About Seatuck National Wildlife Refuge
The refuge, located in Islip on the south shore of Long Island, consists of 209 acres bordering the Great South Bay, and is separated from the Atlantic Ocean by Fire Island. With its diverse mix of upland and wetland habitat types, Seatuck hosts more than 200 bird species, and serves as an oasis in a heavily developed urban area. Upland habitats form about half the area of the Seatuck National Wildlife Refuge, including old fields, brush, and woodland habitats. The upland habitats are equally divided between mixed-oak woodland, red maple stands, upland shrub, and grasslands, and includes pine barren habitat. Seatuck Refuge holds the potential to be a transplant site for the federally endangered plant, sandplain gerardia, because of its soil type and associated grassland plants. The remaining half of Seatuck Refuge is saltmarsh, consisting largely of salt hay with scattered stands of Phragmites, an exotic and invasive plant. Freshwater wetlands and ponds provide a significant water source for wildlife. The bulk of the aquatic habitats include saltmarsh and subtidal types. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Northeast Estuary Office has classified the Seatuck Refuge as part of the larger Great South Bay and declared the Refuge a significant coastal habitat.
How to Get There
Although the refuge is not open to the public, you can view the Seatuck NWR from South Bay Ave. in Islip, NY. From the Long Island Expwy. (I-495), Exit 56, or from Sunrise Hwy. (Rte. 27),Exit 45, follow Rte.111S to the end at Montauk Hwy. (Rte. 27A)/Main Street. Right onto Main St. Left onto South Bay Ave. View the Refuge on the eastern side of the road & an Audubon Sanctuary on the west side. South Bay Ave. ends at the Town Beach, access to the beach for residents with permits only.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Seatuck National Wildlife Refuge
Heading to Seatuck National Wildlife Refuge? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Seatuck National Wildlife Refuge?
No central reservation system listed for Seatuck National Wildlife Refuge. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/3997) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Seatuck National Wildlife Refuge?
Although the refuge is not open to the public, you can view the Seatuck NWR from South Bay Ave. in Islip, NY. From the Long Island Expwy. (I-495), Exit 56, or from Sunrise Hwy. (Rte. 27),Exit 45, follow Rte.111S to the end at Montauk Hwy. (Rte. 27A)/Main Street. Right onto Main St. Left onto South Bay Ave. View the Refuge on the eastern side of the road & an Audubon Sanctuary on the west side. Sou…
How do I contact Seatuck National Wildlife Refuge?
You can reach the park at phone: 631-286-0485 or email: longislandrefuges@fws.gov.
References & Official Resources
