Sep 28, 2020
Plum Island is poised between its past and its future. Looking back, it contains evidence of its time as a coastal defense in the Spanish-American War, as well as a 19th-century, National Register-certified lighthouse. Looking ahead, it could become a publicly accessible nature preserve and cultural center, providing a haven for native flora and migrating animals. The pivot point is the Plum Island Animal Disease Center, which has given the Island much if its current identity and whose iminent demise has prompted concern for the Island's fate.
John Tuner, noted naturalist and spokesman for the
Preserve Plum Island Coalition, explains the issues involved and
the push to keep the Island from being sold off to the highest
bidder. We also discuss his work in the Pine Barrens and his
thoughts on Long Island's natural landscape.
Further Research
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