Oceanside Marine Nature Study Area
Rate this placeNearby: Oceanside Park Baldwin Harbor Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
The Oceanside Marine Nature Study Area is a natural preserve located in Oceanside, New York.
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Summary
The area is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and visitors who want to experience the natural beauty of Long Island's south shore.
One of the main reasons to visit the Oceanside Marine Nature Study Area is to explore its diverse ecosystem. The area features a salt marsh, tidal flats, and a sandy beach, providing a unique opportunity to observe a variety of wildlife. Visitors can view birds, fish, and other marine life up close.
One of the most interesting points of interest in the area is the Butterfly Garden, which features a variety of native plant species that attract butterflies. Visitors can walk through the garden and observe the butterflies in their natural habitat.
Another highlight of the Oceanside Marine Nature Study Area is the Discovery Room, which provides educational exhibits and activities for children and adults. The room includes a touch tank, where visitors can get up close and personal with various marine creatures.
The best time of year to visit the Oceanside Marine Nature Study Area is during the spring and summer months, when the weather is mild and the wildlife is most active. Visitors should also check the tide schedules before planning their visit, as the area is best explored during low tide.
Overall, the Oceanside Marine Nature Study Area is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in nature and wildlife. With its diverse ecosystem and educational exhibits, it provides a unique opportunity to learn about and appreciate Long Island's natural beauty.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Oceanside Park
Baldwin Harbor Park
Milburn Creek Park
National Conservation Area NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation WET
Shell Creek Park