Suffolk County Department of Health Services Nature Walk Series – Free

The snow has finally melted on Long Island and the Suffolk County Department of Health Services is encouraging residents to get out and move. 

The Office of Minority Health is kicking off the 2026 Nature Walk series on March 28 at 10 a.m. at Gardiner County Park in Bay Shore. The family-friendly walk series invites residents to explore several beautiful parks in Suffolk County and encourages conversation about health and the environment. 

The third annual Nature Walk Series is a partnership between the Office of Minority Health, the Long Island Sound Partnership, New York State Parks, Suffolk County Parks, and the Stony Brook Office of Health Equity and Climate Medicine Research. 

This will be the third year of the program, which will have walks focused on nutrition and tick prevention. The walks are free and location fees are waived. Participants are advised to mention the walk at the entrance.

Saturday, March 28, 2026
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Gardiner County Park – Bayshore

Saturday, June 6, 2026
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Makamah Nature Preserve
Fort Salonga Road
Fort Salonga, NY

Saturday, July 16, 2026
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Indian Island County Park – Riverhead

Saturday, August 29, 2026
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Nissequogue River State Park – Kings Park
Historic Walk Reflecting on the old Kings Park Psychiatric Center

To register or for more information, contact SCDHS at 631-854-0378 or email OMH@suffolkcountyny.gov.