Fishers Island Conservancy

Panel Discussion
2025-07-18 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
Hosted by Fishers Island ConservancyJuly 18, 2025 | 7:00–8:00 PM
Join us for a public panel discussion at the community center, where our scientists and experts will share updates on the Conservancy’s current conservation efforts.
Presentations by:

Dr. Marina Caillaud

Dr. Adam Mitchell

Stephanie Hall

Anna White

Moderated by: Ben Strong
This is an opportunity to learn more about the science behind the Conservancy’s work, ask questions, and hear how ongoing projects are helping to protect and sustain the natural environment of Fishers Island.
All are welcome! No registration required.

A Weekend with Dr. Douglas Tallamy
2025-07-18 - 2025-07-20
Dr. Tallamy will lead guided nature walks through the Parade Grounds on both Saturday, July 19 and Sunday, July 20 at 9:30 a.m., and deliver a public talk and book signing at the Henry L. Ferguson Museum on Sunday, July 20 at 4:00 p.m. Want to learn more? Visit here

Right Place Right Plant: Native Plant Talk
2025-05-24 11:00 - 13:00
Right Place Right Plant: Native Plants and Practical Uses
When: Saturday, May 24, 2025
Time: 11 am – 12 pm (Talk), 12-1 pm (Reception)

Place: In person at the Museum, 2nd Floor and virtual via zoom
The Fishers Island Conservancy and the Henry L Ferguson Museum are teaming up for a special Memorial Day Weekend event all about native plants and how to use them effectively in our landscapes. This collaboration brings together a wide range of voices and resources to help protect and restore Fishers Island’s environment.
Together we’ll explore the importance of native plants to island ecosystems why non-native species can cause harm and how small landscaping choices can have a big environmental impact. The Conservancy will be sharing information about local habitat restoration efforts offering practical gardening tips and helping connect attendees with helpful tools and contractors.
The event will feature a series of short talks from island experts and guest speakers

Dr. Adam Mitchell with FIC on the benefits of native plants
Terry McNamara on managing invasive species with native alternatives
Dianne Crary on choosing the right native plants
Diana Fiske on creating successful native gardens
Melie Spofford on planting native trees

After the talks we invite you to stay for a reception where you’ll find local Fishers Island contractors available to chat, educational handouts, plant guides and a native plant sale to help you get started at home.
This event is free and open to the public but space for the in-person talk is limitedRegister now to secure your spotClick here to register
Questions? Contact Hannah Vagts at FishersIslandSeagrass@gmail.com

Spring Migration Bird Count
2025-05-11
Photo by Anna White
Spring Migratory Bird Count 2025When: Sunday, May 11th at 8:00 amWhere: Meet outside of the Community Center
We invite you to join us for our annual Spring Migratory Bird Count on Sunday, May 11th. This seasonal tradition offers a great opportunity to observe birds returning to their northern breeding grounds while exploring a variety of habitats across the island.
The morning will begin outside the Fishers Island Community Center at 8 am, where we will gather before setting out in groups. Guided by Dr. Adam Mitchell of Tarleton State University, along with birding experts Emily Baisden and Will Almeida, the group will visit 15 designated stops from the West End to the East End of the island. Each stop lasts five minutes, following established Audubon count methods, as we identify and record bird species seen and heard along the way.
All are welcome to attend. No prior birding experience is needed. If you have binoculars, we encourage you to bring them. A limited number will also be available to borrow. Please wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather.
This annual count supports the Conservancy’s long-term efforts to monitor bird populations and contributes valuable information to regional conservation work.

Easter Sunday
2025-04-20

Pitch In for the Planet- Earth Day
2025-04-19 14:00 - 15:00
In honor of Earth Day, the Fishers Island Conservancy and the H.L. Ferguson Museum and Land Trust invite all visitors to join an afternoonof conservation work and community connection.
Participants will meet at the Museum at 2:00 PM to receive assignments before heading out to South Beach, the Parade Grounds, and nearby trails for beach cleanup and invasive plant removal.
Volunteers are encouraged to bring any tools they are comfortable using, such as clippers or loppers. No chainsaws, please. Extra tools will be available. Long pants, long sleeves, socks, and gloves are strongly recommended for protection against thorns and poison ivy.
Following the cleanup, light refreshments will be served at the Museum. A simple craft activity will also be available for those who would like to participate. Race Rock Garden Co. is providing seed pots and soil, and the Conservancy will contribute native seeds along with small seed packets remaining from past Nature Days.
We hope you’ll join us in caring for the land and celebrating Earth Day as a community.

Shorebird Pre-Fencing Day
2025-04-09 10:30
Sign being installed on symbolic fencing by Anna White
As our tiniest visitor, the endangered Piping Plover, returns to Fishers Island’s shores this spring, the Fishers Island Conservancy is preparing to install symbolic fencing at known nesting sites. These small shorebirds lay their eggs directly on open sand, making them extremely vulnerable to disturbance. To protect them and give them the best chance at a successful breeding season, FIC will kick off the season with Pre-Fencing Day on Wednesday, April 9.
Symbolic fencing is a simple yet critical step that helps reduce disturbance from people and pets by clearly marking sensitive nesting areas. This protection is not just for Piping Plovers but also serves as nesting habitat for Least Terns, which are listed as threatened in New York State. These birds depend on undisturbed beach habitat to successfully nest and raise their young.
This work is part of the Long Island Colonial Waterbird Survey (LICWS), a statewide monitoring and protection program coordinated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. We are excited to partner with Sophia Brown from NYSDEC as we relaunch LICWS efforts on the island. Fishers Island falls within Region 1 of the NYSDEC, which includes Suffolk County and nearby coastal islands.
We invite anyone interested in helping to join us on Wednesday, April 9th at 10:30 AM outside the FI Community Center. We encourage volunteers to bring work gloves and dress for the weather.
Come lend a hand and help us protect our islands shoreline and the shorebirds that call it home!
