Broad Cove Preserve

Open to the public!

Address:

Overlook Dr, Aquebogue, NY 11931, USA

Broad Cove Water Access and Education Project

Broad Cove Preserve is a 100-acre waterfront property in Flanders Bay transformed from a former duck farm into a thriving nature preserve. This site located near the Bell Town Cultural Heritage Area features 25 acres of tidal wetlands and 8,000 feet of shoreline, and rich habitats for the variety of local wildlife that make Broad Cove their home.

With funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Peconic Estuary Partnership is supporting the creation of trails, permeable parking, educational signage, and outreach events on site.

CCMP Related Actions

Project Status

Project Goals

Project Funding

Project Partners

CCMP Related Actions

The Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP) is the guiding framework for protecting and restoring the Peconic Estuary and its watershed.

The Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP) is the guiding framework for protecting and restoring the Peconic Estuary and its watershed.

PEP Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP) 2020

Action 9

Incorporate environmental justice considerations into public outreach

Action 12

Mitigate climate change through coastal ecosystem management

Action 14

Increase public awareness of the anticipated impacts of climate change in the Peconic Estuary

pROJECT sTATUS

what we have accomplished so far, and What’s to come!

Invasive Species Removal and Native Plantings

On August 2, 2022, the LIISMA team of Bill Jacobs, Abby Bezrutczyk, Haley Gladitsch, Melody Penny, and Katharine Stirber conducted an invasive species rapid assessment of Broad Cove, accompanied by Josh Halsey and Jessie McSwane-Marcus of the Peconic Land Trust and Jade Blennau of the Peconic Estuary Partnership.

Permeable Parking Lot Created

A parking lot was created allowing the preserve to be opened to the public, providing accessible entry for local community members. The lot was designed with permeable pavement made from crushed rocks and stone, supporting effective stormwater management. This substrate allows rainwater to infiltrate into the ground, reducing runoff and preventing pollution from reaching nearby waterways.

Temporary Signage Installed, Permanent Signage to be Installed

Throughout the preserve, temporary educational signage has been installed, with permanent signage, including Spanish translations, coming soon. Additionally, a kiosk at the site’s entrance provides visitors with information about the preserve and our partnership.

Outreach Being Held At Site

Outreach activities have been underway at Broad Cove Preserve. The site hosted our first Winter Walk of 2024, apart of the annual Winter Watershed Walk Series, and held Bird Identifying Walk. Additional events are currently being planned in collaboration with The Peconic Land Trust, further engaging the community in the preserve’s natural beauty and educational opportunities.

Project Goals

Invasive Species Removal

Implementation of the Invasive species plan with our partners New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) and The Long Island Invasive Species Management Area(LIISMA).

Emergency VEHICLE ACCESS

Ensuring safe and enjoyable usage.

On site educational programing

Providing opportunities for the community to learn about, benefit from, and participate in their natural environment.

Erosion Control

Revegetation of the living shoreline for erosion control.

Expansion of the trail system

Wheel chair and stroller friendly permeable pavement will be installed to allow increase access for everyone while managing stormwater.

Benefit the community within a NYSDEC proposed environmental justice area

This project will provide access to the shoreline in a historically disadvantaged area. The Preserve is located between Meetinghouse and Terry’s Creek, both listed as impaired waterbodies on the NYSDEC Priority Waterbodies List and this project is located in a NYS proposed environmental justice area.