Opening from On This Site - Native Long Island

Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge

Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge protects habitat along the Carmans River in Shirley and houses the Long Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex visitor center. Inside, an interpretive section shares Unkechaug Nation history and displays objects connected with that history. At the center's November 2011 dedication, representatives of the Unkechaug and Shinnecock Nations offered a traditional blessing, recognizing enduring Native relationships with the river, wetlands, and wildlife. Wertheim is not only a protected river and wetland landscape. Its visitor center makes Unkechaug Nation history visible to the public, while the 2011 blessing by Unkechaug and Shinnecock representatives recognized continuing Native relationships with the Carmans River, wetlands, and wildlife. Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge protects habitat along the Carmans River in Shirley and houses the Long Island...