Peconic Land Trust announces conservation campaign to preserve natural landmark: Indian Rock in Rocky Point, NY

The Peconic Land Trust announces a community conservation campaign for the preservation of a unique natural landmark, Indian Rock in Rocky Point, NY. An immense, three story high glacial erratic, which has sat quietly in a Rocky Point neighborhood on land that belonged to one of the first English settlers on Long Island, Noah Hallock. Legend has it that Rocky Point’s name was inspired by this natural wonder.

The property has been listed for sale by the owner, who has agreed to give the Trust and community groups – including the Rocky Point Historical Society, The Rocky Point Civic Association and the Seatuck Environmental Association – time to raise funds for the acquisition. The Trust has until December 31, 2017 to raise $330,000 toward the purchase and restoration of the property, including the removal of the existing house.

The Trust has been advised that the house is not structurally sound and is slated for demolition – which may occur before the acquisition. If the Trust succeeds in acquiring the property, it plans to transform it into an open green space for the community. If the Trust does not acquire the property, it will likely once again, become a residential lot.

“We are honored to be working with the community to protect and preserve this natural landmark. Projects like the preservation of Indian Rock are inspiring for our team, allowing us to bring our skills in land conservation to help keep important community landmarks intact,” said John v.H. Halsey, President, Peconic Land Trust.

If saved, Indian Rock can become a community open space and outdoor classroom. Geologists estimate the boulder to be approximately 450 million years old, brought to North America during the glacial Ice Age that began a million years ago. It is believed that the boulder found its current resting place on Long Island between 18,000 and 20,000 years ago.

“Indian Rock, the largest boulder in Suffolk County, and quite possibly all of Long Island, is an ideal outdoor classroom for students of all ages,” explained John Turner, Conservation Policy Advocate for Seatuck Environmental Association. “There’s half a billion years’ worth of stories in the rock, with chapters to explain how rocks are made and the continents were formed and moved around. The boulder’s location on a lot in Rocky Point tells another chapter that details how Long Island was formed by glaciers during the Ice Age. This rock should be protected as a unique natural landmark and made accessible to students and anyone curious to learn more about the natural world around them.”

The boulder is on property that belonged to Noah Hallock, one of the first English settlers on Long Island. Today, Noah’s house is owned and preserved by the Rocky Point Historical Society and is the oldest house still standing in Rocky Point. The property had been subdivided earlier with Indian Rock being separated from the homestead property.

“As an historical society, we realize the importance of the preservation of Indian Rock for its historical significance in this area and the connection to the Noah Hallock Homestead. This is not only a geological treasure, but a point of pride for the community,” said Natalie Stiefel, President, Rocky Point Historical Society.

About the Peconic Land Trust

Founded in 1983, Peconic Land Trust conserves Long Island's working farms, natural lands, and heritage. Since its inception, the nonprofit Trust has worked conscientiously with landowners, communities, municipalities, partner organizations, and donors, to conserve approximately 12,000 acres of land on Long Island. The Trust's professional staff carries out the necessary research and planning to identify and implement alternatives to outright development. While working to conserve the productive farms, watersheds, woodlands, and beachfront of Long Island, the Trust is also protecting the unique rural heritage and natural resources of the region.

The Trust has Stewardship Centers in Cutchogue, Bridgehampton (Bridge Gardens), Southold (Agricultural Center at Charnews Farm and Shellfisher Preserve) and Amagansett (Quail Hill Farm) and its Main Office is in Southampton. The Trust depends primarily upon private donations to support its conservation work. A common misperception, however, is that the Peconic Land Trust collects and distributes the monies raised through the Peconic Bay Region Community Preservation Fund (the CPF is also referred to as the 2% land transfer tax or the Peconic Land Tax). This is NOT the case. The CPF is a public program managed by each of the five East End Towns for the protection of farmland, open space, and community character. For more information about the Peconic Land Trust visit www.peconiclandtrust.org or call 631.283.3195.