Dedication of the Janet Harvey Sanctuary & Opening of the Silver Eel-Race Point Coastal Trail
August 10, 2025 @ 9:00 am - 10:00 am
On August 2nd, we marked the 60th anniversary of the Henry L. Ferguson Museum Land Trust. Sixty years ago, H. “Lee” Ferguson proposed committing the Museum to a visionary path: to obtain vacant land as a nature sanctuary under the auspices of the Museum. This set the Museum on a path that we continue along to this day.
We invite you to join us for a milestone event in this journey: the dedication of the Museum’s newest coastal sanctuary. We are also celebrating an important community collaboration, the opening of a new public trail linking Silver Eel Cove to Race Point.
WHEN: Sunday, August 10th at 9 AM
WHERE: The Ordnance (road between Paddle Courts + FICC)
WHAT: Enjoy light breakfast fare, coffee, and juice, followed by brief remarks and a trail walk.
The Janet Harvey Sanctuary
Established thanks to a license from the Fishers Island Waste Management District, the Janet Harvey Sanctuary comprises five acres of coastal habitat and historic Fort Wright structures. It features sweeping views across Long Island Sound and inland toward two of Fort Wright’s historic batteries via a single trail accessible from either the Ordnance or runway side.
This sanctuary honors Janet Hardie Harvey, whose passion for nature and advocacy for public access resonate deeply with our mission.
The Silver Eel – Race Point Coastal Trail
This newly completed trail fulfills a long-held community goal: making the stunning West End coastline publicly accessible. Developed through collaboration with numerous partners—the Museum, the FI Waste Management District, the Ferry District, the FI Conservancy, and Brad and Mary Burnham, owners of the Ordnance property—it begins at the Lighthouse Works Public Art installation and travels along Ferry Park, through the Ordnance, and into the Janet Harvey Sanctuary. From there, the trail leads to meadows, rocky shoreline, and historic emplacements, ending at Race Point.
After the Opening
At 4 PM, Museum Director Pierce Rafferty will present an illustrated lecture: “A Brief History of Land Use and Conservation on Fishers Island.” This informative talk surveys the island’s evolving relationship with its landscape, from early settlement to today’s active conservation initiatives—a fitting close to a landmark day.
As we reflect on six decades of conservation, we celebrate what this community has achieved: from one protected parcel to 400 acres of preserved habitat. From lone trail-cutters to a dedicated staff and coalition of partners, the Henry L. Ferguson Museum Land Trust is stronger than ever.
We hope to see you on Sunday.
Green Trail with a Blue View. Photo credit: Mike McNamara
