Sands Point Preserve

Join Hildur Palsdottir for an evening of nature-based mindfulness and meditation on the first Thursday of every month. Classes will be held in the beautiful rooms of the Preserve’s mansions, or in the Hempstead House Garden when weather permits.
With these sessions we will explore techniques specifically aimed at stress reduction. With kind curiosity Hildur adapts ancient Buddhist teachings to modern applications for calming the mind. Meditation practice helps us become aware of our thoughts and better manage our moods. With transformative practices you will access wisdom and clarity to live a more compassionate life. Regular meditation practice can improve attention and focus and supports a better outlook on life. In addition to facilitating these monthly groups, Hildur will offer support with establishing a home meditation practice. No feeling is final. Join us in becoming one with the flow of experience.
Chairs will be provided, but guests are welcome to bring a meditation cushion, pillow or mat.
Chairs will be provided, but guests are welcome to bring a meditation cushion, pillow or mat.
<a href="https://ci.ovationtix.com/34272/production/1188761" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Register Online</a>

Admission (includes parking and all fees): 
Members: $17 per class 
Non-Members: $25 per class
<a href="https://ci.ovationtix.com/34272/production/1188761" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Purchase tickets online here.</a>
ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR:
Hildur Palsdottir is a certified meditation instructor, Reiki Master Teacher and the co-founder of<a href="https://www.sol.center/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">&nbsp;Sol Center</a>, a nature-based healing arts center in Port Washington. She works as a natural resource educator with the Cornell Cooperative Extension, Nassau, and guides after school nature appreciation classes at the Sands Point Preserve. She feels passionate about rewilding, ecosystem restoration and care for both our inner and outer nature.
Hildur practices meditation with Lama Willa and Lama Liz at the Natural Dharma Fellowship (NDF) and coordinates NDF EcoDharma program. She sits on the advisory board at the<a href="https://centerforearthethics.org/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">&nbsp;Center for Earth Ethics</a>, whose mission it is to facilitate a viable value system based on protecting the rights of nature and all people. Hildur is a co-founder of<a href="https://www.rewildlongisland.org/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">&nbsp;ReWild Long Island</a>, steering committee member of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.transitiontownpw.org/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Transition Town</a>&nbsp;Port Washington and President of the Board of Trustees at The<a href="https://www.smli.org/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">&nbsp;Science Museum</a>&nbsp;of Long Island. She contributes to an environmental column Earth Matters in the Island Now newspaper.

Local Event: Monthly Meditation 

Nassau County

Port Washington

New York

Monthly Meditation 

Join Hildur Palsdottir for an evening of nature-based mindfulness and meditation on the first Thursday of every month. Classes...

Interior access to Falaise is available by scheduled guided tours only from June – October. Tours are limited in group size and tend to sell out. Tickets are only available to purchase day-of in Castle Gould’s Welcome Center, open Wednesday – Sunday at 11am. Please arrive early to purchase tickets.
PLEASE NOTE: Falaise tours are&nbsp;designed for adults and 12 year olds and up; younger children are not permitted
This cliff-side French Norman-style mansion was the residence of Captain Harry F. Guggenheim and his wife, Alicia Patterson, founder of Newsday. Explore the exquisite artwork, antiques, and furnishings inside one of the most inviting mansions on the Gold Coast.
Falaise Tours&nbsp;
Fridays at 12, 1, 2, &amp; 3pm 
Saturdays at 12 &amp; 2pm 
Sundays at 12 &amp; 2pm 
*THERE WILL BE NO FALAISE TOURS ON SEPT 27 AND OCT 4
Falaise tour tickets are $15 per person, payable at the Welcome Center. 
Tickets are available for purchase day-of only –&nbsp;advance ticket sales are not available. 
Tours have limited availability, arrive early to ensure your spot. 
Entrance to the Preserve is free for Conservancy members; $15 per car for non-members.
Please note: 
-Falaise tours are&nbsp;designed for adults and 12 year olds and up; younger children are not permitted 
-Photography is not allowed 
-No large backpacks or handbags 
–This historic home does not have air conditioning and has limited handicap access 
-Visitors must be able to walk easily and climb flights of stairs 
-No pets allowed

Local Event: Falaise Tour - 12, 1, 2 & 3pm

Falaise Tour - 12, 1, 2 & 3pm

Interior access to Falaise is available by scheduled guided tours only from June – October. Tours are limited in group size and...

