Peconic Land Trust preserving 15.7 acres in Manorville

Peconic Land Trust purchased a 15.7-acre parcel on the south side of South Street in Manorville where it will be used for recreation.

The land had been owned by the Presbytery of Long Island and funding for the acquisition came from a $2.3 million New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Water Quality Improvement Grant for implementation of a Regional Aquifer Protection Land Acquisition Program.

The property was identified by the Town of Brookhaven as a priority for conservation because of its location adjacent to other protected Suffolk County land and town conservation easement land, and its proximity to land owned by the Suffolk County Water Authority.

The newly protected land in Manorville will be used for recreation including hiking and birdwatching, with potential improvements limited to a foot trail, placement of trail markers, and a trailhead kiosk.

“The Trust is pleased to work with the DEC and the Town of Brookhaven to protect our important groundwater resources. This is our fourth acquisition in the Town of Brookhaven of land that will contribute to the health and well-being of Brookhaven residents,” John Halsey, president of the Peconic Land Trust, said in a written statement. “Our sincere thanks go to the Presbytery of Long Island of the Presbyterian Church for choosing a conservation outcome for this land. We also extend our appreciation to Governor Kathy Hochul, the New York State Senate and Assembly, and the staff of the DEC for making this funding available; and to the Town of Brookhaven and the Peconic Estuary Partnership for partnering with us. We look forward to announcing additional conservation efforts in Brookhaven.”