Amagansett National Wildlife Refuge

Amagansett National Wildlife Refuge is a coastal property on Long Island's Atlantic side that spans varied habitats from open beach to vegetated dunes. The site includes sandy shores, dune ridges, wetland areas, and bog lands that support multiple ecosystem types.

A lifesaving station established in 1902 operated on this coast before being relocated, and the land became a federal wildlife refuge in 1968. This change shifted the focus from human rescue operations to environmental protection.

The refuge maintains wild coastal landscapes within an urban region, serving as a place where natural and developed areas coexist. Visitors can experience how this land remains connected to local conservation efforts today.

The beach section welcomes visitors, but the dune areas inland remain closed year-round to protect sensitive plants and animals. Visitors should plan to explore primarily the shoreline while respecting marked boundaries.

The dune landscape shelters uncommon orchid species that flourish in the sandy terrain, though few visitors realize these plants are growing there. This hidden botanical wealth attracts those who know where to look.

Location: New York

Inception: 1968

Website: https://fws.gov/refuge/amagansett

GPS coordinates: 40.96970,-72.12640

Latest update: December 12, 2025 12:02