Miracle Mile - Gardiner Park (Bay Shore)

Every trail has a story to tell. At Gardiner County Park, that story winds through towering woodlands, freshwater wetlands, and the shoreline of the Great South Bay, revealing how each environment shapes the life around it.
Join us for a Miracle Mile Walk, a guided foraging and trail study experience designed to help you slow down, observe more closely, and discover the natural patterns that most people walk right past. We'll cover approximately 1.7 miles of trail study over about 2 hours at a comfortable, unhurried pace.
As we explore, we'll discover:
* Edible and useful plants growing in a variety of habitats
* Animal sign, bird activity, and seasonal changes
* Natural materials with practical and historical uses
* The connections between forests, wetlands, and coastal ecosystems
* Opportunities to practice ethical stewardship along the trail
This walk continues the practice of ground study; returning to a place again and again to better understand its rhythms, seasonal changes, and the relationships that exist within it. Participants are encouraged to bring a notebook, sketchbook, or camera to begin documenting their own Miracle Mile journey.
We'll also introduce a few simple apps and field tools that can help support plant identification and nature journaling while encouraging the development of your own observation skills.
This experience is guided, safe, and beginner-friendly. No experience is needed.
Whether your interests include foraging, ecology, photography, journaling, wildlife, or simply spending more meaningful time outdoors, you'll leave with a deeper appreciation for one of Long Island's most beautiful South Shore preserves.
What to Bring
* Dress for the weather; layers are recommended
* Comfortable walking shoes or waterproof boots
* Water
* Optional: notebook or journal
* Optional: foraging gear such as a knife, clippers, or collection bag
Important Notes
* This is a family-friendly walk at a relaxed pace
* All foraging will be guided and discussed before any harvesting takes place
* We emphasize respectful, ethical interaction with the land
* Please be prepared for uneven trails and changing ground conditions
Event Details
Location: Gardiner County Park, Bay Shore
Time: 11:00 AM
Duration: Approximately 2 hours
Cost: $20
Capacity: Limited to 15 participants; registration required
Each Miracle Mile Walk offers a new opportunity to build a relationship with a different Long Island landscape. Come walk with us, discover something new, and begin seeing the trail through fresh eyes.