An Environmentally-Conscious Visitors’ Guide to the East End

So you’re planning to pay a visit to the East End of Long Island. Welcome! We can’t wait to see you.

The eastern Long Island is full of historic sites, music events, art galleries, museums, restaurants, farms, vineyards, and breweries. It is also home to one-of-a-kind habitats like the Long Island Central Pine Barrens, world-renowned scenic beaches where endangered shorebirds come to nest, and stunning views that are rapidly changing due climate change. 

We get inquiries pretty regularly from visitors to the East End wondering how they can limit their impact and support the environment here during their stay. So, we’ve put together An Environmentally-Friendly Visitor’s Guide to the East End! Whether you’re here for a weekend or the whole summer, there are many things you can do to help preserve the nature of this place you love! Here are some things you can do:

Carry In, Carry Out
One of the best things you can do is follow the practice of “Carry In, Carry Out.” Whatever you carry into the woods, onto the beach, or with you into any public greenspace, you should also carry it out. Dispose of any debris in trash cans at the trailhead or take it back to where you’re staying. This applies to everything - bottles, wrappers, dog poop bags, shoes… yes, people will intentionally leave shoes behind. We don’t know why either.

Find Out How to Dispose of Your Trash
What do you mean, Groupies? There’s a weekly trash service, right?

Not necessarily! Here on the East End, not all homes have trash service. So if you’ve recently purchased a home, double check what kind of trash service is available in your area. If you are renting a home, check with the owner or property manager to find out the best way to dispose of your trash. You may need to make a trip to the local dump to turn in both your trash and recycling.

Also, please remember that it is against the law to dump household trash in beach or park garbage cans.

Bring Your Bike
In addition to the Long Island Greenway, which offers over 175 miles of interconnected bike paths and trails, there are a number of bike-friendly roads on the East End. Biking is a great way to get around and not only reduces your impact on the environment, but saves you money in gas and parking fees, and time spent looking for a spot!

Keep Your Dog On a Leash
Is there anything cuter than watching a dog frolic on the beach or lead you down a hiking trail? We’re all for it… when allowed by law. 

Here on the East End, many areas have strict leash laws. Before you come, familiarize yourself with the laws in the areas you’ll be staying and recreating. And where required by law, please keep your dog on its leash. If you aren’t sure what the law is, keep the leash on. 

As wonderful as dogs are, they can be very hard on sensitive habitats and animals. Our beaches are home to a number of nesting shorebirds, and even good dogs can frighten them and cause harm. Your dog may typically respond well to commands, but shorebirds can be very interesting to dogs. When dogs get curious and get a little too close to birds, unfortunately, the birds are not able to tell the difference between a pet and a threat. When a dog approaches a nesting site, they may frighten parents from their eggs and chicks. This can leave the young vulnerable to deadly temperatures, being eaten by seagulls, crows, or foxes, or even getting crushed underfoot.

Dogs can also be hard on wooded areas and other greenspaces. They are explorers, and understandably love to roam off the trail. But this can lead to the trampling of sensitive plants and habitats, predation, and pet waste left behind.

We thank you for being a responsible dog owner and checking the rules before taking your pup on an off-leash adventure.

Pick Up Your Dog’s Poop
Here are 3 reasons why picking up after your dog is more important than you think:

1. It will NOT break down on its own. Even when the sun is shining and the air is dry, dog poop does not break down quickly. In fact, it can take up to 12 months to do so. Before that happens, rainwater will wash over it and flow into the drainage systems. That contaminated water is carried into lakes, streams, rivers… and the water at your favorite East End beach. Studies have shown that up to 30% of bacteria found in watersheds come from pet waste.

2. Pet waste contains disease-causing bacteria and parasites. E.coli and Salmonella are some of the bacteria which are carried in dog waste. Even if your dog doesn’t show symptoms of being sick, their waste can carry diseases that are harmful to humans and other pets.
   
   These parasites and bacteria can stay in the soil for YEARS. It also affects water quality. There are nutrients and pathogens that can pollute our water. When pet waste ends up in the water, it decomposes and releases harmful nutrients that will cause excessive growth of algae and weeds in the water. That’s when bodies of water become unusable for swimming, fishing, or even boating. 

3. Leaving dog poop on the ground is just gross. It looks bad, it smells bad… it’s bad. 
   
   But then the question arises - if we’re looking to be eco-friendly, what about all the plastic used in dog poop bags? Many companies have started offering biodegradable bags! Typically made from plant-based materials such as corn or potato starch, they decompose in commercial composting systems, making them a better alternative than regular plastic bags. And they cost about the same! Just remember that after you bag your dog’s poop to throw it away as well. Too often we find these baggies on trails and beaches.

Watch for Ticks
This is more of a PSA than anything else - it turns out that you don’t have to be in the deep woods to have ticks. We’ve got them here on the East End, too! So if you plan to do any hiking or exploring in our woods or greenspaces, do yourself a favor and come prepared by:

1. Covering up. Wear long sleeves and pants, even if it’s hot out. We know… do it anyway! You’ll thank us later. Bonus points for wearing light-colored clothing.

2. Sealing your seams. Ticks are sneaky little bugs and will do their best to find any gaps and openings. A tried-and-true trick is to tuck your pants into your socks.

3. Applying bug spray. Some repellents are made for use on your skin and some can only be sprayed on clothing and gear. Be sure to follow the directions on your specific spray.

4. Staying on the trail. Ticks like grass at roughly knee height - 12” - 18” tall. They don’t hang from branches or jump; rather, they patiently wait for a potential host to pass by. Sticking to the middle of the trail away from grass and bushes should lower your chances of contact.

Eat and Shop Local
Our local farmers, vintners, brewers, chefs, artisans, and artists produce some pretty amazing things, and it all comes right from the East End. So while you’re here, visit a farmstand, hit the café down the street from where you’re staying, enjoy a glass of local wine or beer, and buy your souvenirs from an East End creator. This not only supports our local economy, but it reduces your carbon footprint and contribution to climate change!

We look forward to seeing you on the East End soon!