Natural Areas of the South Shore of Long Island

Brookside Preserve
(Freeport)

A delightful scenic spot, hidden from sight, is Brookside Preserve. Few people other than neighboring residents and Audubon Society members know about this 20-acre nature sanctuary. It is truly a community park, with entrances from neighborhood streets on three sides. Although small in area, you can get a feeling of quiet and isolation. It is a perfect destination for nature study.

The woods are rich in wildlife. Some of the observed woodland species are red-eyed vireo, tufted titmouse, common flicker and wood thrush. In the wetlands, the uncommon black-crowned night heron and great blue heron have been sighted. The woods are dominated by red maple, red oak, sassafras, beech, tupelo, white oak and cherry. The foreign invader Norway maple also grows here. An unusual small tree is the umbrella magnolia, which has one of the largest leaves on Long Island. On the margins of the preserve, blackberry and black raspberry offer their fruit delights during midsummer. Thorny multiflora rose and catbrier also make themselves known. A few of the native wildflowers include Canada mayflower, swamp buttercup, and Jack-in-the-pulpit. Bordering the creek is the non-native lesser celandine, which displays extensive carpets of lovely yellow flowers.

Milburn Creek, with its attractive sand and pebble streambed and clear water, winds through the preserve. After leaving the preserve, it flows under Sunrise Highway and re-emerges as Milburn Pond and tidal creek, described ahead.

In 1988, a developer prepared to build a housing development here. When this was discovered, the South Shore Audubon Society, with the help of Nassau County, rallied to save it. In 1989, the county parks department purchased it. The Audubon Society continues to manage the preserve and its trails, and conducts nature programs, guided walks and yearly cleanups. Contact them at Box 31, Freeport, NY 11520.

How to Get There: Take the Meadowbrook Parkway to exit M8W. Go west on Sunrise Highway for 1.7 miles and turn right on Brookside Avenue. After crossing the railroad, drive three more blocks and park on your left, opposite Lena Drive. Enter the preserve through a gate.

The 0.4-mile trail system starts off as a dirt path but soon becomes a boardwalk over the swamp. Enjoy the views of the clear brook. When you come to a footbridge over the creek, cross it. Explore the short trails that take you through upland woods. Notice that the trails exit onto Jane Place and also at Felix Court.

Return back to the footbridge. After crossing it, turn right on the trail. It goes through younger forest and then exits opposite Randall Avenue. Your car is to the left.

Access Guide Introduction :: Map and Guide :: More Estuary Site Information
	Brookside Preserve (Freeport) A delightful scenic spot, hidden from sight, is Brookside Preserve. Few people other than neighboring residents and Audubon Society members know about this 20-acre nature sanctuary. It is truly a community park, with entrances from neighborhood streets on three sides. Although small in area, you can get a feeling of quiet and isolation. It is a perfect destination for nature study. The woods are rich in wildlife. Some of the observed woodland species are red-eyed vireo, tufted titmouse, common flicker and wood thrush. In the wetlands, the uncommon black-crowned night heron and great blue heron have been sighted. The woods are dominated by red maple, red oak, sassafras, beech, tupelo, white oak and cherry. The foreign invader Norway maple also grows here. An unusual small tree is the umbrella magnolia, which has one of the largest leaves on Long Island. On the margins of the preserve, blackberry and black raspberry offer their fruit delights during midsummer. Thorny multiflora rose and catbrier also make themselves known. A few of the native wildflowers include Canada mayflower, swamp buttercup, and Jack-in-the-pulpit. Bordering the creek is the non-native lesser celandine, which displays extensive carpets of lovely yellow flowers. Milburn Creek, with its attractive sand and pebble streambed and clear water, winds through the preserve. After leaving the preserve, it flows under Sunrise Highway and re-emerges as Milburn Pond and tidal creek, described ahead. In 1988, a developer prepared to build a housing development here. When this was discovered, the South Shore Audubon Society, with the help of Nassau County, rallied to save it. In 1989, the county parks department purchased it. The Audubon Society continues to manage the preserve and its trails, and conducts nature programs, guided walks and yearly cleanups. Contact them at Box 31, Freeport, NY 11520. How to Get There: Take the Meadowbrook Parkway to exit M8W. Go west on Sunrise Highway for 1.7 miles and turn right on Brookside Avenue. After crossing the railroad, drive three more blocks and park on your left, opposite Lena Drive. Enter the preserve through a gate. The 0.4-mile trail system starts off as a dirt path but soon becomes a boardwalk over the swamp. Enjoy the views of the clear brook. When you come to a footbridge over the creek, cross it. Explore the short trails that take you through upland woods. Notice that the trails exit onto Jane Place and also at Felix Court. Return back to the footbridge. After crossing it, turn right on the trail. It goes through younger forest and then exits opposite Randall Avenue. Your car is to the left.