Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the expansion of Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve in Suffolk County, Long Island, by 180 acres. The newly acquired land, which includes woodlands, wetlands, and coastal bluffs, was previously part of the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception. This expansion is identified as a priority project in the New York State Open Space Plan.
The park’s enlargement aims to protect vulnerable coastal habitats and provide new recreational opportunities for the public. The addition supports Governor Hochul’s “Get Offline, Get Outside” campaign that encourages New Yorkers to spend more time outdoors for physical and mental health benefits. It also advances New York State’s goal to conserve 30 percent of its lands and waters by 2030. Since Governor Hochul took office, nearly 4,500 acres have been added to state-managed lands.
“New York is full of natural wonder, and this new expansion of Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve on Long Island ensures that our children and future generations will have more public lands to enjoy under the State’s ownership,” Governor Hochul said. “Conservation efforts like this are essential to addressing critical challenges like climate change and expanding recreation opportunities across the state parks system.”
The acquisition cost nearly $18 million from New York’s Environmental Protection Fund. The new area is located south of Caumsett’s existing 1,500 acres and includes estuarine and marine wetlands as well as steep slopes near Lloyd Neck Harbor that are susceptible to erosion. Protecting these areas is expected to help prevent environmental degradation and restore habitats for native wildlife.
Clearings and woodlands away from the coast will be available for new recreation activities and offer views of Lloyd Neck Harbor Inlet.
“These 180 acres of sensitive coastal habitat and new areas for recreation are an excellent addition to the New York State park system. Expanding Caumsett advances our efforts to protect important ecological resources while also making it easier for residents and visitors to ‘Get Offline and Get Outside,’ in alignment with Governor Hochul’s initiative to create affordable ways for kids and families to recreate distraction free,” said Acting Commissioner Kathy Moser of New York State Parks.
Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve now covers 1,680 acres on a peninsula extending into Long Island Sound. The park offers bridle paths, nature trails through woodland and meadows, gardens, a historic English-style estate home, fishing spots, cross-country skiing routes, hiking trails, biking paths, bird watching locations, scuba diving sites, and equestrian facilities.
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation manages over 250 parks along with historic sites, trails, golf courses, boat launches and other facilities across the state. These locations receive more than 88 million visitors each year. Additional information about these recreation areas can be found at parks.ny.gov or through their mobile app.
