Councilman Stuart Besen and Councilman Mark Cuthbertson speaking to the campers before they head off to the beach.

The 20.7-acre Fuchs Pond Preserve has been a Town preservation goal for over 30 years. It lies within the West Watershed of Crab Meadow, an identified priority of the New York State Open Space Plan. Acquisition of this site with Suffolk County enabled the creation of a nature center that is surrounded by 680 acres of protected open space, encompassing nearly every type of habitat which exists in the Town of Huntington. The freshwater system at the Fuchs Pond Preserve drains into and is immediately contiguous to the Town's Jerome Ambro Memorial Wetlands Preserve, tributary to the Long Island Sound.

The Town and County closed on the property on August 14, 2003. The Town expended $1,000,000 from the Environmental Open Space and Park (EOSPA) Fund. The County added $2,874,000 to complete the purchase. If the land was not protected, it might have supported a 13-lot subdivision. The acquisition can be directly attributed to the efforts of the Town Board, EOSPA Committee and County Legislature, and the Fuchs' love of the land and desire to see it protected. Public parklands now comprise 680 acres or 80% of the approximately 850 acres that define the Crab Meadow Watershed Area.

The direct intent of the Town Board in pursuing acquisition of this site was to assure preservation of its sensitive resources and to insure responsible public use of the entire assemblage. Proposals for future site use were solicited and recently Councilman Stuart Besen and Councilman Mark Cuthbertson presented a resolution to enter into a license agreement with Cornell Cooperative Extension to provide specialized environmental education programs on-site. This is a win-win for everyone.

With the expertise of Huntington's General Services Department, the Fuchs property and house were spruced up, repaired and renovated. Today, the Fuchs Preserve Environmental Education Center includes office space, classroom space, craft tables, fish tanks, lots of nautical decor and two handicapped restrooms. Cornell University Cooperative Extension is holding the Sea Stars Marine Camp and Jr. Marine Biologist Program. Both programs have begun are already a big hit among our young campers.

Sea Stars for ages 6 to 8 and 9 to 11 is a unique week-long summer experience for children. Instructors use hands on activities to teach about Long Island's vital coastal habitats. Programs include trips to Asharoken Beach where campers can explore the local beach and salt marsh. At the Center, campers observe and handle live marine animals and freshwater pond-life while learning about marine science and environmental ecology. Guided nature walks through the Preserve lead through trails of coastal woodlands and a freshwater pond. Each day is packed with hands-on activities, outdoor games, exciting arts and crafts and fun facts about local aquatic habitats.

The Jr. Marine Biologist Program (ages 3 to 5 with parent/guardian) offers a unique way to spend time with your preschooler. You and your child learn about the marine environment in this very special program that includes hands-on time with live marine animals, beach activities and crafts.

For information on both programs, contact Cornell Cooperative Extension, 631-239-1797.