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Fire Island National SeashoreRanger and other people walking along boardwalk trail flanked by the twisted trunks of shadblow and other maritime forest trees.
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Fire Island National Seashore
Interpretive Programs
 
 

Park rangers and volunteers conduct a variety of recreational and educational programs to help you learn more about Fire Island National Seashore.

If you'd like to explore Fire Island's natural and cultural resources, a guided program may be just the way to get you started. During the summer, Fire Island National Seashore offers a balance of recreational and educational programs for individuals, families, and groups.

Some programs are limited in attendance or require advance reservations. Most programs are free, but program fees are charged by some of the park's partners or for special events.

Watch Hill and Sailors Haven are usually open from mid-May through mid-October. Both are accessible by ferry or private boat. The Wilderness Visitor Center is open weekends during the winter (as weather and staffing permit) and spring, then Wednesday through Sunday from late June through December 31. The William Floyd Estate is open Friday through Sunday, Memorial Day weekend through October. The Fire Island Lighthouse is open year-round.

Logistics on Fire Island can be quite complicated, so be sure to review ferry schedules in advance. Ferries run regularly to the island in the summer months but are limited in the off-season. A water taxi provides service between island communities and park locations. See "Directions" for park access information.

 
Group of students talk to park ranger in the Sailors haven Visitor Center.
Ranger-staffed Visitor Centers
Add depth to your group's tour of Fire Island National Seashore by stopping at the Visitor Center.
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Colorful Junior Ranger patch and gold plastic badge.
For Kids: Junior Ranger Patch or Badge
is the reward for completing Fire Island's Junior Ranger Workbook.
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Group walks down the island behind the dunes.  

Did You Know?
The 4-day Fire Island Trek began as a special event in September, 2004, in celebration of Fire Island National Seashore's 40th anniversary. The program has been continued as a means to showcase the variety of resources and recreational and educational opportunities that exist on Fire Island.
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Last Updated: July 23, 2008 at 18:16 EST