Southampton, NY
Meadow Lane Preserves
- Project Type
- Conservation, Stewardship
- Acreage
- 8.2
- Things To Do
- Birdwatching, Photography, Nature Study, Paddling, Fishing
- Address
Meadow Ln
Southampton NY, 11968
About
Between 1985 and 2004, the Peconic Land Trust worked with numerous landowners and the Town and Village of Southampton on conservation plans that have protected over 15 acres on both the ocean and bay sides of Meadow Lane.
Today, these lands provide provide important habitat for wildlife, native plants and shrubs, protect fragile salt marshes, and offer sweeping views of the bay and the Atlantic Ocean.
It all began with the first of a trio of preserves along the bay: Dune Road I, Conason, Dune Road II Preserves.
The conservation of this area along Meadow Lane, also known as Dune Road, crosses decades and property owners.
It all began in November of 1985 when Melvin C. and Margaret M. Arnold gifted their 3.3 acre bayside property on Meadow Lane to the Peconic Land Trust. Their parcel, known as Dune Road I Preserve, makes up the Western-most third of the area. The Arnolds saw the importance of protecting the dwarf shrubland and salt marsh habitats that their property contained.
Conservation in the area continued in December of 1989, when Luda Rudenko donated a 2.4 acre parcel nearby. This parcel became known as Dune Road II Preserve and makes up the Eastern-most third of the area.
So what was to happen with the middle third? For almost 15 years the risk of development between the two protected parcels was eminent. Then in December of 2004, Robert and Leslie Conason donated the middle 2.5 acre parcel now known as the Conason Preserve. The Conason’s donation created 8 acres of contiguous bayfront to be protected forever.
Lehman Preserve
To the east of the Dune Road and Conason Preserves, sits a 4th Peconic Land Trust preserve, Lehman Preserve. Donated to the Trust in 2004 by Robert Lehman, the 1.6 acre preserve boasts many of the same conservation benefits as the trio to the west.
The preserves are active with wildlife throughout the year. In Spring, horseshoe crabs lay their eggs in the short sandy beach on the bay. Come summer, Monarch butterflies can be found laying their eggs here too. The new generation of butterflies feasts on the nectar of seaside goldenrod that is prevalent on the preserves. Then in winter, the New York State endangered short-eared owl, as well as snowy owls, call the marsh home. Just beneath the water’s edge marine life is teeming with fish popular in recreation such as striped bass and flounder, along with shellfish.
Andrew L. Shapiro's music video, "I'll Melt with You" features Munn Point and preserved wetlands of Southampton Village including the Trust's Lehman Preserve.
Visitor Info
The land of the three Meadow Lane Preserves are viewable from the road and the water on Shinnecock Bay, although no trails exist through the wetlands. You can launch kayaks and small sailing vessels from the town road.
Nearby you can see two easements held by the Peconic Land Trust on the oceanfront side of Meadow Lane. The Road F Easement is owned by the Village and is permanently protected with an easement granted to the Peconic Land Trust. And, just to the west is The Public Park Easement, 5.1 acres at the western edge of Meadow Lane. In 1996, after acquiring the property, the Trust conveyed the property to the Village of Southampton for a nominal fee for park use.
A small parking area owned by Southampton Village is there at the site, and a Southampton Village Parking Permit is required from May 15th to September 15th. In fall, winter and spring, this parking area along with limited parking at Munn Point to the east on Meadow Lane is open to the public. A perfect time to get out and explore new places!
Things To Do
Birdwatching
Photography
Nature Study
Paddling
Fishing