Local Event: Tour Falaise - 12 and 2 pm

Tour Falaise - 12 and 2 pm

Celebrate the Autumn season at our Fall Fun Fest with activities for children of all ages!
All activities are free with Fall Fun Fest admission, excluding food trucks and Autumn Market.
<ul>
<li>Pumpkin Painting</li>
<li>Face Painting</li>
<li>Live Music</li>
<li>Puppet Shows with Wonderspark Puppets</li>
<li>Animal Presentations</li>
<li>Family Games</li>
<li>Bird watching with North Shore Audubon Society</li>
<li>Meet Oriana, the Harvest Bubble Fairy</li>
<li>Meet adoptable pets with NCSPCA<img src="http://sandspointpreserveconservancy.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/DSC9254-683x1024.jpg"></li>
<li>Family Photo Opportunities and more!</li>
</ul>
Also on site: Food Trucks, local honey, and an Autumn Market!
October 4, rescheduled from Sept. 27

Admission: (includes parking) 
Members: $40 per car 
Non-Members: $45 per car 
Payments are received at the Gate House 
Fall Fun Fest pricing will begin at 9:00am

Local Event: Fall Fun Fest at Sands Point Preserve

Fall Fun Fest at Sands Point Preserve

Celebrate the Autumn season at our Fall Fun Fest with activities for children of all ages!
All activities are free with Fall...

Join us for this series of all-ages walks as we explore different aspects of the preserve’s environment, encompassing its unique physical features and wildlife, as well as critical conservation issues and helpful practices to create a healthy, sustainable environment.
Our expert guide, environmental educator Hildur Palsdottir, brings a range of perspectives for each outdoor adventure. Hildur will engage audiences in hands-on nature discovery activities, as we celebrate the changing seasons!
Next walk: Autumn’s Palette – Saturday, October 24 at 10am
Join us for a guided nature walk to celebrate the beauty of Fall! Environmental Educator Hildur Palsdottir will teach us how to identify local trees by their leaves and nuts. Discover why leaves change color, the benefits of “leaf litter” and how plant and animal life prepare for winter.
Admission (includes parking and all fees): 
Members:&nbsp;$10 per adult; children are free 
Non-Members:&nbsp;$15 per adult, $5 per child; includes parking 
Pay at the Gatehouse and meet at Castle Gould’s Clock Tower.
Check back for additional 2026 dates!

Local Event: Guided Nature Walk: Autumn's Palette

Guided Nature Walk: Autumn's Palette

Join us for this series of all-ages walks as we explore different aspects of the preserve’s environment, encompassing its...

Spend 24 hours in our woods during our Overnight Survival challenge! Instructor Mike Evans will guide this immersive experience, designed for both newcomers and returning outdoor enthusiasts. We’ll revisit foundational skills in foraging, fire-making, cordage and more, while also introducing fresh new concepts for those who have taken our monthly survival courses.
Guests will share in a communal dinner where everyone shares their favorite camping dishes, then enjoy a complimentary hot breakfast on Sunday morning. This challenge isn’t just a test; it’s a testament to your readiness for whatever the wild may hold!
This program is geared for adults and children 14+ only. Minors under 18 must have an accompanying adult.
Date: Saturday, October 24 at 12pm – Sunday, October 25 at 12pm
Tickets (includes parking and all fees): 
Members: $134 per person 
Nonmembers: $145 per person
<a href="https://ci.ovationtix.com/34272/production/1282426" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Purchase tickets online.</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;For more information call 516-570-2185.
Participants should bring camping&nbsp;gear to&nbsp;spend the night comfortably, and the following gear/supplies are recommended:
<ul>
<li>Sleeping bag</li>
<li>Tent</li>
<li>Day hiking books</li>
<li>Bird guide</li>
<li>Weather-appropriate clothes (layers recommended)</li>
<li>Work gloves</li>
<li>Camping / Survival Knife (some will be on hand to borrow and/or purchase)</li>
<li>Your favorite “go to” camp-out food for potluck dinner</li>
<li>Mess kit: Plate / bowl / cup / utensils (otherwise disposables will be on hand)</li>
<li>Energy snacks</li>
<li>Optional: your favorite fire maker</li>
<li>Optional: bug spray</li>
</ul>
24-HOUR SCHEDULE
Saturday 
12 – 2 pm: Make camp and Shelter Building 
2 – 4 pm: Foraging &amp; Fire Making 
4 – 6 pm: Cooking – Pot Luck 
6 – 7 pm: Cleanup Dinner 
7 – 10 pm: Skills practice around the fire: Cordage, Burn Bowls, Fire Making 
10 pm: Sleep or campfire stories
Sunday 
7 – 8 am: Early Morning Nature Walk 
8 – 9 am: Breakfast served in Castle Gould 
9 – 10 am: Resource&nbsp;walk back via beach 
10 – 11:30 am: Open Skills Practice 
11 am – 12 pm: Clean up, pack up
About the instructor:
Michael A. Evans is the founder and CEO of Synchronicity Coaching Inc., a Long Island–based organization dedicated to helping people connect mind, body, and community through experiential learning. Under the Synchronicity umbrella, Michael has created and led programs across multiple disciplines — including Forgotten Skillz (ancestral crafts and sustainability), Ninja Née (STEM and science adventures for kids), and Vision Martial Arts (child development–based martial arts training).
With a background in coaching, education design, and holistic wellness, Michael blends science, history, culture, and hands-on exploration to make learning meaningful and accessible for all ages. His programs have been featured at libraries, schools, business masterminds, and community centers across the country, and emphasize creativity, curiosity, and personal growth through real-world discovery

Local Event: 24 Hour Wilderness Survival 

24 Hour Wilderness Survival 

Spend 24 hours in our woods during our Overnight Survival challenge! Instructor Mike Evans will guide this immersive...

