Blog
Naturalist Mike Bottini Makes Discoveries
June 21, 2019
By Yvette DeBow-Salsedo
Wildlife biologist Mike Bottini is one of our long-time educational partners. A regular leader of the Trust’s Connections programs, Mike leads paddles through local waters to share the wonders of nature here on the East End — among his many programs and research activities. Mike is also one of the founders of the Long Island Nature Organization. Mike is dedicated to protecting our wildlife and their habitat. Below is some news:
River Otters on Long Island
We are so proud to learn that the number one area where the otters are thriving is in Greenport at The Paul Stoutenburgh Preserve. This beautiful preserve, also known as the Arshamomaque Preserve, was in part made possible by you, the supporters of the Trust.
The 52-acre preserve was assembled by the Town of Southold using a combination of Community Preservation Fund and Open Space Capital funds. The Trust played a part in its protection, assisting the Town with the purchase of 24.8 acres in 2000. That portion of the preserve, on the southeast edge, includes over 1/3 of a mile of land along Hashamomuck Pond.
Want to learn more about the river otters and the factors contributing to their resurgence? Check out the Suffolk Times article on the new study and visit the Long Island Nature Organization to a link to the study and more on Mike’s research on the Long Island River Otter.
Turtles and Horseshoe Crabs
Last week’s sold-out paddle of Sebonac Inlet offered a focus on “marine egg-layers.” Participants were excited when they discovered multiple horseshoe crab nests (though no actual crab sightings) as well as three mature female diamondback terrapin turtles. Mike said these turtles are: “one of our most beautiful native turtles and the only one that inhabits the salt marsh and estuary ecosystem year round.”
Thank you to Mike for partnering with us throughout the years! Interested in joining us on one of our upcoming nature tours?
- Monday, July 8 naturalist John Turner will lead a guided walk of the Cranberry Bog Nature Preserve in Riverhead
- Monday, July 15, Mike Bottini will lead a Full Moon paddle on Sagg Pond in Sagaponack.
- Friday, August 9, Mike Bottini will lead another evening paddle, this time of Northwest Harbor in East Hampton
Only a few spots remain for these upcoming programs, so please call to reserve at 631.283.3195 or email events@PeconicLandTrust.org.