Wolf Preserve

Wolf Preserve is a 23-acre nature sanctuary, accessible trail system, and educational catalyst for the East End of Long Island. Wolf Preserve is one of The Peconic Land Trust’s 91 nature preserves and will be their first accessible trail network on the East End of Long Island. Located in between encroaching subdivisions, the Preserve allows for the community, disabled individuals, school groups, and nature enthusiasts an equal opportunity to enjoy and explore. The goal of the project is to create a universally accessible trail system for all visitors that allows everyone the opportunity to engage with the land at their own pace. 

The master plan proposed a landscape that is inviting and easily accessible for all including individuals who are physically and intellectually challenged. The 1.5-mile trail network traverses native meadows, a deciduous forest, juniper groves and a freshwater wetland. Expanding upon The Peconic Land Trust’s mission to connect individuals to the land, distinctive nodes were designed that enhance the five senses: tactile, auditory, visual, olfactory and gustatory. These carefully designed nodes focus on education, preservation, conservation and sustainability. 

The design aimed to impact the natural ecosystem as little as possible. Through topographic analysis the design minimizes disturbance to the land and vegetation by using existing accessible slopes. Where trees and vegetation fell into the path of the new trail network, only trees that were compromised or classified as invasive were removed, ensuring that the ecosystem would not be negatively impacted. The trail was reconfigured to navigate existing native fauna as well. 

Development of the trail system provided momentum for a significant expansion of Wolf Preserve, and the park has already become a beloved natural resource for the local community.

Location
Southold, NY

Completion
2023

Size
23 acres

Client
Peconic Land Trust