The Sands Point Preserve Conservancy cordially invites you to our
Halloween Ball: Down the Rabbit Hole 
Saturday, October 24, 2026 
VIP Experience at the Mad Hatter’s Tea: 7-8pm 
General Admission: 8-11pm 
Hempstead House
Travel down the rabbit hole and step into a twisted Wonderland where nothing is quite as it seems. Along with the usual–dinner, an open bar, and an unrivaled dance party–you can also expect the UNusual–curious characters and mysterious mischief. Lose yourself in an evening of enchantment, revelry, and deliciously dark delights. But remember: once you go down the rabbit hole, there’s no turning back.
Costumes are encouraged but not required. In the absence of a costume, cocktail attire is requested.
General Admission Tickets: 
Halloween Ball 
8-11pm 
$250 + credit card fees
General Admission tickets provide access to the Halloween Ball, which includes dinner, a full open bar, and dancing, all in a fully decorated Hempstead House.
<a href="https://ci.ovationtix.com/34272/production/1290467" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE GENERAL ADMISSION TICKETS</a>
VIP Experience: 
Mad Hatter’s Tea 
7-8pm
Before the Halloween Ball begins, spend an hour at the Mad Hatter’s Tea. Gain exclusive access to our twisted tea party, where you can sip special cocktails with the quirky creatures of our warped Wonderland. Extend your evening and find out what awaits in the Mad Hatter’s world.
VIP Packages provide access to both the Mad Hatter’s Tea and the Halloween Ball. See package details below for pricing.
<hr>
VIP Packages:
The White Rabbit – $1,000
<ul>
<li>2 VIP Experience + Halloween Ball Tickets</li>
<li>Half-page ad in our digital journal, displayed online and on screen at the Ball</li>
<li>Invitation to an exclusive 2027 event</li>
</ul>
The Cheshire Cat – $3,000
<ul>
<li>6 VIP Experience + Halloween Ball Tickets</li>
<li>Half-page ad in our digital journal, displayed online and on screen at the Ball</li>
<li>Invitation to an exclusive 2027 event</li>
<li>One complimentary 12-month Conservancy membership</li>
</ul>
The Queen of Hearts – $5,000
<ul>
<li>10 VIP Experience + Halloween Ball Tickets</li>
<li>Full-page ad in our digital journal, displayed online and on screen at the Ball</li>
<li>Invitation to an exclusive 2027 event</li>
<li>One complimentary 12-month Conservancy membership</li>
</ul>
The Mad Hatter – $10,000
<ul>
<li>20 VIP Experience + Halloween Ball Tickets</li>
<li>Double-page ad in our digital journal, displayed online and on screen at the Ball</li>
<li>Invitation to an exclusive 2027 event</li>
<li>Two complimentary 12-month Conservancy memberships</li>
</ul>
<a href="https://ci.ovationtix.com/34272/store/donations/63101" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A VIP PACKAGE</a>
For more information, please contact Melanie Dunbar at <a href="mailto:melanie.dunbar@sandspointpreserve.org">melanie.dunbar@sandspointpreserve.org</a> or 516-570-2236.
PLEASE NOTE: 
-Tickets are non-refundable 
-The event is strictly 21+

Local Event: Halloween Ball 2026 

Halloween Ball 2026 

The Sands Point Preserve Conservancy cordially invites you to our
Halloween Ball: Down the Rabbit Hole 
Saturday, October 24,...

Join Mike Evans on an immersive experience through the dark trails of the Preserve. On this guided hike, we invite you to slow down, awaken your senses, and discover the fascinating world that comes alive a night.
Rather than a simple walk through the woods, we’ll explore the idea that darkness is part of the ecosystem – a living habitat that shapes the behavior of wildlife, plants and even ourselves. We’ll explore how our senses change after sunset, how nocturnal animals experience the landscape, how humans relate to darkness, and how light pollution affects the living world around us.
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply curious about what happens after the sun goes down, this walk offers a unique evening of exploration, learning, and community under the stars.
Monday, October 26 at 6:30 – 8 PM 
Rain Date: Tuesday, October 27
This event is for adults; youth 12+ are welcome with an accompanying adult. 
<a href="https://ci.ovationtix.com/34272/production/1284278" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Purchase tickets online</a>. Space is limited.
Admission, includes parking and all fees: 
Members: $23 
Nonmember: $27.50

Local Event: Full Moon Hike

Full Moon Hike

Join Mike Evans on an immersive experience through the dark trails of the Preserve. On this guided hike, we invite you to slow...

