Press
Peconic Land Trust Announces Conservation Campaign to Preserve Natural Landmark: Indian Rock
September 15, 2017
Trust is partnering with the Rocky Point Historical Society, the Rocky Point Civic Association and the Seatuck Environmental Association to keep this natural treasure for the community.
SEPTEMBER 15, 2017. SOUTHAMPTON, NEW YORK. The Peconic Land Trust
announces a community conservation campaign for the preservation of a unique natural landmark, Indian Rock in Rocky Point, NY. An immense, three story high glacial erratic, which has sat quietly in a Rocky Point neighborhood on land that belonged to one of the first English settlers on Long Island, Noah Hallock. Legend has it that Rocky Point’s name was inspired by this natural wonder.
The property has been listed for sale by the owner, who has agreed to give the Trust and community groups – including the Rocky Point Historical Society, The Rocky Point Civic Association and the Seatuck Environmental Association – time to raise funds for the acquisition. The Trust has until December 31, 2017 to raise $330,000 toward the purchase and restoration of the property, including the removal of the existing house.
The Trust has been advised that the house is not structurally sound and is slated for demolition – which may occur before the acquisition. If the Trust succeeds in acquiring the property, it plans to transform it into an open green space for the community. If the Trust does not acquire the property, it will likely once again, become a residential lot.
“Indian Rock, the largest boulder in Suffolk County, and quite possibly all of Long Island, is an ideal outdoor classroom for students of all ages.”
John Turner
If saved, Indian Rock can become a community open space and outdoor classroom. Geologists estimate the boulder to be approximately 450 million years old, brought to North America during the glacial Ice Age that began a million years ago. It is believed that the boulder found its current resting place on Long Island between 18,000 and 20,000 years ago.
“Indian Rock, the largest boulder in Suffolk County, and quite possibly all of Long Island, is an ideal outdoor classroom for students of all ages,” explained John Turner, Conservation Policy Advocate for Seatuck Environmental Association. “There’s half a billion years’ worth of stories in the rock, with chapters to explain how rocks are made and the continents were formed and moved around. The boulder’s location on a lot in Rocky Point tells another chapter that details how Long Island was formed by glaciers during the Ice Age. This rock should be protected as a unique natural landmark and made accessible to students and anyone curious to learn more about the natural world around them.”
The boulder is on property that belonged to Noah Hallock, one of the first English settlers on Long Island. Today, Noah’s house is owned and preserved by the Rocky Point Historical Society and is the oldest house still standing in Rocky Point. The property had been subdivided earlier with Indian Rock being separated from the homestead property.
“As an historical society, we realize the importance of the preservation of Indian Rock for its historical significance in this area and the connection to the Noah Hallock Homestead. This is not only a geological treasure, but a point of pride for the community,” said Natalie Stiefel, President, Rocky Point Historical Society.