My family were caretakers of a small plot of land on this barrier island in the North Atlantic for six generations. I have deep memories of growing up and spending August days on this string of an island. I loved walking from the inlet to Sunken Forest in my youth. I remember visiting Sunken Forest before the NPS built its station there, and built boardwalks to wind through the amazing tree canopy that hovers under the salty spray of the ocean. On a recent visit in May I watched in awe as the horseshoe crabs made their annual trip to deposit their eggs in the sandy beaches of the Great South Bay. My mother served as a NPS docent at the lighthouse for years, leading countless groups to the top for windswept views all the way into New York City on clear days. I am grateful that this barrier island is protected by the guarding hands of the National Seashore.
Sincerely,
Fire Island National Seashore
This 32-mile stretch of barrier island offers beaches and historic buildings, dunes and maritime forests, and a dynamic coastal landscape with hiking, boating, camping and wildlife-watching opportunities.
State(s): New York
Established: 1964
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I remember my first time feeling a buffalo’s hide with the tips of my fingers, and the warm mist of Old Faithful on my face during a visit to Yellowstone National Park. It was my first time visiting a national park, and it’s been my family’s tradition to visit the…
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