South Shore Nature Center Spring

## Overview South Shore Nature Center Spring is a public drinking spring located within the South Shore Nature Center in East Islip, New York, on the south shore of Long Island. The nature center sits on approximately 206 acres of diverse habitats — including freshwater wetlands, coastal woodlands, and tidal marshes along the Connetquot River estuary — making this spring a refreshing stop within a rich natural setting. The property is managed by the Town of Islip and has long served as an environmental education hub and passive recreation area for the surrounding community. Long Island is well known for its extensive underground aquifer system, which supplies much of the region's drinking water. Springs in this area typically draw from the Upper Glacial or Magothy aquifers, fed by precipitation filtering through sandy glacial deposits left behind during the last Ice Age. This geological context means the water emerging at South Shore Nature Center has been naturally filtered through layers of sand and gravel. The spring has historically been used as a drinking water source by visitors to the nature center, though water quality can vary and has not been independently verified. ## Directions 1. From the Long Island Expressway (I-495), take Exit 56 South toward Route 111 / Islip. 2. Head south on Route 111 (Islip Avenue) toward the Great South Bay. 3. Continue on Islip Avenue for approximately 5 miles until you approach the southern end near Bayview Avenue. 4. Turn left (east) onto Bayview Avenue. 5. The entrance to South Shore Nature Center will be on your right, at **300 Bayview Avenue, East Islip, NY 11730**. 6. Park in the nature center's lot and follow the trails within the grounds to locate the spring. The GPS coordinates (40.7163543, -73.192875) can help pinpoint the spring's location on the property. *Note: The nature center is a Town of Islip facility. Check for seasonal hours and any access restrictions before visiting.* ## What to Expect Visitors to South Shore Nature Center will find a peaceful, well-maintained natural area with walking trails winding through woodlands, meadows, and wetlands. The spring itself is accessible within the nature center grounds. The surrounding landscape is relatively flat and easy to navigate on foot, making it suitable for visitors of varying fitness levels. The nature center features a main building with environmental exhibits, a butterfly garden, and several marked trails. Wildlife sightings are common — expect to see a variety of bird species, turtles, and other native fauna, especially near the wetland areas. The Connetquot River estuary is nearby, adding to the scenic diversity. Because the spring is within a public nature center, amenities such as restrooms and parking are typically available during operating hours. The area is family-friendly and popular with local residents for walking, birdwatching, and nature study. Seasonal conditions may affect trail accessibility, particularly after heavy rain when low-lying paths near the wetlands can become muddy.