2. Silver Eel-Race Point Coastal Trail in the Janet Harvey Sanctuary
The Janet Harvey Sanctuary offers history, nature, and expansive ocean views. It is named in honor of Janet Hardie Harvey, a beloved member of the Fishers Island community who is remembered for her love of nature and advocacy for increased access to the outdoors for all. Access the Sanctuary directly via the Ordnance or enjoy the entirety of the Silver Eel–Race Point Coastal Trail, which passes through the Sanctuary.
The Silver Eel-Race Point Coastal Trail is a collaboration between Island organizations and neighbors. Beginning at the Lighthouse Works Public Art installation, it proceeds along the Ferry Park berm, offering views of Fishers Island Sound. It then weaves through pepperidge trees across the Ordnance lawn to the beach rose-lined entry of the Janet Harvey Sanctuary. Staghorn sumac and old field plant species stabilize the rocky bank between upland and ocean. The Sanctuary opens into a meadow plateau, offering sweeping views: seaward across Long Island Sound to Orient Point, and inland toward the historic Fort Wright emplacements, Batteries Hoffman and Hamilton. Constructed in the early 1900s to defend the coast, they housed 3-inch and 6-inch guns, respectively. An Osprey pole marks a halfway point: you can access a rocky beach with a rich intertidal community that thrives in the clear, clean water of the Race, or continue along the path through dense honeysuckle and pepperidge on uneven ground. Exit the Sanctuary toward the runway, into a successional old field. A dirt track leads to the rocky beach and Race Point. In winter, American Widgeon and Common Eider may be seen feeding close to shore, while further out, you may spot a Northern Gannet or even a Razorbill. Sandier sections of beach provide suitable nesting habitat for American Oystercatchers.
