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Fire Island National SeashoreFire Island Lighthouse as seen from beach.
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Recreational Driving Season Update

Recreational driving permits now available for sale, but use may be temporarily suspended due to high tides. New York State recreational marine fishing license required after October 1, 2009.
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Dynamic, Diverse, Enchanting Collage of Coastal Life and History

Rhythmic waves, high dunes, ancient maritime forests, historic landmarks and glimpses of wildlife—Fire Island has been a special place for diverse plants, animals and people for centuries. Far from the sounds and pressures of nearby big-city life, Fire Island National Seashore’s dynamic barrier island beaches offer solitude and camaraderie, and spiritual renewal to civilization-weary people.

 
Fire Island National Seashore logo shows tern flying over boardwalk and beach, in front of tall black-and-white banded lighthouse.

Things To Do
Upcoming Events and Programs:  
November 2009 Special Programs
December 2009 Special Programs
Photo Contests and Art Shows

  • Fire Island Lighthouse
    Open  November 1 - mid-December:
          Daily, 9:30 am - 4 pm
    Open mid-December - mid-March: 
          Weekdays, 9:30 am - 4 pm;
          Weekends Noon - 4 pm
    last tower tour 1 hour before closing
    Location: Southern most end of Robert Moses Causeway, then east to Field 5 in
    Robert Moses State Park   
    40° 37' 53" North, 73° 12' 51" West 
    Call 631-661-4876 for information or reservations.
    • Annual Holiday Tree Trimming
      Saturday, November 29, 10 am - 3 pm
    • Evening Tower Tour
      Saturday, November 28, 4 pm
      $15 Fee; reservations required (631-661-4876)
    • "Long Night Moon" Evening Tower Tour
      Wednesday, December 2, 4 pm 
      $15 Fee; reservations required (631-661-4876)
    • 7th Annual Flying Santa Reenactment  
      Saturday, December 7, 11:30 am
  • William Floyd Estate
    Open May 22 - Nov. 15, 2009
    Old Mastic House closed for the season 
    Location: 245 Park Drive, Mastic Beach, NY 11951 
     
      

    •  Late Autumn Bird Walk 
      Sunday, November 22, 9 am
    • Great Backyard Bird Count 
      Coming in February 2010
      Free programs. Call 631-399-2030 for information, reservations

  • Wilderness Visitor Center
    Open Wednesday - Sunday, through Dec. 31
    Call 631-281-3010
    Location: Southernmost end of William Floyd Parkway, CR 46, Mastic Beach, NY 11951
    Parking at Smith Point County Park
    • After-Thanksgiving Wilderness Hike* 
      Friday, November 27, 9 am - Noon
    • Children's Hour: Seaside Stories & Crafts*
      Saturday, November 28, 2 - 3 pm
      (for kids ages 5 - 7)
    • Junior Ranger: Exploring the Wilderness*
      Sunday, November 29, Noon
      (for kids ages 8 - 12)
    • Star Watch: A Night of Astronomy 
      Friday,
      December 11, 7 pm
    • Landscape Photography Workshop
      Sunday, December 13, 9 am - Noon

  • Watch Hill
    Ferry terminal location: 166 West Avenue, Patchogue, NY 11772


  • Sailors Haven 
    Ferry terminal location: 41 River Road, Sayville, NY 11782

Full Calendar of Events and Activities

 
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Tick on grass.

Watch for Ticks During Warm Weather. Explore Safely!

When the weather turns warm, you should be alert for the presence of ticks in densely vegetated areas of Long Island and on parts of Fire Island.

Always dress appropriately to avoid encounters with ticks and mosquitoes. 
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Three people observe and discuss exhibit panels.

Get Involved: New General Management Plan for Fire Island

The National Park Service has begun working on a new General Management Plan (GMP) for Fire Island National Seashore. Public scoping meetings were conducted in 2006, and foundation workshops have begun. You can sign up for the park's E-Newsletter to get periodic updates of GMP progress and other current park news. 

Share your ideas and opinions about the future management of the park and its programs as GMP planning continues.
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Park employee sits at desk under green lamp, working on open mail and paperwork while talking on the phone.

Permits

Special use permits are required for certain activities to monitor and regulate use, while still protecting the park's resources. Fire Island National Seashore accommodates requests for special use permits when and where possible.
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Write to

Fire Island National Seashore
120 Laurel Street
Patchogue, NY 11772-3596

E-mail Us

Phone

Park Headquarters
(631) 687-4750

William Floyd Estate
(631) 399-2030

Fax

(631) 289-4898

Climate

Fire Island has a temperate climate. The park's air temperature may be slightly cooler in summer or warmer in winter than on the mainland of Long Island. Layered clothing is always recommended. Check the predicted weather conditions before coming to Fire Island. Ferry schedules may change and some programs may be canceled or postponed in poor weather conditions.
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Seal on beach in winter.  

Did You Know?
Seals occasionally bask on Fire Island beaches in winter. Enjoy watching them from a safe distance. Remember to give these wild mammals plenty of room to retreat if you encounter one during your winter hike!
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Last Updated: November 19, 2009 at 16:28 EST