TOH announces 5.66-acre expansion of Henry Ingraham Nature Preserve in Northport
Visitors to the newly expanded Henry Ingraham Nature Preserve in Northport, a 32-acre property located on the west side of Waterside Avenue. Image courtesy of the Town of Huntington.
Last week, Rob Ingraham – Northport resident and grandson of Henry Ingraham – joined Town of Huntington Supervisor Ed Smyth, Councilman Dr. Dave Bennardo, Councilman Sal Ferro and representatives of the town’s Environmental Open Space and Park Fund (EOSPA) for a formal announcement concerning the acquisition of a 5.66-acre parcel that will expand the Henry Ingraham Nature Preserve in Crab Meadow.
The newly acquired property, located on the west side of Waterside Avenue, was officially purchased from the Ingraham family on July 7, 2025 through the EOSPA program. It adds to the existing 27 acres of preserve, extending it on the southern end to Locust Road. The preserve now has trails extending from Eatons Neck Road to Locust Road; the entrance and a small parking lot remain as they were, on Waterside Avenue.
“My forefathers were all about sharing this special land with nature lovers,” Rob Ingraham told the Journal. “This 5-plus-acre extension furthers our family’s commitment to preserve and protect open space rather than develop it, and we’re grateful to the Town of Huntington for enabling all future generations to enjoy this land as we have.”
The Henry Ingraham Nature Preserve was first established in 1998 as part of a public-private partnership involving the Town of Huntington, Suffolk County, and the Iroquois Gas Transmission System. The collaboration laid the foundation for long-term conservation efforts in the area and helped preserve a key piece of Huntington’s natural heritage.
“This latest addition to the Henry Ingraham Nature Preserve protects open space and preserves the natural character of our community,” Smyth said. “These efforts ensure future generations will be able to enjoy green, undeveloped land for passive recreation and the appreciation of our town’s unique natural landscapes.”
The expanded preserve is open to the public for passive recreational uses such as walking, birdwatching and even picnicking. To read a 2021 Northport Journal article about the preserve, its history and how to hike it, click here.
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