South Fork Natural History Museum & Nature Center (SoFo)

05/11/2020

TURTLE TIME (2020-05-19)

Tuesday, May 19 at 4pm, it's Turtle Time! Join Environmental Educator Jackie Avignone as she discusses the Turtles of the South Fork, exploring some of the unique characteristics of local species and their habitats. This presentation will focus on Diamondback Terrapins, Box Turtles, Snapping Turtles, and Painted Turtles.

This is a Zoom Online Program Join Environmental Educator Jackie Avignone as she discusses the Turtles of the South Fork, exploring some of the unique characteristics of local species and their habitats. This presentation will focus on Diamondback Terrapins, Box Turtles, Snapping Turtles, and Pai

05/07/2020

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY WITH THE SOFO ANIMALS (2020-05-10)

Celebrate Mother’s Day with SoFo this Sunday at 1pm. In this program led by Environmental Educator Rachel Speckenbach, you will learn how some animal mothers of the South Fork rear their young and prepare them for adulthood. Rachel will focus on Amphibians, reptiles, mammals, birds, gastropods and more!

This is a Zoom Online Program In this program led by Environmental Educator Rachel Speckenbach, you will learn how some animal mothers of the South Fork rear their young and prepare them for adulthood. Rachel will focus on Amphibians, reptiles, mammals, birds, gastropods and more! To sign

05/05/2020

Today, May 5, 2020, has been designated #GivingTuesdayNow, a global day of unity for nonprofits in response to the unprecedented need caused by COVID-19. We at the South Fork Natural History Museum (SOFO) miss you, and hope that you and your families are well and safe during this extraordinary time.

Please help SOFO secure a better future for our children as we continue our mission to educate and promote environmental awareness. We are asking for your support to continue our efforts to teach and inspire families to become engaged and responsible caretakers of our planet now and for generations to come. www.sofo.org/support

Your donations come to life in many ways, and gifts of all sizes are very much appreciated.


• For $500 (or $900 for 2), you can name a brick in honor of your family or a special friend on our outdoor Legacy Trail Walkway.

• A $1,000 gift will cover the cost of three months of husbandry expenses for the well-being of our on-site live animals.

• A $2,500 gift will enable SOFO to install a new audio-visual system important to our programming.

• A $5,000 contribution will cover the costs for educational program supplies such as stereomicroscopes, compound microscopes, binoculars, trail cameras, and science-technology kits for school group visits and general programming.

• A $10,000 donation for programming or operating costs will make a huge difference to the vitality of our interactive exhibits and 300 annual special programs and projects.

• For $25,000, your family or organization can name an annual program or one of our beautiful native gardens.

Your 100% tax-deductible donation on #GivingTuesdayNow is vital to our goal to raise ecological awareness and to encourage individuals to make intelligent environmental decisions. Together, we can make an environmental difference during this challenging time.

05/04/2020

Please support SoFo on this #GivingTuesdayNow, tomorrow, May 5, 2020.

We miss you, and hope that you and your families are well and safe during this extraordinary time. Please help SOFO secure a better future for our children as we continue our mission to educate and promote environmental awareness. We are asking for your support to continue our efforts to teach and inspire families to become engaged and responsible caretakers of our planet now and for generations to come.

Your donations come to life in many ways, and gifts of all sizes are very much appreciated.


• For $500 (or $900 for 2), you can name a brick in honor of your family or a special friend on our outdoor Legacy Trail Walkway.

• A $1,000 gift will cover the cost of three months of husbandry expenses for the well-being of our on-site live animals.

• A $2,500 gift will enable SOFO to install a new audio-visual system important to our programming.

• A $5,000 contribution will cover the costs for educational program supplies such as stereomicroscopes, compound microscopes, binoculars, trail cameras, and science-technology kits for school group visits and general programming.

• A $10,000 donation for programming or operating costs will make a huge difference to the vitality of our interactive exhibits and 300 annual special programs and projects.

• For $25,000, your family or organization can name an annual program or one of our beautiful native gardens.

