Hope Goddard Iselin Preserve

Hope Goddard Iselin Preserve is a beautiful 42-acre nature preserve located in Upper Brookville that offers families a wonderful opportunity to explore Long Island's natural heritage. The preserve features three distinct landscapes: a hardwood forest, a white pine plantation planted in the 1930s, and a colorful meadow. In 2018, the North Shore Land Alliance upgraded the entrance with an attractive bluestone gravel parking area and rustic split rail fence, making the preserve more welcoming and accessible to visitors of all ages. Families visiting Hope Goddard Iselin Preserve can enjoy leisurely walks along interpretive trails that reveal the area's natural wonders. Kids will love spotting wildlife including birds like the Eastern Towhee and Black-capped Chickadee, colorful butterflies such as the Spicebush Swallowtail, and if they're lucky, a red fox. One of the most fascinating attractions is the glacial erratic—a massive boulder in the middle of the forest that was transported hundreds of miles by a continental glacier over 25,000 years ago, offering a tangible connection to Long Island's geological history. The preserve's native plantings include over 100 species such as wood fern, witch hazel, mountain laurel, and native sunflowers, creating a picturesque setting for nature observation and outdoor education. The property is dedicated to Mrs. Iseline, a nature enthusiast who lived over 100 years, and was transferred to the North Shore Land Alliance in 2015. On-site parking is available free of charge, making it an accessible and affordable destination for families exploring Long Island's protected natural areas.