Sands Point Preserve Conservancy

Melanie Gulbas

New York City Metropolitan Area

GARDENS, FOREST TRAILS, AND WOODLAND PLAYGROUND OPEN WEDNESDAYS - SUNDAYS TO 5PM. Join the Conservancy for Free Admission!

Great Neck

Glen Cove

New York City

Queens County

Bayside-Douglaston

New Hyde Park

Westchester County

Pelham

Mineola

Jeff Edwards

Larchmont-Mamaroneck

New Rochelle

Garden City

Oyster Bay

Friends Academy

Friends Academy Invites Surrounding Communities to Celebrate 150 Years at Historic Fall Fair on October 3

New: Food Trucks! Grit Ninja! Permanent Jewelry! Petting Zoo!
LOCUST VALLEY, NEW YORK — Open to everyone, the annual Fall Fair at Friends Academy promises adults and children of all ages a spectacular day of family fun, thrilling rides, diverse culinary offerings, and spirited athletic events on the school’s 65-acre campus.
Held October 3 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., the cherished tradition takes on even greater meaning this year as Friends celebrates its historic 150th anniversary.&nbsp;
The carnival portion of the Fall Fair will feature games and rides such as the Zipper, Super Slide, Cliffhanger, Tornado, Happy Swing, Dizzy Dragon, and Round-Up. Ride bracelets will be available for purchase at the Fair or on Friends Academy’s website: <a href="https://www.friendsacademy.org/the-latest/school-events/fall-fair" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.friendsacademy.org/the-latest/school-events/fall-fair</a>.
This year’s Fall Fair features an expanded and exciting lineup of food trucks and booths serving something for every appetite. Guests can enjoy empanadas, BBQ, ice cream, Italian-inspired favorites, Gourmasian, and Caribbean cuisine, as well as classic treats from the Quaker Baker, Friends Fries, and Quenchers.
Throughout the day, families can explore a wide variety of activities, including a free petting zoo and Grit Ninja Obstacle Course. There will also be face painting, a photo booth, airbrush T-shirts and hats, permanent jewelry, henna artistry, hair tinsel, candy sushi, trading cards, and more.&nbsp;
While laughter fills the air at the carnival, the Friends Academy girls’ field hockey team will face North Shore High School at 1 p.m. on the Turf Field behind the school. At 3 p.m., the Friends Academy boys’ soccer team will host Clarke High School on the Turf Field.&nbsp;
On October 3, Friends Academy will also honor the memory of Brian Hom, a track star who was a member of the Class of 2011 and tragically died in a car accident during the spring of his senior year.&nbsp;
The 15th annual Brian Hom Memorial Run &amp; Walk will be held on campus at 8:30 a.m.; this event requires advanced registration and proceeds will benefit the Brian James Hom Scholarship. Established in the spring of 2011, the scholarship honors Friends Academy students who embody Brian’s innate generosity, personal warmth, wonderful sense of humor, and live by his motto, “I am the me I choose to be.”&nbsp;
The Fall Fair will be held rain or shine. For more information, or to register for the Memorial Run &amp; Walk, please visit the Friends Academy website: <a href="https://www.friendsacademy.org/the-latest/school-events/fall-fair" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.friendsacademy.org/the-latest/school-events/fall-fair</a>

Local Event: Friends Academy Fall Fair

Locust Valley

Friends Academy Fall Fair

Friends Academy Invites Surrounding Communities to Celebrate 150 Years at Historic Fall Fair on October 3

New: Food Trucks!...

Nearby Communities

State Edition

National Edition

Posting Activity

Monthly Meditation

OCT

1

6:00 PM

Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middle Neck Rd, Sands Point, NY

Falaise Tour - 12, 1, 2 & 3pm

OCT

2

12:00 PM

Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middle Neck Rd, Sands Point, NY

Tour Falaise - 12 and 2 pm

OCT

3

12:00 PM

Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middle Neck Rd, Sands Point, NY

Fall Fun Fest at Sands Point Preserve

OCT

4

12:00 PM

Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middle Neck Rd, Sands Point, NY

Guided Nature Walk: Autumn's Palette

OCT

24

10:00 AM

Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middle Neck Rd, Sands Point, NY

24 Hour Wilderness Survival

OCT

24

12:00 PM

Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middle Neck Rd, Sands Point, NY

Halloween Ball 2026

OCT

24

8:00 PM

Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middle Neck Rd, Sands Point, NY

Full Moon Hike

OCT

26

6:30 PM

Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middle Neck Rd, Sands Point, NY

Friends Academy Fall Fair