Your 100% tax-deductible donation on #GivingTuesdayNow is vital to our goal to raise ecological awareness and to encourage individuals to make intelligent environmental decisions. Together, we can make an environmental difference during this challenging time.

04/30/2020

A couple of muskrats are residing in Vineyard Pond directly behind SOFO. Muskrats are mammals related to moles, voles rats and lemmings. They are semi-aquatic creatures which mean they can inhabit both on the ground and in the water. These small animals are omnivores and primarily feed on sedges, including cattails, aquatic plants, water lilies, duckweeds, and the other plants they find in their territories. When the food supply of local plants run short, they prey on aquatic species such as snails, mussels, crayfish, frogs, slow-moving fish and other insects.
Photo: Frank Quevedo

04/30/2020

FEEDING TIME AT THE MUSEUM (2020-05-02)

Tune in on May 2 at 1pm for our Zoom program "Feeding Time at the Museum." Environmental Educator Miles Todaro will offer a behind the scenes look at our museum animals’ feeding patterns. Watch the animals being fed at SOFO and learn about their feeding strategies in the wild!

This is a Zoom Online Program Environmental Educator Miles Todaro will offer a behind the scenes look at our museum animals’ feeding patterns . Watch the animals being fed at SOFO and learn about their feeding strategies in the wild. To sign up, please email us at [email protected], and we w

04/29/2020

Solitary Sandpiper sighted behind SOFO Museum on April 28th, 2020. This shorebird is uncommon and only seen during migration. They breed in bogs in the boreal forests of Canada. Of the world's 85 sandpiper species, only the Solitary Sandpiper and the Green Sandpiper of Eurasia routinely lay eggs in tree nests instead of on the ground. Safe travels little sandpiper!
Photo: Frank Quevedo

04/27/2020

South Fork Natural History Museum & Nature Center (SoFo)

04/25/2020

“About 5 years ago, we rescued a salamander that had ventured into our house and released it back into the woods near our house. My daughter was so little and so proud of herself, she still remembers this and she’s now 8!!

We had called SoFo to ask for guidance and my daughter was just so happy to help release him back to his habitat ♥️” - Lara Pizzanelli. We love this story!!

04/24/2020

Virtual Nature Programs at South Fork Natural History Museum | The East Hampton Star

Thank you, The East Hampton Star, for the story on our Virtual Nature Programs! Our next Zoom program is FEEDING TIME AT THE MUSEUM on Saturday, May 2 at 1pm where one of our Environmental Educators, Miles Todaro, will offer a behind the scenes look at our museum animals’ feeding patterns and explain their feeding strategies in the wild.

04/22/2020

Thank you, Jungle Bob's Reptile World for supporting SOFO by hosting today's Zoom program on Earth Day's 50th Anniversary! Everyone enjoyed your presentation.

04/22/2020

On this 50th Anniversary of #EarthDay, it’s more than important than ever that we work together to ensure the sustainability of our world. Join us for our upcoming environmental Zoom programming as we continue our mission to educate and inspire us all to be responsible, caring stewards of our planet.

04/20/2020

Celebrate Earth Day with SoFo! Join us on Wednesday, April 22 at 4pm for an online Zoom program with Jungle Bob's Reptile World. Tune in to see Jungle Bob and some of the world’s most unloved, unusual and unknown creatures. Encounter a Snake, Lizard, Crocodilian, Frog and even a Tarantula as Jungle Bob brings the wonders of nature to you.

Meet these amazing creatures virtually as we examine habitats, location, diets, defense mechanisms and more in this program for all ages. Please email us at [email protected] to claim your spot and Zoom link!

04/16/2020

Vernal Ponds & Their Ecosystems

In case you missed yesterday's Zoom program, here is the link to our lecture on Vernal Ponds & Their Ecosystems. Video is up on YouTube now.

April 15th 2020 Zoom Presentation by Frank Quevedo

04/15/2020

The Museum may be closed, but the field and trails are open and thriving with wildlife. Here are a few photos from a quick stroll in Vineyard Field today. Enjoy and please stay safe.

