As part of a service project, we spread mulch throughout a section of a trail in order to cover exposed roots and even the path. This creates a safer trail.

We saw grasslands with various trees. The unpaved Green Trail crosses with the Manor Road. There were salt marshes, birds, and many other organisms present in the area.

The beets are in a greenhouse located in the Sylvester Manor farm. There were many plants being grown. The people who work on the farm shared the seeding techniques used in the greenhouse and througho...

Located on the southern portion of the Mashomack Preserve. Contains various insects, seagulls, rocks, and sand all present along the trail.

This was encountered during a hike on the Mashomack Preserve trails. There was no visible organism when we were there, but we assumed the area is shelter for an organism.

Broom corn is one of the many crops that is grown in Sylvester Manor.

Grown as part of a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) mission.  Produce is distributed to locals on Shelter Island.

Located on Mashomack Preserve trail. Dead Gardner Snake found on the trail leading back to the house. This gives proof of snake inhabitance on Shelter Island.  Adult snake. 

At Bring Back the Bay at Sylvester Manor Farm, we saw a tank with many fish and crabs. We learned about the biodiversity on the island.

The conditions were very hot but clean, as it was packed with a bunch of corn and fruits. The farm stand was selling a large variety of produce, including dairy products, baked goods, etc.

This was grown on the Sylvester Manor Farm, along with many other plants. The produce is then given out to the community through a community supported agriculture program.

Located in a field in Sylvester Manor Farm.  Hundreds of young early stage plants. Contains young tomatoes, eggplant, arugula,  marigold, and Cucumber. 

Near the Manor House, there was a tree with leaves that became red. This tree is likely a Sugar Maple.

1 of 12 Chickens in a inclosure.  Located in field, constantly being moved so that they can get fresh grass everyday. Used to produce eggs and for slaughter. 

The ducks on the farm, which are used for eggs, were all named Gary. This is because, in the past, the farm's ducks were attacked by raccoons, and only the duck named Gary remained.

We kayaked through a salt marsh on the coast of the preserve. We saw an osprey nesting site. 

A deer seen from a distance near the Manor House. Fun fact: deer can swim! https://deerassociation.com/how-far-can-a-deer-swim/

along a dirt trail in the woods that leads to grasslands and a natural beach

This part of the farm had many developed crops of fruits such as tomatoes and berries. This is one of the variations of decorative tomatoes that were on the farm.

Tree burls are lumps of wood that grow on the trunk of a tree. They are often harvested and used to create high-end products. They cannot be harvested without damaging the tree. Tree burls grow as the...

Moss is very beneficial. It absorbs a lot of water, reducing runoff. It is a decomposer and a producer, and provides habitat for many small organisms. https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/blog/2018/07/typ...

While on Mashomack Preserve, we saw many turkeys. They were often in groups of around five, but sometimes they was only one. We saw them around the Manor House, on the trails, and while driving throug...

The tree has grown sideways. This happens where there is an environmental factor that changes, causing the tree growth to change. This tree is located along the green route in Mashomack Nature Preserv...

There is a swan resting in wetlands. At this location, there is a man-made bridge with freshwater on one side, and a salt marsh on the other. The preserve is considering removing the land bridge, as i...