A Handicap-Accessible path leads to a platform with a bench that overlooks Middle Farms Pond By Faith Coolidge Can you imagine wanting to enjoy the beauty of Middle Farms Pond but being unable to do so because of a mobility issue? A wonderful addition to the H.L Ferguson Museum’s
Land Trust Report Spring 2023 by Bob Miller There have been major developments in terms of land preservation and the expansion of our sanctuaries since the Land Trust report in the Spring of 2022. In December 2022, the Land Trust received a donation of a 2.07 acre lot on Brooks
by Bob Miller The section of Middle Farms that is just south of the road was burned on March 22nd by the Fishers Island Fire Department, led by Chief Jeff Edwards, as part of HLFM’s rotational burning program to maintain the maritime grassland. Prescribed burn of Land Trust grassland at Middle Farms
On August 25, 2021, educator and naturalist, Murray Fisher sent the following report to Museum director, Pierce Rafferty: "I just had the most amazing natural history discovery today on the Land Trust’s Matty Matthiessen preserve that I want to share with you – and everyone! . . ." As I always
The Land Trust has acquired two significant parcels of undeveloped land, partnered with the New York Natural Heritage Program to prepare a “wall-to-wall ecological community map” of our sanctuary areas, worked with the conservation class at the Fishers Island School on vairous projects as well as continued ongoing projects to restore wetland plants and maintain our nature trails.
The Ferguson Museum is engaged in a number of joint projects spearheaded by the Museum’s Land Trust Stewardship Coordinator Jack Schneider and Fishers Island School teacher Adam Murray. Murray teaches courses in environmental science, construction and woodshop, as well as land conservation. He and the high school students he teaches have teamed up with
These recent acquisitions extend and expand the mid-Island sanctuary area, which includes Middle Farms, Treasure, Beach, Island and Perch Ponds and, of course, the well field for the island’s water supply.
The creation of and care for many of the walking trails on Fishers Island began as an individual volunteer effort spearheaded by seasonal resident Matty Matthiessen starting in the 1960s. What began as a labor of love and appreciation from a handful of dedicated supporters expanded into an annual tradition shared by many.
Bench overlooking swamp on Chocomount Trail. The Museum’s Land Trust has miles of nature trails that need to be kept clear and passable. A relatively small group of board members and volunteers tackle this herculean project in all seasons, seeking to maintain the level of clearing we attain collectively during our annual Thanksgiving group effort. Please consider contributing
by Bob Miller We are delighted that Jack Schneider has become our Land Trust Stewardship Coordinator. Jack came to us early this year with a wealth of experience in planning, project management, budgeting, fundraising, and communications. He was animal curator at The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, Mystic Aquarium, and The Oklahoma City Zoo. As director
