Environment News » Fire Island News & Great South Bay News

The Bayport Water Rescue Team has a tall order: Long Island's South Shore has an estimated 118 miles of shoreline extending east to west. Along this vast stretch of shoreline, there are 1,400 square miles of landmass encompassing hundreds of canals in coastal towns, giving the area a distinctive feel—like Venice—which has defined life on the South Shore. However, as much as we adore our canals and shorelines, they pose a constant threat that requires an elite team of specialized emergency workers to brave the depths to save lives.

The Bayport Water Rescue Team

Posted on January 3, 2026

https://www.fireislandnews.com/features/building-with-a-birds-eye-view-on-long-island/

Between the Canals

Should Bird Window Collision Deterrents be Mandatory in New York?

Posted on December 29, 2025

The Historical Society of Islip Hamlet will host its 2025 Holiday House Tour from 12 noon to 4 p.m., with a reception until 5 p.m. Several historically and/or architecturally interesting homes will be decorated for the holidays as tour guides in Victorian dress greet you at each house. At the reception, there will be a Holiday auction, a 50/50 raffle, and refreshments. All tickets go on sale starting Nov. 3rd at Caroline’s Flower Shoppe and Maple St. Deli (cash or check only), or on our website beginning Oct. 20th via Eventbrite. Ticket donations are $35/adult (no one under age 16 permitted) and are non-refundable; a small processing fee applies when purchased through Eventbrite. Please donate a new, unwrapped toy for the John Theissen Children’s Foundation. For more information, visit isliphamlethistory.org, or call 631-559-2915.

It’s Beginning to Feel A lot Like Christmas: Things to Do this Week Along the Great South Bay During the 2nd Week of December

Posted on December 5, 2025

Seatuck Environmental Association is being recognized for its concentrated efforts in wildlife conservation of terrapin turtles on the South Shore of Long Island. The South Shore Estuary Reserve Program (SSER) has awarded the organization a grant to support its diamondback terrapin conservation efforts, which began roughly two years ago. Seatuck is one of eight projects or non-profit organizations selected by the SSER after applying back in July.

Seatuck Awarded Grant Towards Diamondback Terrapin Turtle Conservation Efforts

Posted on November 29, 2025

Will New York Governor Kathy Hochul sign or again veto a bill to protect horseshoe crabs that, by large majorities, passed again in the State Legislature earlier this year? Hochul vetoed the same bill last year.

Long Islanders Call on Gov. Hochul to Sign the Horseshoe Crab Protection Bill into Law

Posted on November 21, 2025

The roof of El Greko kitchen in Montego Bay, Jamaica destroyed during the passage of Hurricane Melissa.

Caribbean Life

Surviving Melissa: How ChatGPT helped us weather Jamaica’s Category 5 fury

“It is like surfing on dirt,” explained Michael Vitti, president of Concerned Long Island Mountain Bicyclists (CLIMB). The multiple-trail systems, flowing like waves of the ocean, are built and maintained by CLIMB. They stretch from the South Shore, east to Montauk, the furthest point of the North Shore, and then west to Hollis Hills, Queens.

The 15th Annual Long Island CLIMB Mountain Bike Festival

Posted on November 18, 2025

During a routine inspection of the Smith Point Bridge on November 16, Michael Martino, spokesperson for Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine, announced a three-ton vehicle limit for the drawbridge that connects Shirley to the eastern end of Fire Island, including Smith Point County Park, via the William Floyd Parkway, and has been in service for 66 years.

Weight Limits Imposed on Smith Point Bridge Prompted by ‘Structural Deterioration’

Posted on November 17, 2025

November feels nostalgic along the Great South Bay, as the cool, salty coastal breezes blend with the scent of smoky fireplaces inviting us home. Our latest edition of Great South Bay News honors these cherished autumn traditions.

Books & Authors

TOUCHDOWN! The Rites of Autumn are Celebrated in the November Edition of Great South Bay News

Posted on November 12, 2025

Suffolk County is being granted a massive sum of money to help update and replace failing septic systems throughout the county. New York State Governor Kathy Hochul signed this movement into legislation just before August to allocate $30 million to help homeowners update their septic systems. Labeled as Legislation S8241-A/A8807, Suffolk County has secured $20 million of that funding.

Between the Canals

Suffolk County Secures $20 Million to Upgrade Septic Systems

Posted on October 25, 2025

A little over 50 years ago, the Suffolk County Farmland Preservation Program was launched based on a first-in-the-nation concept: the sale of “development rights.” Then-Suffolk County Executive John V.N. Klein was pivotal in 1974 to the inception of that program.

Behind the Dunes

Suffolk County Legislature Unanimously Passes “Working Waterfronts” Conservation Bill

Posted on October 24, 2025

Birdwatching is for everybody, but it’s not always easy. Friends of Connetquot understands that birding truly is for everybody and anybody, regardless of disability or other health concerns. Through education, outreach, and advocacy, Birdability works to ensure the birding community and the outdoors are welcoming, inclusive, safe, and accessible for everybody.

Oakdale

“Birdability” – The Friends of Connetquot Launches a Birdwatching Initiative Inclusive for All

Posted on October 16, 2025

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