The Ruth Oliva Preserve at Dam Pond
photo by Christine Kraft
About
Head out to the Ruth Oliva Preserve at Dam Pond in East Marion and take in beauty throughout the season -- even in winter. Bring your binoculars and see if you can spot a few waterfowl -- including buffleheads, horned grebes, and red-breasted mergansers who all settle in at this important wintering spot on the East End. Click here for a trail map of the preserve.
There's lots to see and experience if you are a bird enthusiast or would just like a nice brisk walk after a few days of indoor winter hibernation -- really just about any time of the year.
The jointly managed County and Town Preserve is part of a 118-acre collection of land that was conserved through the work and cooperation of many, including the Peconic Land Trust, Suffolk County, Southold Town, landowners and partner organizations including the Oysterponds Historical Society.
birding at Dam Pond
painting by Casey Chalem Anderson
Who is Ruth Oliva? As our friend and past Board member Joe Townsend said: “Ruth was one of the earliest people to publicly work on behalf of preservation in Southold, from the early 1970s. She worked tirelessly. While she wasn’t the most outspoken, she was the most consistent and the area around Dam Pond was one she worked very hard for.” The preserve was renamed and dedicated to Ruth in September 2010. We thank Ruth and the many people in our community who work day in and day out to make conservation happen.
For more about how Dam Pond and the neighboring land was conserved, check out our Fall 2012 newsletter.
Visitor Information
The preserve, jointly owned and managed by Suffolk County and the Town of Southold, has many wonderful trails to explore. Click here for a trail map.
The Ruth Oliva Preserve at Dam Pond
11855 Route 48, Greenport, NY 11944
Things To Do
Hiking
Birdwatching
Photography
Nature Study
