West Hills County Park

West Hills County Park
Name	West Hills County Park
Location	Suffolk County, New York
Nearest city	Melville, New York
Coordinates	40.8233° N, 73.3733° W
Area	892 acres
Established	1963
Visitors	100,000
Governing body	Suffolk County Parks

West Hills County Park is a scenic park located in Suffolk County, New York, near the Huntington and Melville areas, and is managed by the Suffolk County Parks department, which also oversees Belmont Lake State Park and Heckscher State Park. The park is situated near the Long Island Expressway and Northern State Parkway, making it easily accessible from New York City and other parts of Long Island. Visitors to the park can enjoy a variety of activities, including hiking, biking, and horseback riding, while taking in the beautiful scenery and spotting local wildlife, such as white-tailed deer and wild turkey, which are also found in nearby Caumsett State Park and Connetquot River State Park Preserve.

Geography

The park's geography is characterized by its unique blend of glacial features, including kettle holes and moraines, which were formed during the last ice age and are similar to those found in Montauk County Park and Shadmoor State Park. The park's terrain is varied, with wooded areas, wetlands, and grasslands, providing a diverse range of habitats for local wildlife, such as bobcats and eastern box turtles, which are also found in Fire Island National Seashore and Otis Pike Fire Island High Dune Wilderness. The park is situated near the Nissequogue River, which flows into Long Island Sound and is home to a variety of fish species, including striped bass and bluefish, which are also found in Jones Beach State Park and Robert Moses State Park.

History

The history of the park dates back to the 17th century, when the area was inhabited by the Matinecock Native American tribe, who also lived in nearby Cold Spring Harbor and Huntington Bay. In the 19th century, the area was used for farming and lumbering, with many sawmills and farms operating in the area, similar to those found in Sag Harbor and Bridgehampton. The park was established in 1963, when the Suffolk County Parks department acquired the land and began developing it for recreational use, with the help of organizations such as the Nature Conservancy and the Long Island Pine Barrens Society. Today, the park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with many trails and facilities available for visitors, including those with disabilities, thanks to the efforts of organizations such as the National Park Service and the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.

Recreation

The park offers a wide range of recreational activities, including hiking, biking, and horseback riding, with over 10 miles of trails available for visitors, including the Walt Whitman Trail and the Long Island Greenbelt Trail. Visitors can also enjoy picnicking, fishing, and boating on the nearby Nissequogue River, which is home to a variety of fish species, including largemouth bass and chain pickerel, which are also found in Connetquot River and Carmans River. The park also features a disc golf course and a playground for children, making it a great destination for families, who can also visit nearby Old Bethpage Village Restoration and Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary and Audubon Center.

Wildlife

The park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and bobcats, which are also found in nearby Bethpage State Park and Jones Beach State Park. The park's wetlands and grasslands provide a habitat for many species of birds, including osprey, bald eagles, and red-winged blackbirds, which are also found in Fire Island National Seashore and Montauk Point State Park. The park is also home to a variety of reptiles and amphibians, including eastern box turtles and American bullfrogs, which are also found in Sag Harbor and Shelter Island.

Conservation

The park is managed by the Suffolk County Parks department, which works to conserve and protect the park's natural resources, including its wetlands and wildlife habitats, with the help of organizations such as the Long Island Pine Barrens Society and the Nature Conservancy. The park is also part of the Long Island Pine Barrens ecosystem, which is a unique and fragile environment that requires careful management and protection, similar to the Adirondack Park and the Catskill Park. The park's conservation efforts include habitat restoration and invasive species management, which are also used in nearby Caumsett State Park and Heckscher State Park.

Facilities

The park features a range of facilities, including picnic areas, restrooms, and parking lots, which are also found in nearby Belmont Lake State Park and Robert Moses State Park. The park also has a visitor center and a nature center, which offer educational programs and exhibits about the park's natural and cultural history, similar to those found in Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary and Audubon Center and Old Bethpage Village Restoration. The park's facilities are maintained by the Suffolk County Parks department, which works to ensure that the park remains a safe and enjoyable destination for visitors, with the help of organizations such as the National Park Service and the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.

Category:Parks in New York