9 hours ago
Visiting the Hamptons This Summer? Take a Moment for the Trees
Now, face-to-trunk with the most maudlin tree I've ever met, I realize I've taken my hometown's fragile flora for granted. On the heels of our driest season on record, the gadflies about town are buzzing not about the traffic, but about the pests, diseases, and climate concerns threatening the trees.
A cadre of local arborists, eco-artists, and tribal leaders are protecting the primeval superstars that made the Hamptons the Hamptons in the first place. So, this summer, take the road less traveled and visit these less-touristed herbaceous haunts in support of its (hopefully) flourishing arbol future.
Shinnecock Nation
On any given summer day, 38,000 commuter cars inch across the Shinnecock Canal, and past the oldest Hamptonite: a 300-year-old beech that has miraculously resisted rampant Beech Leaf Disease. Due to the Shinnecock Nation's advocacy, the now-designated heritage tree's colossal presence is protected for future generations.
'All Shinnecock have our own unique relationship with the trees,' says Rebekah Phoenix Wise, the Shinnecock Nation's communications manager. 'We're foragers, scientists, and land-use attorneys—but above all, we're stewards of nature.' She recommends keeping 'an eye on the Nation's Instagram to hear about impromptu nature and foraging walks offered by community naturalists.' Until the indigenous plant garden reopens, Wise touts 'Little Beach Harvest, an innovative concept shop run by the tribe where you can learn more about our connection to traditional plant medicine.' Shop for handcrafted sage oils or enjoy art exhibits, live concerts, and film screenings.
LongHouse Reserve
