Branches of the Bay

Funded by the Joseph Robert Foundation, Branches of the Bay is a community-based tree planting initiative aimed at addressing critical environmental challenges in the Great South Bay. Climate change, habitat loss, and a declining tree canopy are threatening local biodiversity, worsening flooding, and disrupting migratory bird populations. This program focuses on expanding native tree cover, restoring vital wildlife habitats, and engaging residents in climate action.

Through the distribution of bare-root saplings purchased from NYSDEC, we are empowering the community to take part in restoring and enhancing our natural environment. These trees will be available at no cost to the community in Spring 2026, with exact pickup dates to be announced. Saplings will be distributed at Brookside Park. Together, we can strengthen our bay’s ecosystem and create a more sustainable future for all.

Blue Bird Nest Box Program

In 2010, Edith & Bob Wilson spearheaded our Bluebird nest box project at Connetquot River State Park Preserve.  Since then, we’ve added a new dimension to the project by installing a Birdcam on one of the active nest boxes.  The Birdcam is mounted outside of the nest box, thereby keeping the disturbance of the nesting adults to a minimum. Unfortunately, we don’t have any nesting Bluebirds although there is one box that may be showing signs of Bluebird activity.  Seven nest boxes have active Tree Swallow nests complete with eggs.  It is one of these boxes that we chose as a test for the Birdcam.

Opportunities for nest box monitor training are still available. Join the existing team to learn the protocols for safely opening the boxes, identifying the nesting species, and counting eggs and nestlings. Experience the joy of watching a Bluebird develop from an egg to nestling to fledgling! Contact us at greatsouthbayaudubon@gmail.com for more information or to sign up for the training.