 |
This
Website is still under construction.
Please pardon our appearance.
|
|
Welcome to the new website for Friends of Tackapausha,
Inc.
In the middle of densely populated Seaford on
the South Shore, is an historic and beautiful 84-acre sanctuary
of oak forests, ponds and streams, small mammals and scores of
bird species, all of which can viewed via five miles of clearly
marked trails.
The Tackapausha Preserve, the first tract of
preserve land acquired by Nassau County (in 1938 and originally
for drainage purposes), is one of the most popular preserves on
the South Shore. Bordered by Merrick Road on the south and
Jerusalem Avenue on the north, it provides residents with the
opportunity to enjoy a physically and spiritually invigorating
hike in a convenient and accessible location.
In addition, the preserve incorporates a
3,000-square-foot museum with displays about the ecology of Long
Island, as well as animal exhibits and shows and interactive
activities for children. The museum is also available for
birthday parties on weekends.
The Tackapausha Museum offers a window into
the varied natural habitats of Long Island, including plants and
wildlife in different seasons. A popular exhibit features live
animals in a reversed day-night cycle; the museum also provides
educational programs. The Tackapausha Preserve is an 84-acre
tract of glacial outwash plain that serves as a wildlife
sanctuary, consisting of wet, deciduous woods, swamps, streams
and ponds, and a small well-drained grassy area reminiscent of
the Hempstead Plains. A variety of small mammals and 170 species
of birds have been seen at the Preserve in the spring.
The preserve itself consists of three
sections divided by major roads, with trails that meander
through each part. In the southern section, between Merrick Road
and Sunrise Highway, the preserve is host to the largest
Atlantic White Cedar “stand,” or grouping of trees, in Nassau
County, located in a swamp just north of Tackapausha Pond, near
Merrick Road.
In the central section, between Sunrise
Highway and Clark Avenue, a small, secluded pond draws waterfowl
and amphibians. The northern section, between Clark and
Jerusalem avenues, includes a small wetland near Clark.
Bird-watchers often hike the trails, with
lawn chairs in tow, seeking out species commonly found at the
preserve, such as the ruby-throated humming bird. In all, more
than 170 bird species have been identified within the preserve,
along with raccoon, muskrat, gray squirrel and opossum.
In August 2010, the museum was closed for a
$300,000 renovation and was set to open in January 2012, But it
remained closed do to budget problems and the laying off of the
only fulltime employee. It was re-opened on April 21, 2012 after
public outcry and the formation of the Friends of Tackapausha
group. The group incorporated on May 1, 2012 and has applied for
501c3 status from the IRS.
The Museum is staffed by part-time and
seasonal workers and is open Wednesday to Sunday from 11:00 am
to 4:00 pm.
Who are the Friends of Tackapausha?
The mission of the FRIENDS OF TACKAPAUSHA,
Inc., is to assist the County of Nassau in providing environmental education
programming and activities at Tackapausha Museum and Preserve to the general
public.
The Corporation is organized as, and shall be operated consistent with nonprofit
charitable education and social welfare purposes: in particular, assisting the
County of Nassau in managing the Museum at Tackapausha and to provide to the
general public educational and informational programs consistent with the
Mission Statement, and the general purposes of Tackapausha Museum and Preserve.
In pursuit of such purposes, the Corporation shall:
(a) Publish and distribute educational materials for Tackapausha Museum programs
(b) Establish, promote, publicize, supervise and manage educational programs
(c) Serve as an advisor to the County of Nassau as to County personnel employed
at the Museum and Preserve
(d) Cooperate as far as reasonably possible with other organizations who also
assist Nassau County in the operating and managing the Museum
(e) Inform, safeguard and promote the general welfare of the public in matters
pertaining to Tackapausha Museum and Preserve
(f) Promote natural conservation and the preservation of open spaces and public
preserves
(g) To engage in youth activities and activities for all other groups so as to
encourage environmental conservation, natural science, natural history and
related sciences, arts and activities
(h) To raise funds to assist Nassau County in providing services, programs, and
conservation as noted above
(i) Such other activities as deemed appropriate by
the Board of Directors
Join us by clicking here for our
membership application.
Already a member, than join our
web group
Share messages, photos, and our program calendar.
2012 Fall program at Tackapausha
Call the Museum at 516 571-7443 for more info
