Granttham Preserve
About
The Granttham Preserve was donated to the Peconic Land Trust by Dr. Caryl Granttham. The sound front property consists of magnificent 200’ high bluffs leading to approximately 800’ of beach along Long Island Sound. The woods are comprised predominantly of oak, with an understory of wild cherry, locust, hickory, sassafras and red cedar, and groundcovers including a locally rare polypody fern, and abundant wildflowers.
In 2023, a trail beginning right off Sound Avenue was opened to the public. The trail runs one mile along the property boundary with scenic views of historic farm fields and the agricultural landscape that is so central to Riverhead Town’s character. The trail then continues around a half mile loop through a spectacular meadow located on the Trust’s adjacent Reeve Preserve. The meadow is great for spotting our native wildlife and migrating birds. The total there-and-back trip is approximately 2.5 miles.
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Conservation History
In the 1950s, Dr. Caryl Granttham had the idea of developing a nature center on her Sound-front property. In the mid-1980s, she began working with the Peconic Land Trust for the conservation of her agricultural and natural lands. This was around the same time her brother Richard Reeve and his wife, Avis began to work with the Trust to preserve their adjoining property.
In December 2002, Dr. Caryl Granttham donated 19.9-acres of beautiful Long Island Sound-front property to the Peconic Land Trust as protected woodland and Sound-front, achieving her longstanding conservation goals for the parcel.
In May 2008, the Trust purchased Dr. Granttham’s adjacent small house on Sound Avenue. When Dr. Granttham passed away, the Trust received almost the entire purchase price back from the estate for the 0.5-acre parcel. Since acquisition the Trust had been renting out the house. It’s now used to house the preserve manager, a staff member of the Trust’s Stewardship department.
The 20 acres that Dr. Granttham inherited from her parents and donated to Peconic Land Trust includes open, agricultural land, pristine woodlands, and a stunning bluff overlooking the Long Island Sound. She hoped that by donating her land she could set an example, encouraging others to act. In describing her motivation to preserve this spectacular acreage, she talked of acting as a steward, describing it as a basic life philosophy. “My father practiced good land stewardship and I grew up understanding what that means.”
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Granttham Preserve Trail
Until 2023 public access had been minimal and not allowed without Trust permission. However, many Trust staff and local community supporters shared a vision for the property which would allow for public access hiking and/or programs. There had been ongoing discussions about grant applications and outside funding to implement such items.
In 2022, local Boy Scout, Noah Berry cut and widened a trail from the Granttham House parcel. This was part of his Eagle Scout project. The trail was opened to the public in October 2023, expanding public access of our preserves.
Visitor Information
Access the trail and parking area through the East entrance.
Granttham Preserve
4146 Sound Ave, Riverhead, NY 11901, USA
Things To Do
Hiking
Birdwatching
What You'll See
Red-winged Blackbird
Monarch Butterfly
Get Involved
Interested in honoring a loved one or commemorating a milestone? Support our Memorials at Preserves program and deepen your connection to this special place.
