Jerome A. Ambro Memorial Wetland Preserve

The Jerome A. Ambro Memorial Wetland Preserve, located in Fort Salonga, NY 11768, USA, is a significant natural area and a prime example of a scenic spot category platform. This expansive preserve, often still referred to by its former name, Crab Meadow, is a cherished destination for local users seeking to connect with nature, engage in recreational activities, and appreciate the serene beauty of a vital wetland ecosystem. As a scenic spot, the preserve offers not only breathtaking views and a tranquil environment but also provides an indirect service by contributing to the ecological health of the region, which in turn supports various forms of outdoor recreation and appreciation.

The preserve is a substantial 250-acre (or, in some contexts, up to 406 acres) complex that plays a crucial role in the larger Crab Meadow Watershed, a significant land system that drains into the Long Island Sound. This watershed is a vital economic, ecological, and recreational resource for the Town of Huntington. The Jerome A. Ambro Memorial Wetland Preserve itself is noteworthy for its diversity of natural habitats, seamlessly transitioning from tidal to fresh water wetlands and woodlands. This intricate network of ecosystems supports a remarkable array of flora and fauna, making it a hotspot for biodiversity.

Visitors to the preserve can expect to immerse themselves in an environment that is both rugged and remarkably peaceful. The terrain includes heavily wooded hills, some rising to 60 feet in the center and others reaching 100 feet. An easterly portion of the park features a valley that efficiently drains the surrounding area. Within this valley, a main stream, once dammed to form two ponds, is fed by several feeder streams, some of which are spring-fed. These hydrological features contribute to the rich diversity of habitats found within the preserve. The preserve offers well-marked trails, providing opportunities for hiking and reflection. One customer enthusiastically noted, "I am so grateful that this spot has been preserved. It is absolutely Breathtaking and the perfect place to reflect on the natural beauty this planet still has to offer." This sentiment encapsulates the essence of the preserve's environmental appeal.

The services offered by the Jerome A. Ambro Memorial Wetland Preserve primarily revolve around providing access to this significant natural area for public enjoyment and environmental education. While there are no direct goods for sale within the preserve itself, the preserve's existence supports the broader recreational and ecological offerings of the Crab Meadow area, which may include amenities associated with the adjacent Crab Meadow Beach and Golf Course. The preserve is a prime location for hiking, allowing visitors to explore its diverse landscapes. The trails are typically ground surface, offering a natural walking experience. The focus here is on preserving and presenting the natural environment, fostering an appreciation for wetland ecosystems.

A significant feature of the Jerome A. Ambro Memorial Wetland Preserve is its role as a critical wildlife habitat. Historically, reports indicate that 94 species of birds have been recorded in and around the property, including owls, woodpeckers, American Redstarts, Common Yellowthroats, Eastern Towhees, Eastern Wood-Pewees, Eastern Phoebes, Field Sparrows, Fish Crows, Fox Sparrows, Great Blue Herons, Great Egrets, Greater Yellowlegs, Great Horned Owls, Horned Grebes, Indigo Buntings, Juncos, Long-tailed Ducks, Ospreys, and Ovenbirds. The preserve also supports 12 species of mammals, indicating a healthy and intricate predator-prey balance. The preserve's salt marsh is particularly significant, designated by NYSDOS as a Significant Coastal Fish and Wildlife Habitat due to its substantial size (approximately 300 acres of undeveloped salt marsh on Long Island's north shore). This wetland system, along with its associated tidal creeks and beach areas, provides crucial nesting and feeding grounds for various shorebirds, including state-endangered and threatened species, and serves as a productive nursery habitat for finfish, shellfish, and crustaceans. The variety of plant life is also notable, including American Beech, Arrowwood, Bayberry, Black Birch, Black Oak, Black Tupelo, Christmas Fern, Hickory, Huckleberry, Interrupted Fern, Jack-in-the-Pulpit, Lady Fern, Mapleleaf Viburnum, Partridge Berry, Red Oak, Serviceberry, Skunk Cabbage, Spotted Wintergreen, Tulip Tree, and White Oak.

The preserve's ongoing restoration efforts are a significant feature. Over the last few decades, the preserve has faced challenges such as habitat loss due to sea level rise, development, pollution, nutrient runoff, and invasive species. Organizations like the National Audubon Society, in partnership with the Town of Huntington and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, are actively working on restoration projects, including the Crab Meadow Marsh Restoration. These efforts aim to improve the 250-acre ecosystem, enhance ecosystem function, and increase species diversity within the salt marsh. The goal is to create, restore, and enhance high marsh meadow habitat and increase the marsh's resilience to sea level rise. Recent funding, including a substantial award from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation's Long Island Sound Futures Fund, is being dedicated to comprehensive assessments and design plans for marsh improvement. Community engagement is a key component of these restoration initiatives, with public meetings and outreach events planned to involve local residents.

For local users, promotional information highlights the preserve as an ideal location for outdoor recreation and appreciating natural beauty. The preserve is open daily from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Access is available via car to the trailhead parking area, which was recently enhanced as an Eagle Scout project, and there is also original trail access on Makamah Road, south of Breeze Hill Road. Public transit options, including bus routes (7, H40) and train (PORT JEFFERSON BRANCH), also provide access to the preserve. The preservation of this site is a testament to dedicated conservation efforts, notably by Jerome A. Ambro, Jr., after whom the preserve is named for his significant contributions to environmental conservation, particularly in winning the preservation of wetlands in Massapequa, New York. The ongoing restoration efforts present an opportunity for the community to engage with conservation and witness the positive impact of environmental stewardship firsthand. Visitors are encouraged to explore the diverse habitats, observe the rich birdlife, and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of this invaluable natural gem. The preserve serves as a constant reminder of the importance of protecting and restoring our natural resources for current and future generations.

Jerome A. Ambro Memorial Wetland Preserve

Fort Salonga, NY 11768, USA