SOUTHAMPTON TRAILS PRESERVATION SOCIETY

Hiking Events 2008

Hiking Events 2007

Past STPS Events

New - STPS Links

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Biologist at Play -
Short Contributions to the STPS Pathfinder
Howard Reisman, is Professor Emeritus of Biology at Long Island University
Membership Chair, Southampton Trails Preservation Society

Pictures from STPS 20th Year Celebration

National Trails Day -
June 3, 2006

The Southampton Trails Preservation Society (STPS) was formed in 1986 in response to the rapid development occurring in Southampton Town.  Primarily organized by a small group of horseback riders, who saw their riding trails disappearing, the group soon included hikers, birders, and other nature enthusiasts.  In 1990, with help from then County Legislator Fred Thiele Jr., STPS lobbied for a zoning amendment to recognize trails as a natural resource to be protected and preserved for the future.  As a result of this legislation, trails are now included in the planning process in the Town of Southampton and motorized vehicles are prohibited on the trails.  In 1994, Southampton Town Supervisor Fred Thiele called for a Citizen Advisory Board to advise the Planning Board regarding all issues trails-related.  The Southampton Trails Advisory Board, comprised of seven volunteers appointed by the Planning Board, continues this work to secure new trails and to protect the Town's existing trails.

To date, STPS has:

• Worked with Southampton Town Parks and Recreation Superintendent, Allyn Jackson, to open public trail systems in Red Creek Park (Hampton Bays), Elliston Park (Southampton), Sagaponack Hills, the Eastport River area, the Water Mill farmland area, and Trout Pond (Noyac).

• Successfully lobbied the Southampton Town Trustees to preserve part of the trail system in the Long Pond Greenbelt (Bridgehampton) by declaring the use of one of the Trustee Roads passive.  Representatives from STPS also joined the Long Pond Greenbelt Management Committee to help draft a management plan which will help protect this fragile 900 acre Nature Preserve.

• Worked with Suffolk County Parks Supervisor, Bill Sickles, to open the trail system in Laurel Valley (Noyac).

• Organized the annual Great East End Cleanup where volunteers assist the Town in picking up litter and debris along trails and roadsides.  Lobbied the town for higher fines against dumping and for a monetary reward system for anyone who identifies illegal dumpers.

• Worked with Southampton Town Police Captain Tanaglia and the Suffolk County Park Police to enforce 'no motorized vehicles' on Southampton Town, Suffolk County, and NYS trails.

• Sponsored a ride-a-thon to raise money for the Town Open Space Program.

• Worked with East Hampton Trails Preservation Society and Long Island Greenbelt Trails Conference to advocate the Paumanok Path, a 125-mile trail running from Rocky Point to Montauk Point. 

Currently, STPS is working with the Group for the South Fork and The Nature Conservancy to complete the remaining Paumanok Path sections in Southampton Town.  STPS cuts, blazes, maintains, and maps trails.  We lead hikes throughout the Town of Southampton striving to educate the public on the importance of trail preservation.  In addition, we participate in National Trails Day, as well as South Fork Trails Weekend.  Our Society now includes more than three hundred households.  Yearly membership dues help the STPS preserve Southampton's trails for future generations.  Any donation gives membership, as well as our newsletter, minutes, and hike schedules. 

For more information, call .