Southampton, NY

Phillips Pond Preserve

photo by Tom Steele

Acreage

Things to do

Birdwatching, Photography, Nature Study, Sailing

Access

Public

Address

305 Fowler St, Southampton, NY 11968, USA

About

Located on the Atlantic Ocean in the Village of Southampton, Phillips Pond Preserve is the quintessential dune ecosystem, under constant change from the natural forces of wind and water. Most of the south shore of Long Island looked like this 75 years ago.

And it was the first property donated to the Trust in 1984! Donor, Burton Brous, protected this 6 acre oceanfront and shoreline of Phillips Pond through a series of 3 gifts in the 1980s.

"Burt bought three oceanfront lots in 1979 for a total of $750,000. After he built his house on one lot, he began to fully appreciate what he had acquired, not just financially, but also aesthetically. As such, he decided to donate the other two lots," remembers Trust President John v.H. Halsey. "He was a gregarious, witty, and determined individual -- an adventure to work with, and the first to put his trust in us!"

Sea rocket, seabeach amaranth, Ammophila beach grass, beachheather, dwarf shrub beachheather, young pitch pines, bayberry shrubs, and seaside goldenrod can all be seen at the preserve, which is also a known habitat for Monarch butterflies or migratory song birds.

“(Burt) was a gregarious, witty, and determined individual -- an adventure to work with, and the first to put his trust in us!”
John v.H. Halsey

During summer months the monarch butterflies arrive to lay eggs and die. Their offspring undergo metamorphosis in August. This new generation of adult butterflies relies on the nectar contained in the flowers of the seaside goldenrod that flourish on this preserve. These flowers help fuel their journey to Mexico during the months ahead.

It’s a widely held view that September and October are the most perfect times of the year here on the East End. And an ideal time to walk along the shorelines and take a dip in the ocean, bay, or sound. While the air is getting chilly, our waters often retain their summer warmth into the fall, unless they are riled up by storms. Phillips Pond Preserve is an ideal place to start a fall walk. But take care: lifeguards are only on patrol during the summer season and rip currents can make our waters dangerous, especially the ocean.