Quogue Wildlife Refuge Launches Campaign to Expand Nature Center

The Quogue Wildlife Refuge, a beloved natural sanctuary tucked away in Quogue, is launching a campaign to expand and update their grounds and facilities.

Established in 1934, this 305-acre nonprofit preserve of protected pine barrens provides a safe home for a variety of animals that cannot be released into the wild due to permanent illness or injury and need human care to survive.

“Many of the animals live in enclosures, allowing visitors to see them up close,” says Michael Nelson, executive director of the Quogue Wildlife Refuge. “The complex houses native, non-releasable wildlife like owls, hawks, vultures and an opossum, and can be seen immediately after entering the grounds through the entrance booth. The Greenhouse, located near the Pollinator Garden, houses giant Sulcata Tortoises and a Red Footed Tortoise. The nature center houses snakes, a chameleon, bearded dragons, turtles, and chinchillas.”

Over the years the number of visitors has increased to some 150,000 a year, and the Center, originally built in 1970, has grown substantially by initiating and increasing educational programs. To meet the demands due to their growth, they have created a capital campaign project called Preserve, Educate, Inspire. Their goal is to update the Nature Center and expand usable space.

“We’re thrilled to have launched the campaign to expand and renovate the Charles Banks Belt Nature Center in a way that honors its history while meeting the needs of today’s visitors,” says Nelson, adding that the Charles Banks Belt Nature Center is named in honor of Belt, who was one of the founding charter members, the first President of the sanctuary and longtime board member, “Specifically, we’ll be doubling the Center’s usable space through a modest first-floor expansion and the addition of a second story for the staff, as a workplace to develop more educational programs.”

They will also be creating a dedicated nature annex classroom for programs, improving accessibility, upgrading exhibits and indoor animal enclosures, and adding an energy efficient infrastructure that includes solar panels, all while preserving the rustic charm and panoramic views of the QWR.

They have already raised $2.7 million and are seeking additional community support. Wanting to maximize public space, create more programs, immersive experiences and enrich habitats for their animals, the estimated cost of the renovations is 3.5 million dollars. One of the missions of the QWR is environmental education, and the Charles Banks Belt Nature Center offers programs, workshops and camps for kids. Inside the center there is also a library, exhibits and a gift shop.

“The Refuge offers many on and offsite programs, including guided hikes, summer camps, live animal programs, yoga, lectures, art programs and more,” says Nelson. More than just an animal haven, the QWR has ponds, forests, fields and wetlands. There’s also seven miles of trails to hike and enjoy the serene surroundings.

Wild free roaming species and birds, a variety of native flora and fauna can be observed along the way, as well as signage explaining the interesting history of The Fairy Dell Boardwalk, which is a catwalk through the tidal wetlands. “While the Refuge is home to permanently injured wildlife that serve as educational ambassadors, visitors may also observe many wild native species in their natural habitats,” says Nelson. The Refuge is open from sunrise to sunset daily and is free of charge. Financial support comes from donations, grants and memberships. In the fall, their trails are transformed into an enchanted forest Halloween adventure for kids and in the winter, they offer animal tracking expeditions.

“In addition, there’s a wide range of educational activities for kids, including animal experiences like Meet the Animals and Creatures of the Night, guided hikes, full moon walks, and seasonal kayaking,” says Nelson.

They also offer summer, winter, and spring break nature camps for children that encourage environmental awareness through exploration and play. For adults, they host rotating programs such as Tick Talks, forums, film screenings, and other events focused on conservation and sustainability.

“We also invite the entire community to attend free events like our annual Earth Day Festival,” he says. “Through all these offerings, the Refuge continues to be a place where people of all ages can connect with nature, deepen their understanding of the environment, and experience the unique landscapes and wildlife of Long Island.”

On July 12, from 7-10 pm, they will be hosting their 17th annual summer benefit Wild Night for Wildlife Gala. Held at the Refuge, there will be live music, local wine, beer, substantial hors d’oeuvres, silent and live auctions and more. Tickets start at $250 and proceeds will go directly to support their annual operating budget which includes maintaining the trails and habitats, and caring for the resident animals. According to Nelson, the completion of this project will be transformative for the Quogue Wildlife Refuge and the thousands of people who visit each year.

“It will allow us to better serve our community with expanded space for learning, updated and accessible exhibits, and improved care and habitats for our resident wildlife,” he says. “Most importantly, it will ensure that the Refuge continues to preserve, educate and inspire for generation to come.”

Quogue Wildlife Refuge 3 Old Country Road, Quogue, 631-653-4771.