Oyster Bay National Wildlife Refuge

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Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Oyster Bay National Wildlife Refuge is located on the north shore of Long Island in the state of New York.


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Summary

The refuge is home to a variety of habitats, including salt marshes, beaches, and woodlands, which provide a sanctuary for a wide range of wildlife.

There are many good reasons to visit Oyster Bay National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge offers visitors the opportunity to observe and learn about the diverse wildlife and habitats of Long Island's north shore. Visitors can also engage in a variety of recreational activities, such as hiking, birdwatching, and fishing.

Some specific points of interest to see at the refuge include the Salt Marsh Nature Trail, which winds through a salt marsh and offers views of a variety of bird species, including the endangered piping plover. Additionally, visitors can explore the Woodlands Trail, which offers a glimpse into the forest habitats of the refuge.

Interesting facts about the refuge include that it was established in 1968 to protect and preserve the important habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife. The refuge is also home to the largest population of ospreys in the state of New York.

The best time of year to visit the refuge is during the spring and fall, when large numbers of migratory birds pass through the area. Additionally, the refuge is open year-round and offers seasonal recreational activities, such as fishing and hunting.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
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.
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