Local Wildlife

The waters of Oyster Bay and Cold Spring Harbor support a rich diversity of marine life. Shallow bays, tidal creeks, and salt marshes provide essential habitat for numerous species of vertebrates and invertebrates. Among the most iconic species are the diamondback terrapin, which depends on protected marshes and nesting beaches, and the horseshoe crab, a living fossil that plays a vital role in coastal ecosystems. These animals are closely tied to the rhythms of the tides and seasons. Protecting local water quality and shoreline habitat is essential to ensuring their survival for generations to come.