Red Cote Preserve – 30 Acres

Location: Yellow Cote Road, Oyster Bay Cove
Parking: Available on the left side of Yellow Cote Road

This 30-acre property boasts a beautiful mix of woodlands and sweeping meadows.  White pine dominates the woodland area in the southern part of the property while a mixed deciduous forest with some large oaks occurs between the fields and in the forest on the eastern side of the preserve.  Three mature red cedars stand sentinel over the middle of the western meadow.  The large field is mowed once a year in early spring, which optimizes habitat by allowing for all bloom and leaving the dead remains of wildflower stalks to provide refuge for small mammals and songbirds in winter.

History

The preserve was once part of a farm purchased by R.C. Leffingwell in 1924. It was acquired from his descendants with funding from Nassau County’s 2004/2006 Environmental Bond Act. The preserve is currently managed by the Land Alliance.

What you’ll find there

Tree Swallow, umbrella magnolia, butterfly milkweed, Monarch Butterfly, red cedar