1. The Natural Resources of Brookhaven/South Haven

by Dennis Puleston

Brookhaven Hamlet is unusually blessed with natural resources within its boundaries. The three most important reasons for this condition are as follows:

1. The diversity of habitats, including the lower Carmans River and its banks, and several other bodies of salt, brackish and fresh water. A portion of the southern limits of the Hamlet form a front to the Great South Bay, with its salt marshes. Habitats also include extensive areas of deciduous woodlands, old fields and abandoned farmlands.

2. The Hamlet’s boundaries enclose several wildlife preserves, including the 2,400 acres of the Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge. There are several other smaller but important protected lands.

3. The determination and dedication of most of the residents of the Hamlet to retain the rural atmosphere of their surroundings. The retention of open space has been a major factor in the preservation of the natural resources. Many landowners have resisted the monetary temptations of developers to make property available for housing, commerce, etc. The preservation of open space is also due to the activities of such organizations as the Brookhaven Village Association, the Open Space Council and, formerly, the Brookhaven Town Natural Resources Committee.

These three factors are described in more detail below.

Habitat Diversity

The Carmans River which runs roughly north from the Great South Bay, is navigable for small boats as far north as Route 27, It supports much wildlife both breeding and wintering waterfowl and migrating shorebirds. It also supports many species of fish, several species of’ aquatic turtles, blueclaw crabs and smaller mammals of several species.

At its lower reaches, the river is bounded by extensive salt marshes, spawning grounds and nurseries for many fish and other marine organisms. Many diamondback turtles nest in these marshes. Crabbing from the eastern end of Beaver Dam Road and the southern end of Bellhaven Road are major sources of recreation during late spring, all summer and early fall. Fishing is also practiced there. Menhaden (mossbunker), perch, carp and sea-run trout are also resources, providing much recreational activity.

In addition to those within the Wertheim Refuge, many strands of deciduous woodlands lie within the Hamlet, as do extensive old fields. White-tailed deer are abundant and require occasional controlled culling, since their natural predators (wolf, panther, etc.) no longer occur locally. Blueberry, beach plum, wild Concord grapes and other wild fruits are abundant. Edible mushrooms of several species can be gathered, usually in late summer.

Several professional fishermen use the lower Carmans River (Squassux Landing) as a base for their work in nearby Bay waters. Crabs, hardshell clams, scallops, eels and other fish, including flounder, snappers, Menhaden and occasionally oysters, are harvested for the market.

Many amateur gardeners in the Hamlet take advantage of the rich, light, easily worked soil to maintain productive vegetable gardens. Fruit trees are cultivated, as well as grape arbors, raspberry and blueberry patches. There are several commercial potted and border flower farms in the Hamlet.

Also within the Hamlet are several active nests of the formerly endangered osprey. The nationwide ban on the broad-spectrum pesticide DDT in 1972 is now enabling this bird to recover from near-extinction in the northeastern U.S.

The endangered mud turtle can be found in marshy areas.

Wildlife Preserves

The Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge is operated by the Fish & Wildlife Service of the U.S. Department of the Interior, which administers the refuge’s 2,400 acres of woodlands, marshes and waterways. Most of the area is located on the east bank of the lower Carmans River, but a sizable portion is located on the west bank, north of Beaver Dam Road and east of Old Stump Road. This area includes several small tributaries of the Carmans River. In 1967, the late Mrs. Wellington conveyed 180 acres unspoiled meadows and salt marsh to be added to the Wertheim Refuge. This parcel is located on the lower west bank of the river and is bordered on the south by the Bay. It is a habitat for waterfowl, shorebirds and waders.

New York State Marshland was acquired by the State in the 1970s and consists of 234 acres of salt marsh and wet woodlands contiguous to the salt marsh conveyed to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service by Mrs. Wellington Access to this area is available from the lower end of Mott Lane, south of Beaver Dam Road.

Suffolk County acquired the Hawes Property in July 1992, opposite the Marist Brothers retreat on the south side of South Country Road. This fine, 38-acre preserve consists of a mature hardwood area at the northern end, merging at the lower levels into wooded swampland and marsh further south. It is a good stopping-off point for migrating birds in spring and fall, On June 13, 1995, the Suffolk County Legislature voted to designate this land as the Dennis Puleston Nature Preserve.

In 1989, the Town of Brookhaven purchased the Saltaire Property at the far southern end of Bay Road, which consists of 18 acres of swamp woods and fresh and salt marsh, bounded on the south by the Bay. On February 23, 1995, the Town Board voted to designate this parcel as the Fire Place Nature Preserve,

The Post Morrow Preserve is located on the west side of Bay Road and includes much of the east bank of Beaver Dam Creek. This 60-acre property, consisting of deciduous woodlands, marshes and a small pond, is administered by a foundation established by the owner, the late Elizabeth Post Morrow. Educational nature trails are planned for this valuable wildlife preserve.

In addition to the above preserves, there is an area on the north side of Montauk Highway that includes the headwaters of Beaver Dam Creek. This area of deciduous woods and swampland is particularly vulnerable to development due to the close proximity on either side of commercial enterprises. It is hoped that it can be preserved in its natural state and thus protect the creek from pollution.