Save the Date: New Summer Programs at Fire Island National Seashore

NPS Photo

News Release Date: June 26, 2017

Contact: Elizabeth Rogers, 631-687-4766

Contact: Kathy Krause, 631-687-4772

Patchogue, NY - The National Park Service (NPS) announced today that new programs have been added to the summer program schedule at Fire Island National Seashore. Special exhibits, tours, and events are planned throughout the season at five NPS sites.
 
At Talisman, a popular mid-island boating destination, the NPS will offer activities geared for families every Saturdays, July 8 through August 26. Boaters may join park rangers for shelling, seining, clamming, safe boating programs, and nature walks. .
 
The Fire Island Lighthouse Preservation Society (FILPS) will award prizes for the most creative lighthouse craft on August 7 for National Lighthouse Day. On August 9, FILPS will feature a special reading of the children's tale, "Robert's Tall Friend" in honor of National Book Lovers' Day.
 
In Patchogue, visitors are invited to dig in and enjoy free family fun at the park's native plant pollinator garden during monthly "garden parties" at the Patchogue Ferry Terminal located on the banks of the Patchogue River. On July 23, young children and their caregivers can listen to a reading of, "All the Way to the Ocean" in Spanish and English and then create a maritime craft to take home.
 
A new exhibit, curated by Auto Body, will feature the work of bird photographer Kyle Kusa at the Wilderness Visitor Center. The exhibit reimagines the 360 degree viewing room on the second floor of the visitor center and is on display through Labor Day.
 
The William Floyd Estate, a unit of the Seashore located in Mastic Beach on Long Island, will host local artist Jennifer Lucas on August 19 for watercolor painting on the porch of the historic Old Mastic House. Supplies will be provided and visitors will have the opportunity to explore the grounds with a park ranger.
 
A variety of opportunities for family fun will be offered throughout the summer at the Fire Island Lighthouse, Sailors Haven (Sunken Forest), Talisman, Wilderness, Patchogue Ferry Terminal, and William Floyd Estate. Highlights include:
 

• 16th Annual Fire Island Lighthouse Art Show to Benefit the Fire Island Lighthouse Preservation Society, through July 16
   
• Second Annual Day of the Shark on July 23 at Fire Island Lighthouse
   
• Enchanted Evening Walk from Sunken Forest to Cherry Grove, August 26
   
• Wilderness Art Workshops with David Adams, Sunday, July 2, August 6, and September 3
   
• Evening programs at the Wilderness Visitor Center with topics including nocturnal wildlife, America's national parks, and photography
   
• Decoy Carving Demonstration at William Floyd Estate, Saturday, July 29

  
More information on programs may be found in the 2017 Summer Guide, available at visitor centers and upon request by email to e-mail us, and online at www.nps.gov/FIIS.