Nature Conservancy Transfers Historic Building and Nature Sanctuary to Non-Profit

VAN WYCK-LEFFERTS TIDE MILL SANCTUARY, INC. TAKES OWNERSHIP AND STEWARDSHIP OF THE 18TH CENTURY MILL AND SURROUNDING ACREAGE 

Cold Spring Harbor, NY (January, 2019) – The Nature Conservancy today announced the transfer of a 17-acre parcel to a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to promote responsible public access and enjoyment of the Van Wyck-Lefferts Tide Mill and the Mill Cove Waterfowl Sanctuary in the Village of Lloyd Harbor in Huntington, New York.

The new organization will repair, maintain and preserve the unique building, the best preserved 18th century tidal gristmill in the country known to remain in its original location. The adjacent pond will remain a sanctuary for resident and migratory waterfowl.

“We are confident the dam and neighboring pond will be well taken care of by the Van Wyck-Lefferts Tide Mill Sanctuary, Inc.,” said Nancy Kelley, Director of The Nature Conservancy on Long Island. “We are so pleased to be working with a concerned group of citizens who will protect this valuable historic resource.”

“Stewardship of this historically unique and environmentally sensitive property is both a great privilege and a sobering responsibility,” said Richard Hamburger, President of the new non-profit. “We look forward to caring for this property and sharing it with the larger community.”

The Van Wyck-Lefferts Tide Mill Sanctuary, Inc. is in the process of securing permits and approvals for a substantial dam repair project to begin in the spring, and developing a long-range plan for the preservation and maintenance of the mill and dam.  The organization will be partnering with the Huntington Historical Society to continue and expand tours and other public education activities.

The pond, dam and tide mill were originally gifted to The Nature Conservancy in 1969 and 1972 by concerned local residents who sought to protect the unique structures and natural values of the site. In the following decades, the Conservancy has invested considerable resources, including both private and public funds, to protect, restore and repair the historic tide mill and dam. 

Significant support was provided by grants through the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. The Nature Conservancy has also made a grant with the transfer of property to help underwrite the costs for repair, maintenance and management of the preserve and the structures on it. 

Individuals wishing to get involved or contribute may visit www.huntingtontidemill.org or contact Richard Hamburger.  For the Huntington Historical Society, contact Toby Kissam at robertkissam@gmail.com.

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