Lloyd Harbor, situated just north of Huntington, is home to the Target Rock National Wildlife Refuge, part of the Long Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex. The 80-acre refuge is named for the massive, 14-foot tall shoreline rock that was once used by British soldiers for target practice during the Revolutionary War, one of the island’s boulders that remain from the glacial deposits. Long Island’s geography was carved out by glaciers thousands of years ago, forming bluffs, dunes, necks and bays. At the time of the Revolutionary War, Target Rock was part of the bluffs that overlook Huntington Bay. Over the centuries, constant movement of the winds and waters eroded the massive boulder away from the bluff, consigning it to stand individually just offshore. Directly across the bay stands the Eaton’s Neck lighthouse, overlooking the site where several famed shipwrecks occurred over the course of Long Island’s maritime history.
During the 1930s, the land served as the estate to Manhattan financier Ferdinand Eberstadt and his wife, Mary. Following his death, the estate was deeded to the federal government in 1967. Although it was first considered as the potential site of a future nuclear power plant, the estate was ultimately destined for use as a wildlife refuge with the goal of preserving endangered plant and animal species and promoting a migratory route for birds. The efforts have proven successful, evidenced by over 300 identified species of birds, mammals, amphibians and reptiles that reside in the natural safe haven. While the refuge is certainly peaceful, it is not quiet, alive with rustling, chirping, scurrying, fluttering, tweeting and scampering that the diverse population of this little animal kingdom emits.
Hikers may choose from the mile-long Warbler Loop Trail or the Rocky Beach Trail, which covers three-quarters of a mile. Both hiking trails navigate rolling, hilly terrain from which oak and hickory trees reach to the skies. The Rocky Beach Trail will reward visitors with a close up view of Target Rock, which hikers can walk right up to for photographic opportunities during low tide. For those who desire a shorter stroll, Gardener’s Path will present various plant and wildlife to marvel over. The brackish pond, bordered by red cedar, provides potential sightings of herons, egrets, turtles and the colorful olive hairstreak butterfly.
The varied habitats within the refuge provide food, shelter and protection to nature’s wildlife. The waters are teeming with fluke, striped bass, blackfish, bluefish and porgy. The vegetation comes alive with flitting and calling cardinals, catbirds, cedar waxwings, warblers, woodpeckers, thrushes and robins. The beach is strewn with barnacles and shells from blue mussels, horseshoe crabs and oysters. Irish moss and sea wrack infuse a jade-hued façade over the rocks and boulders along the beach.
Some species, including red foxes, rabbits, raccoons, squirrels, chipmunks and white-tailed deer, call Target Rock their permanent home. Others, such as various songbirds and the threatened piping plover, use the refuge as a pit stop along their migratory route, where they can safely nest, feed and breed. During the colder months, harbor seals occasionally visit the beach for an afternoon of sunbathing, and the spring and summer skies provide just the right azure backdrop for spotting an osprey in flight. The human species can wile away an afternoon exploring the boulder-covered north shore beach, gazing at Target Rock, photographing a great blue heron and getting some therapeutic fresh air and exercise.
With milder days ahead, pack the camera and a picnic lunch, set your sites on Target Rock and take a hike. Mind your manners, however, and abide by the refuge’s policy of take only photographs and leave only footprints, so as not to disturb the ecosystem’s balance or endanger the local wildlife. Remember, there will likely be hundreds of little eyes watching every move you make!
During the 1930s, the land served as the estate to Manhattan financier Ferdinand Eberstadt and his wife, Mary. Following his death, the estate was deeded to the federal government in 1967. Although it was first considered as the potential site of a future nuclear power plant, the estate was ultimately destined for use as a wildlife refuge with the goal of preserving endangered plant and animal species and promoting a migratory route for birds. The efforts have proven successful, evidenced by over 300 identified species of birds, mammals, amphibians and reptiles that reside in the natural safe haven. While the refuge is certainly peaceful, it is not quiet, alive with rustling, chirping, scurrying, fluttering, tweeting and scampering that the diverse population of this little animal kingdom emits.
Hikers may choose from the mile-long Warbler Loop Trail or the Rocky Beach Trail, which covers three-quarters of a mile. Both hiking trails navigate rolling, hilly terrain from which oak and hickory trees reach to the skies. The Rocky Beach Trail will reward visitors with a close up view of Target Rock, which hikers can walk right up to for photographic opportunities during low tide. For those who desire a shorter stroll, Gardener’s Path will present various plant and wildlife to marvel over. The brackish pond, bordered by red cedar, provides potential sightings of herons, egrets, turtles and the colorful olive hairstreak butterfly.
The varied habitats within the refuge provide food, shelter and protection to nature’s wildlife. The waters are teeming with fluke, striped bass, blackfish, bluefish and porgy. The vegetation comes alive with flitting and calling cardinals, catbirds, cedar waxwings, warblers, woodpeckers, thrushes and robins. The beach is strewn with barnacles and shells from blue mussels, horseshoe crabs and oysters. Irish moss and sea wrack infuse a jade-hued façade over the rocks and boulders along the beach.
Some species, including red foxes, rabbits, raccoons, squirrels, chipmunks and white-tailed deer, call Target Rock their permanent home. Others, such as various songbirds and the threatened piping plover, use the refuge as a pit stop along their migratory route, where they can safely nest, feed and breed. During the colder months, harbor seals occasionally visit the beach for an afternoon of sunbathing, and the spring and summer skies provide just the right azure backdrop for spotting an osprey in flight. The human species can wile away an afternoon exploring the boulder-covered north shore beach, gazing at Target Rock, photographing a great blue heron and getting some therapeutic fresh air and exercise.
With milder days ahead, pack the camera and a picnic lunch, set your sites on Target Rock and take a hike. Mind your manners, however, and abide by the refuge’s policy of take only photographs and leave only footprints, so as not to disturb the ecosystem’s balance or endanger the local wildlife. Remember, there will likely be hundreds of little eyes watching every move you make!