04/15/2020

TODAY’S ZOOM AT 4PM: VERNAL PONDS & THEIR ECOSYSTEMS

Join Executive Director Frank Quevedo as he explores the fascinating world of vernal ponds. These unique wetlands support a variety of species which have evolved to specifically rely on these habitats for their sustainability such as salamanders, frogs, insects and crustaceans.

https://us04web.zoom.us/j/77045717375?pwd=TUIwZTVQelRUbll0MGtRMW9McDM4QT09

Meeting ID: 770 4571 7375

Password: 2s0jqS

04/13/2020

I am happy to announce that SOFO has scheduled more upcoming environmental zoom programs for people of all ages. Please tune in as we stay in touch with nature six feet apart. We welcome your involvement!

We've added more of our upcoming Zoom programs to the schedule on our website at sofo.org.

Coming up:
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 4:00 - 4:30pm: VERNAL PONDS & THEIR ECOSYSTEMS

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 4:00 - 4:30pm: JUNGLE BOB’S REPTILE WORLD

SATURDAY, MAY 2, 1:00 - 1:30pm: FEEDING TIME AT THE MUSEUM

SUNDAY, MAY 10 1:00 - 1:30 pm: HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY WITH THE SOFO ANIMALS

Stay tuned for more details on each!

04/13/2020

We've added more of our upcoming Zoom programs to the schedule on our website at sofo.org.

Coming up:
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 4:00 - 4:30pm: VERNAL PONDS & THEIR ECOSYSTEMS

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 4:00 - 4:30pm: JUNGLE BOB’S REPTILE WORLD

SATURDAY, MAY 2, 1:00 - 1:30pm: FEEDING TIME AT THE MUSEUM

SUNDAY, MAY 10 1:00 - 1:30 pm: HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY WITH THE SOFO ANIMALS

Stay tuned for more details on each!

04/12/2020

Wishing you all a very Hoppy Easter!! #HappyEaster #TurtleBunny

04/11/2020

Birds of the South Fork: Spring Migration

In case you missed it last Wednesday, we invite you to watch our Birds of the South Fork: Spring Migration ZOOM program on our YouTube page.

Next Wednesday, our third Zoom program, led by Frank will focus on Vernal Ponds & Their Ecosystems.

April 8th 2020 Zoom Presentation with Frank Quevedo. To view our schedule of upcoming Zoom presentations, check out this link: https://sofo.org/zoom-programm...

04/10/2020

Great News!!! SOFO's Purple Martins are slowly migrating back from South America. Each day more and more Martins will be arriving back to start their breeding activity. Last year, the colony produced 115 fledglings. Stay tuned!
Photo taken: April 10, 2020

04/08/2020

Join our Cloud HD Video Meeting now

Starting at 4pm, join us for our second Zoom program: "Birds of the South Fork: Spring Migration" with Frank Quevedo.

To join, click the link below.

Meeting ID: 476 830 930
Password: 076511

Zoom is the leader in modern enterprise video communications, with an easy, reliable cloud platform for video and audio conferencing, chat, and webinars across mobile, desktop, and room systems. Zoom Rooms is the original software-based conference room solution used around the world in board, confer...

04/07/2020

Join us for SOFO's second Zoom program this Wednesday at 4pm! "Birds of the South Fork: Spring Migration" with Frank Quevedo.

Then, next Wednesday, April 15 at 4pm" "Vernal Ponds & Their Ecosystems," also with Frank Quevedo.

To join, click https://us04web.zoom.us/j/476830930?pwd=OEc2ZGRFR0dyRUdvakVFTXpwTjBTdz09&status=success

Meeting ID: 476 830 930
Password: 076511

04/01/2020

Join our Cloud HD Video Meeting now

Today is our first ZOOM program! Please join in at 4:00 pm for a Meet and Greet with Our Museum Animals! Please click on the link below or copy/paste into your browser's address bar:

https://us04web.zoom.us/j/476830930?pwd=OEc2ZGRFR0dyRUdvakVFTXpwTjBTdz09

Meeting ID: 476 830 930
Password: 076511

We will take a few minutes at the beginning of the presentation to allow everyone to join in; video and audio from participants will be set to off mode for this meeting due to the large number of viewers; Please email any questions regarding this presentation to [email protected] afterwards and Frank will answer them at his earliest convenience.

