About Us

Obtained by the Service in 1969, Lido Beach Wildlife Management Area was a former Nike missile site.  Lido Beach is located on the bay side of Long Beach a barrier island, west of Jones Inlet in Nassau County, Long Island. Lido Beach is almost entirely tidal wetland, with 22 acres of saltmarsh and shrub thickets. The unit has a high diversity of shorebirds and wading birds. Wintering waterfowl such as American black duck and Atlantic brant also use the tidal wetlands. Lido Beach supports nesting clapper rails, black-crowned night-heron, osprey and saltmarsh sharp-tailed sparrow. Management efforts focus on wetland restoration and invasive species invasive species
An invasive species is any plant or animal that has spread or been introduced into a new area where they are, or could, cause harm to the environment, economy, or human, animal, or plant health. Their unwelcome presence can destroy ecosystems and cost millions of dollars.

Learn more about invasive species control.

Our Mission

Vision

Long Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex will preserve, manage, and restore some of the last significant natural areas for wildlife habitat, ranging from coastal systems, to native grasslands to mature forests.  These habitats, present in nine distinct units, will support threatened and endangered species in addition to hundreds of species of migratory birds and other wildlife within the Atlantic Flyway.

Located adjacent to the nation’s major media center, the Complex is an ideal setting to increase public awareness, understanding and support of the National Wildlife Refuge System.  We recognize that success is dependent on the Complex becoming an integral part of the community.  We will work together with partners and local communities to protect priority wildlife-dependent recreational and educational opportunities.  Through the use of the best scientific information and active habitat management, we will contribute to the fulfilling of the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System for future generations. 

Refuge Purpose

Each unit of the National Wildlife Refuge System is established to serve a statutory purpose that targets the conservation of native species dependent on its lands and waters. All activities on those acres are reviewed for compatibility with this statutory purpose.  

The purpose of Lido Beach is as follows:

  • “…for use as an inviolate sanctuary, or for any other management purpose, for migratory birds” (16 U.S.C. §715d).

Other Facilities in this Complex

The Long Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex consists of seven national wildlife refuges, two refuge sub-units and one wildlife management area wildlife management area
For practical purposes, a wildlife management area is synonymous with a national wildlife refuge or a game preserve. There are nine wildlife management areas and one game preserve in the National Wildlife Refuge System.

Learn more about wildlife management area . Collectively, the ten units are approximately 6,500 acres in size. Each unit is unique and provides a wildlife oasis amongst Long Island’s urban settings essential for the livelihood of migratory birds, threatened and endangered species, fish and other wildlife. The strategic location of Long Island in the Long Island Pine Barrens & along the Atlantic Flyway make it an important nesting, wintering and migratory stop over area for hundreds of species of birds.

The sunset lights up the sky pink over the Carmans River
Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge
The Wertheim visitor center is open Monday through Saturday from 9AM to 4PM. The facility showcases the wildlife and habitat of ten refuge units on Long Island. Visitors can also learn about opportunities for wildlife-viewing, hiking, fishing, educational programs and special events offered by...
National Wildlife Refuge
Interdunal wetlands are important freshwater habitats that sustain a variety of wildlife even through periods of drought
Amagansett National Wildlife Refuge
Acquired in 1968, Amagansett National Wildlife Refuge graces the shore of the Atlantic Ocean on Long Island’s south fork in the town of East Hampton. The protection and management of fragile shore habitat and wildlife give Amagansett special significance. The beach section of the refuge is opened...
National Wildlife Refuge
Amagansett,NY
Panoramic view of Mill Neck Bay
Congressman Lester Wolff Oyster Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Congressman Lester Wolff Oyster Bay National Wildlife Refuge was donated to the Service by the Town of Oyster Bay in 1968 as a habitat for migratory birds, particularly wintering waterfowl. The refuge is open to the public but is only accessible by boat.
National Wildlife Refuge
Shirley,NY
An open grassland ringed by red cedars
Conscience Point National Wildlife Refuge
Acquired in 1964 by donation from a private individual, Conscience Point National Wildlife Refuge protects 60 acres of maritime grassland community, a habitat of regional significance, on the south fork of Long Island in the town of Southampton. This refuge is NOT open to the public.
National Wildlife Refuge
North Sea,NY
Saltmarsh composed of various cordgrasses
Seatuck National Wildlife Refuge
Acquired in 1968 as a donation from the Peters family, Seatuck National Wildlife Refuge protects 209 acres bordering the Great South Bay on the south shore of Long Island. This refuge is NOT open to the public.
National Wildlife Refuge
Islip,NY
Beach stretches out toward Jessup's Neck Peninsula
Elizabeth Alexandra Morton National Wildlife Refuge
Elizabeth A. Morton National Wildlife Refuge protects 187 acres on the north shore of Long Island’s south fork in the town of Southampton. The refuge is located near Sag Harbor, and includes a peninsula one and a half miles long, locally known as Jessup’s Neck, which separates Little Peconic Bay...
National Wildlife Refuge
Sag Harbor,NY
Two people hike a trail surrounded by fall colors
Target Rock National Wildlife Refuge
Acquired in 1967 as a donation from the Eberstadt family, Target Rock National Wildlife Refuge protects 80 acres on the north shore of Long Island in the Village of Lloyd Harbor, 25 miles east of New York City. The refuge is open to the public and is an extremely popular shore fishing location.
National Wildlife Refuge
Huntington,NY