The Guggenheim property is located in Sands Point, on the western side of Middle Neck Road.  It is a 17 acre lot consisting of woodlands and a meadow.  Walking trails run along the perimeter of the property and through the center.  This land has been untouched by the Indians living in the area, the Colonials, the Guggenheim family, and until now, the Port Washington School district (with a minor exception during a period in the 1800’s when a portion was farmed).

The woods contain an estimated 400 trees including oak, maple, apple, horse chestnut, walnut and locust.  The New York Department of Environmental Conservation recognizes the forest as a bird breeding area.  This area is also a popular resting and feeding location during bird migration.  With the development of the 41 acre wooded lot in Port Washington for senior citizen housing, the Guggenheim property will likely experience a significant increase in birds this year.  The following species of birds have been spotted by our members: hawks, falcons, nightingales, orioles, warblers, purple finches, woodpeckers (downy & hairy), and owls.

In addition to birds, the forest is also home to a colony of brown bats.  In summer, these bats can be observed at dusk, flying overhead.  In winter these flying mammals hibernate in the trees here.  In preparation for the winter hibernation, bats fatten up in late summer, feeding on insects such as mosquitoes.  A single brown bat can eat 1200 insects in one hour.  Even with this ferocious appetite the mosquito population is increasing every year because the bat population is decreasing due to loss of habitat.

The eastern cottontail rabbit lives on this property.  They can be found in heavy brush, in the woods and in the meadow.  In the winter their network of trails can be easily spotted in the snow. There have been sightings of fox on the property but their numbers appear to be dwindling.

The meadow contains many beautiful plants and wildflowers.  The Butterfly Milkweed, seen in the picture to the right, is a protected species in NY State and can be found in full bloom here in August & September.  Many species of butterflies can be spotted here in summer.  This is the only known meadow of its kind in Nassau County.

An aquifer critical to the water needs of Port Washington exists under this land. The site is considered an aquifer recharge area where snow and rainwater seep through the uncontaminated soil eventually entering the aquifer as clean water. Development of this land, even for athletic fields, will hurt our aquifer.

For an aerial view of the property, please click here.