Massapequa Preserve_2020 11 16_0136
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), a dabbling duck that breeds throughout the temperate and subtropical Americas / Massapequa Preserve, also known as the Peter J. Schmitt Preserve, is 423 acres of land located in the center of Massapequa, an unincorporated Hamlet within the Town of Oyster Bay, beginning at the intersection of Ocean Ave. and Merrick Road. These undeveloped acres of land feature woodlands, lakes, and freshwater wetlands that border Massapequa Creek and stretch for about 4 miles. Massapequa Preserve is the largest passive use park in Nassau County; its beauty is maintained by several volunteer groups and organizations that work to maintain the natural ecosystems in the area. Massapequa Preserve was originally part of the New York City water supply property and was acquired by Nassau County in 1981. Currently, it is being managed by the Nassau County Department of Recreation and Parks. Massapequa Preserve offers multiple small bodies of water to explore, including a reservoir. The Massapequa Reservoir is known to be a popular fishing spot and may be the most heavily fished pond on Long Island. This is due to the routine stocking of trout that happens twice a year. Massapequa Reservoir is stocked with brown and rainbow trout in the spring and fall which draw crowds of people around these times. Other common fish to catch in the Massapequa Reservoir include Largemouth Bass, Trout, Sunnies, Carp, Catfish, and Pickerel. Local fishers enjoy the easily accessible bodies of water.
Massapequa Preserve_2020 11 16_0136
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), a dabbling duck that breeds throughout the temperate and subtropical Americas / Massapequa Preserve, also known as the Peter J. Schmitt Preserve, is 423 acres of land located in the center of Massapequa, an unincorporated Hamlet within the Town of Oyster Bay, beginning at the intersection of Ocean Ave. and Merrick Road. These undeveloped acres of land feature woodlands, lakes, and freshwater wetlands that border Massapequa Creek and stretch for about 4 miles. Massapequa Preserve is the largest passive use park in Nassau County; its beauty is maintained by several volunteer groups and organizations that work to maintain the natural ecosystems in the area. Massapequa Preserve was originally part of the New York City water supply property and was acquired by Nassau County in 1981. Currently, it is being managed by the Nassau County Department of Recreation and Parks. Massapequa Preserve offers multiple small bodies of water to explore, including a reservoir. The Massapequa Reservoir is known to be a popular fishing spot and may be the most heavily fished pond on Long Island. This is due to the routine stocking of trout that happens twice a year. Massapequa Reservoir is stocked with brown and rainbow trout in the spring and fall which draw crowds of people around these times. Other common fish to catch in the Massapequa Reservoir include Largemouth Bass, Trout, Sunnies, Carp, Catfish, and Pickerel. Local fishers enjoy the easily accessible bodies of water.