Roosevelt South Preserve
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Roosevelt South Preserve is a nature preserve located in the town of Oyster Bay in Long Island, New York.
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Summary
The preserve covers an area of 142 acres and offers visitors scenic views of forests, meadows, and wetlands. There are several reasons to visit the preserve, including hiking, bird watching, and nature photography.
One of the main points of interest in the preserve is the 40-acre freshwater pond, which is home to a variety of aquatic plants and animals. Visitors can also explore the trails that wind through the preserve and observe the diverse plant and animal life. Some of the animals that can be spotted in the preserve include deer, foxes, and a variety of bird species.
Interesting facts about the Roosevelt South Preserve include that it was once part of the estate of President Theodore Roosevelt, and the area was used for hunting and horseback riding. The preserve was purchased by the Town of Oyster Bay in 1973 and has since been preserved as a natural area for visitors to enjoy.
The best time of year to visit the Roosevelt South Preserve is from late spring to early fall when the weather is mild, and the plant and animal life are most active. Visitors should be mindful of ticks and wear appropriate clothing and insect repellent when hiking in the preserve. Overall, the Roosevelt South Preserve is a beautiful and serene natural area that offers a relaxing getaway for those seeking to connect with nature.
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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
Roosevelt County Park
Cammanns Pond Park
Julian Lane Park
Merrick Road Park
Gunther Field