Fishers Island Biodiversity:
Rare Species and Natural Communities of
the Henry L. Ferguson Museum Land Trust

by three scientists of the New York Natural Heritage Program (NYNHP)
who presented the results of a two-year inventory of the HLFM’s Land Trust properties.

The NYNHP speakers are
Matt Schlesinger, Chief Zoologist, Greg Edinger, Chief Ecologist, and Rich Ring, Chief Botanist.

Hosted by HLFM director Pierce Rafferty

Over the past two years, the NYNHP has worked closely with the Henry L. Ferguson Museum while conducting this two-year biodiversity survey of the Museum’s Land Trust properties. This recorded illustrated talk, originally presented July 30, 2023 builds on the island’s legacy of natural history observations – detailing survey techniques, species discoveries, and natural community conclusions derived from the 2021 and 2022 field seasons. NYNHP scientists conducted focused surveys for rare plants, insects, amphibians, reptiles, bats, and other species. They have also mapped the Land Trust’s ecosystems.

All who wish to learn more about the variety of diverse flora and fauna that surround us on Fishers Island will be fully engaged by this scientific survey summary.

The NYNHP Report & Appendices are available for download.