Long Island’s South Shore - A Recreational Paradise
Where can you find miles of sandy beaches, a plethora of marinas and trails, and an abundance of opportunities to fish, hike, swim, boat, or just sit back and enjoy the coast? Long Island’s South Shore, of course!
Home to a million and a half people, Long Island’s South Shore Estuary anchors the region’s tourism, seafood, and recreation industries; each year, attracting millions of visitors to enjoy the beauty and serenity of the shore.
In 1993, the New York State Legislature established the Long Island South Shore Estuary Reserve in order to protect the South Shore Estuary and ensure its long-term health as the foundation of the local economy and as a natural and cultural treasure. Now that’s good government in action! Especially considering the high concentration of water-dependent businesses in the South Shore Estuary Reserve depend on clean water and health living resources to thrive.
Over the years, the Environmental Protection Fund along with local governments, estuary-related businesses, and nonprofit organizations have helped to improve water quality, restore natural resources, and enhance public use and enjoyment in order to protect the long-term health of the Reserve’s bays and tributaries, its tidal wetlands and wildlife, and its tourism and economy.
The Reserve’s many beaches, tidal wetlands, salt marches, seagrass beds, and open waters provide critical habitat for hundreds of species of wildlife, which in turn, support fishing, shellfishing, recreation, and tourism. Tidal wetlands also play a crucial role in protecting nearby communities from storm surge and flooding. The South Shore Reserve contains more significant coastal fish and wildlife habitats than any other region in New York.
Want to visit this recreational paradise? Then you may want to check out the South Shore Blueway Trail. The trail is a network of 22 launches and landings that provide safe access points for non-motorized boaters to experience the natural, scenic, and cultural wonders of Long Island’s South Shore. The Blueway Trail was made possible by more than a thousand local residents, the Village of Freeport, Nassau County, and received funding support from the Environmental Protection Fund. Thanks New York State!