Preservation Milestone: Andrew Sabin Nature Preserve Turns 25

Did you know there’s a 32-acre preserve neighboring Tanger Outlets in Riverhead? While shopping at Tanger II and III you might have noticed the woodlands behind the shops. This is the Andrew Sabin Nature (Tanger) Preserve donated to the Trust in February 1997.

A tiny amphibian led to the land’s preservation. 17 Tiger salamanders, a New York State endangered species were found in the area during an environmental impact review. In the 1990s, the outlets were in the process of an expansion. Development was excluded within a 500’ radius of the salamander breeding habitat. The habitat was donated to the Trust by Tanger Properties Limited Partnership to remain as a nature preserve.

Now just past its 25th birthday, the preserve is home to a diverse community of fauna and flora. In addition to the Tiger Salamander, turtles, dragonflies, lady slippers and more can be found on the preserve. Over 25 acres of woodlands accompany two areas of freshwater wetlands.

Want to visit the preserve? We periodically host hikes and clean up sessions for the community.

To learn more about this preserve, contact Jessie McSwane-Marcus, Senior Stewardship Manager at JMarcus@PeconicLandTrust.org.