Zoom is the leader in modern enterprise video communications, with an easy, reliable cloud platform for video and audio conferencing, chat, and webinars across mobile, desktop, and room systems. Zoom Rooms is the original software-based conference room solution used around the world in board, confer...

03/30/2020

In addition to our digital programming, we are adding nature videos to our website’s video section at sofo.org/media/video/ so we can continue to explore the natural world through different perspectives. We will be adding new videos in the near future, so please check this list every week to look for new ones you might like to view and share with your friends and families.

If you have nature videos you would like to share with our community, please contact us at [email protected], and we will upload them to our video section with the appropriate credits.

03/29/2020

We are excited to introduce new digital Zoom programming to explore the natural world in the comfort of your home.

Our first three Zoom programs will be led by our Executive Director, Frank Quevedo, with future programming to be led by our environmental educators, and environmental guest speakers.

Our Zoom wildlife programs will begin next Wednesday, April 1 from 4:00 - 4:30pm with a Meet & Greet Our Museum Animals Tour, which will be led by our Executive Director, Frank Quevedo, who will visit with SOFO’s wildlife family that includes reptiles, amphibians, marine life, and insects.

Our second Zoom program will be led by Frank on Wednesday, April 8 from 4:00 - 4:30pm and will focus on Birds of the South Fork: Spring Migration.

Our third Zoom program, Vernal Ponds & Their Ecosystems, will be hosted by Frank on Wednesday, April 15, from 4:00 - 4:30pm.

**To sign up for these and upcoming programs TBA, please email us at [email protected], and we will send you a zoom link to reserve your spot. Please include one or two questions with your email so that Frank can answer your inquiries.**

03/28/2020

A pair of ospreys have landed on the nesting platform in back of the Museum. Hopefully they will have offspring this year and continue for year's to come. If you visit the field, please practice social distancing with one another and the birds. Thank you and be safe!!!

03/21/2020

Birding with Frank—Pond & Bay Waterfowl: Adults/Teens

Saturday at 10am: Birding with Frank—Pond & Bay Waterfowl: Adults/Teens. Practice social distancing at Southampton’s Dune Road, the perfect place to see a variety of freshwater and saltwater birds that prefer the calmer waters of the South Fork ponds and bays—rather than the ocean’s fury—this time of year.

Mergansers, grebes, canvasbacks, and gadwalls will be on our list to see, as well as many other species. Bring binoculars and a field guide to birds of the eastern United States (if you have one). This program is for adults and teens; however, children ages 10 and older may attend.

[caption id=attachment_10627 align=alignleft width=300] Photo Credit: Marlin Harms[/caption] Walk Leader: Frank Quevedo, Executive Director, South Fork Natural History Museum (SOFO) Southampton’s Dune Road is the perfect place to see a variety of freshwater and saltwater birds that prefer the calm...

03/15/2020

Another great opportunity to connect people with nature. Our search for spotted salamanders was a great success last evening. Thank you Andy Sabin for leading the walk.

03/14/2020

Tonight’s Salamander Search is still on, but has changed a bit. We will now be meeting at the SoFo Museum at 7:30 and searching for Spotted Salamanders (instead of meeting in Montauk and searching for Blue Spotted Salamanders)!

03/14/2020

Due to recent developments regarding COVID-19 in Suffolk County and throughout the country, SOFO will be closing the museum beginning today, Saturday March 14th until further notice.

All of our outdoor programs and walks will continue as scheduled. The health and safety of our visitors and staff are of utmost importance to us. Please follow us on Facebook and Instagram and on our website for announcements on upcoming programs and events. All the trails behind the museum will remain accessible from the museum's parking lot.

If you have any questions, please call us as 631.537.9735 or email us at [email protected]. Stay safe, everyone!