Nothing screams “New York City resident in summer” like itching to get out of the city. From majestic outdoor recreation spots in the Catskill Mountains to trendy Napa-level wine country destinations, there’s no shortage of options for city denizens looking to escape the concrete and crowds for a dose of fresh air and calm. While trickier to gain access to, Plum Island — a little-known isle off the North Fork of Long Island — is one such place, boasting biodiversity, Atlantic views, and a surprising history.
The island has lived many lives over the past couple of centuries. This includes being home to the Algonquin tribe, a U.S. Army fort, a lighthouse, and even a research laboratory. Established in the 1950s by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Plum Island Animal Disease Laboratory (PIADC) researches vaccines and contagious animal diseases. As conservation specialist Marian Lindberg of The Nature Conservancy puts it: “All islands carry a certain mystery, but Plum Island has more than its share of stories and secrets.”
Plum Island is a hub of wildlife and biodiversity
Plum Island will pique the interest of anyone who loves nature — whether you’re a keen conservationist or simply someone who enjoys spending time outdoors. Environmentally speaking, the island is a rarity, with 800+ acres of remarkably well-preserved ecosystem situated only 100 miles from New York City. The biodiversity here can be credited to the fact that the island was relatively inaccessible during its 70-odd years of hosting the PIADC.
Without development during these decades, Plum Island has become a haven for rare plants — as well as more than 229 bird species, including the roseate tern and piping plover. These features make the region a dream destination for avid birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. The island is also the site of New York’s biggest seal haul-out, with gray and harbor seals shoring up en masse in search of food after migrating down from Canada every year.
Find out how to see New York’s Plum Island
