Wetlands

Snug Harbor’s ten acres of state-mapped wetlands are one of the most vibrant natural habitats on our campus—a peaceful sanctuary filled with diverse plant and animal life. This living landscape is not only beautiful to explore, but also plays a crucial ecological role: wetlands filter water, reduce flooding, store carbon, and provide essential breeding and feeding grounds for wildlife. They are some of the most life-supporting ecosystems on the planet, and here at Snug Harbor, you can experience them up close.

A tree-lined walking trail encircles the wetlands, offering visitors a quiet place to stroll, observe wildlife, and enjoy the changing scenery throughout the seasons. Thanks to support from the NYS Regional Economic Development Council, our wetlands viewing platform—completed in 2025—now makes it even easier for school groups and community members to safely look out over the marsh, take water and soil samples, and learn about this extraordinary environment.

These wetlands hold a unique history. From the early- to mid-20th century, the area was dominated by a large industrial power plant that supplied electricity to Snug Harbor’s former hospital, morgue, and sanitorium. Today, nature has fully reclaimed the space. Visitors may spot blue herons, egrets, hummingbirds, snapping turtles, bats, and hundreds of other species that rely on the wetlands for food and shelter. At sunset, it’s even the only place on Staten Island where you can see a Common Nighthawk swooping through the sky.

Whether you’re here to learn, birdwatch, take photos, or simply enjoy a quiet moment in nature, Snug Harbor’s wetlands invite you to slow down and experience one of the most ecologically rich corners of our grounds.