrive on Long Island. On this walk toward the ocean at Cupsogue Beach County Park, you can expect to see the seals sunning themselves on the distant sandbar at low tide.
Southfork Natural History Museum is a great resource for the community that leads many events and programs and is available for advancing education. The education and outreach coordinators and directors would like the museum to be a gateway to the many local habitats, nature preserves, and trails for people to explore and observe, not just at SOFO. This is part of the inspiration behind their events and programs such as the seal walk this Saturday!
SOFO’s mission “to stimulate interest in, advance knowledge of, and foster appreciation for the natural environment, with special emphasis on the unique natural history of Long Island’s South Fork” is accomplished through the presentation of hands-on interactive exhibits and guided educational experiences, in the museum and outdoors. On the seal walk at Cupsogue, individuals can expect this interactive experience and learn more about the natural environment in which they live while observing beautiful creatures right in their own habitat.
Melanie Meade, the Outreach and Education Coordinator at SOFO, says, “The museum staff always encourage direct observations and hands-on explorations in the natural world while emphasizing the interconnectedness of living things and the need for conservation and preservation of our natural resources. The interactive exhibits in the museum and the local live animal displays are designed to raise the level of ecological awareness of visitors and to prepare individuals to make intelligent environmental decisions. Our goal is to provide an enjoyable visitor experience that will inspire the pursuit of future explorations and curiosity as well as foster a lifelong fascination and affection for nature.”
It’s time to bundle up this Saturday and hit the outdoors on the beautiful East End. With the beach always being a favorite pastime here in the Hamptons, it takes on a new feel during the winter—and not just in terms of weather, but those we can expect a visit from too! Spot some beautiful seals while enjoying the fresh air and views, and learn and get involved in the natural world right here on the East End of Long Island.
To register for the seal walk this Saturday, January 7th at 2:00 p.m., visit the event page, and check out all the other exciting events they have on their calendar this season, as well as ways to get involved with SOFO!
