On April 13, 2006, the Town of Brookhaven became the proud owner of this heavily wooded deciduous parcel dominated by old growth chestnut oak, many trees nearing 100 years old. Also noted on the parcel were several red maples with black cherry and sassafras as common under story with maple-leaved viburnum. Wood ferns line the slope of a ravine running through the heart of the property. Bird species found on the property include northern flicker, blue jay, red-bellied woodpecker, Carolina and house wrens, white-breasted nuthatch and northern cardinals.
After strong support by the Civic Association of the Setaukets and extensive advocacy by Councilman Steve Fiore-Rosenfeld, the Town Board had authorized purchase of this environmentally sensitive property south of Thompson Hay Path and west of Detmer Farm in Setauket in August of 2005. The land had previously been donated to the Society for the Preservation of Long Island Antiquities (SPLIA) by Atmore Robinson’s estate, and the organization has been looking to divest itself of the land under the terms of the donation.
The property was purchased by the Town under the Clean Water Open Space Bond Act of 2004 for $1.6 million and plans are being discussed for compatible passive public use of this nature preserve. Councilman Steve Fiore-Rosenfeld remarked that, “The importance of this purchase cannot be understated. This property, which abuts the former ‘Kings Highway’—now known as North Country Road—preserves the integrity and tranquility of this natural unspoiled segment of our historic Setauket community. Purchasing this land helps to secure the historic context of the cultural arts community along North Country Road, which includes the unique not-for-profit Gallery North, the Three Village Historical Society’s Bayles-Swezey house, and SPLIA’s own Thompson House. We need to preserve these open spaces for both present and future generations to enjoy and appreciate.”
“This purchase is the latest demonstration of my commitment to the preservation of important open spaces in the Town of Brookhaven,” said Supervisor Brian X. Foley. “I was glad to work with Councilman Fiore-Rosenfeld to save this open space, which will be enjoyed as a nature preserve now and forever. Preserving our natural heritage for our children is a duty I take very seriously.”
“This beautiful wooded property is worthy of preservation just for its natural beauty and ecological value,” said NYS Assemblyman Steve Englebright. “However, this landscape segment is also integral with the Setauket Historic District and is, thereby, a singularly refreshing and important time capsule of an earlier, simpler time. Brookhaven officials should be congratulated for making this wise investment as this new parkland will pay environmental and cultural dividends to Town residents forever.”
John Turner, the Town’s Director of the Division of Environmental Protection, stated when this property was evaluated for purchase under the Open Space program, “The property has been subjected to little disturbance by adjacent land uses or properties and is, in my judgment, a small but high quality example of the forest type that once stretched extensively across the northern portions of Brookhaven Town.”
The preserve lies adjacent to Gallery North, the not-for-profit art gallery along North Country Road. Colleen Hanson, Executive Director of Gallery North, stated that, “The acquisition of the nine acre SPLIA property as well as Gallery North's recent purchase of its headquarters and surrounding acres will insure that the historic district in Setauket will become an even more vital and vibrant part of the community. It combines both preservation and progress at its best.”
On a final note, Councilman Fiore-Rosenfeld stated, “Had this residentially zoned property been placed on the open market, between seven to nine super-sized ‘McMansions’ could have been built on the property ‘as of right,’ thereby bringing additional property tax burdens on all.”