The Fishers Island Conservancy is proud to be part of the newly opened Silver Eel–Race Point Coastal Trail and the dedication of the Janet Harvey Sanctuary – two projects that highlight what’s possible when the island comes together around a shared vision for conservation and public access!
This new trail links Silver Eel Cove to Race Point and travels through a mix of restored and protected landscapes, including Ferry Park, where the Conservancy has led extensive habitat restoration and native planting efforts over the past several years. It’s an area we’ve worked hard to return to native coastal meadow and pollinator-friendly habitat, and we’re excited to now have it accessible as part of a continuous public trail on the island’s West End.
One key section of the trail travels over the 1,200-foot berm created by the Fishers Island Ferry District in 2022. That project used over 2,500 cubic yards of clean sand dredged from Silver Eel Cove to build a graded berm between the high tide line and the parking area. The Ferry District invited the Conservancy to advise on stabilizing and beautifying the berm and we were thrilled to recommend, source, and sponsor the planting of native grasses. Today, that stretch is lush, protected, and an important part of the trail corridor.
The trail winds from the Lighthouse Works Public Art installation, through Ferry Park and the Ordnance, into the newly established Janet Harvey Sanctuary, and onward to the meadows, shorelines, and historic sites at Race Point.
The five-acre Janet Harvey Sanctuary was made possible through a license agreement with the Fishers Island Waste Management District. It protects a section of coastal habitat along with historic Fort Wright structures, offering views over Long Island Sound and back toward the Fort’s inland batteries. Named in honor of Janet Hardie Harvey, the sanctuary reflects her commitment to both the natural world and ensuring island landscapes are available to all.
This project is the result of collaboration across the Museum, the Waste Management District, the Ferry District, the Conservancy, and Brad and Mary Burnham, owners of the Ordnance property. It’s the kind of partnership work that’s essential to sustaining the island’s ecological and cultural heritage.
The community is invited to join the dedication and opening walk this Sunday, August 10, at 9 AM at the Ordnance (between the Paddle Courts and the FICC). Light breakfast, coffee, and brief remarks will be followed by a trail walk.
Later in the day at 4 PM, Museum Director Pierce Rafferty will give a talk on the island’s conservation history.
We’re proud to have contributed to this effort and look forward to seeing the community on the trail!
