Congressman Lester Wolff Oyster Bay
Shirley, NY 11967-2258
Plan Your Visit
The Congressman Lester Wolff Oyster Bay National Wildlife Refuge is located on the north shore of eastern Nassau County and is only accessible by boat. This 3,209-acre area includes bay, salt marsh and freshwater wetlands, and is especially important for wintering waterfowl and a variety of waterbirds. The refuge waters are open 24 hours a day. Contact the Town of Oyster Bay for mooring and boat launch information.
Locations
Oyster Bay National Wildlife Refuge
{"type":"location-map","id":"leaflet-map-paragraph-location-2244-field-geodata--2"}
(631) 286-0485 C/O Long Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex 340 Smith Road Shirley, NY 11967-2258
Town of Oyster Bay permits are required for shell fishing. For additional information on permit eligibility and requirements, shellfishing guidelines, and to apply for permits, please contact the Town of Oyster Bay Clerk’s office.
Activities
Featured Species
Get Involved
National wildlife refuges provide many opportunities for you to help your community and fish and wildlife by doing what you love. Refuges partner with volunteers, youth groups, landowners, and neighbors to make a lasting difference through conservation, habitat restoration, and environmental education.
Services
The Congressman Lester Wolff Oyster Bay National Wildlife Refuge
About
Established in 1968 as a donation from the Town of Oyster Bay, this 3,209-acre refuge serves as a critical marine habitat for migratory birds and wintering waterfowl. It is unique within the National Wildlife Refuge System for being primarily a bay-bottom refuge, encompassing the waters and marshes of Oyster Bay and Cold Spring harbors. In 2020, it was renamed to honor Congressman Lester Wolff, who spent his career protecting the bay's natural integrity. The refuge supports significant populations of wintering waterfowl, northern diamondback terrapins, and host of other marine organisms.