Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary and Audubon Center

Construction Begins on the Visitor Center at the Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary and Audubon Center

Thanks to generous donors, this Long Island-based nature center is breaking ground on the final phase of a major revitalization.

Front sign at Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary and Audubon Center.
Front sign at Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary and Audubon Center. Photo: Diana Wilson/Audubon

Thanks to the generosity of donors, phase two of the new Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary and Audubon Center has officially begun! The renovation of the White House started in March and is scheduled to be completed before January 2023 - just in time for our 100th Anniversary! 

By undertaking urgent repairs, restoring select original components of the structure, and building an additional classroom space, we will create a hub of Audubon’s conservation work on Long Island.

The revitalization of this historic nature sanctuary began in 2017 when Audubon New York developed a master plan for TRSAC that reimagines the Sanctuary facilities and grounds as a gateway to outdoor exploration and a pathway to environmental stewardship.  

To date, the completed improvements include a new entrance plaza, ADA accessible pathways, and restoration of the historic fountain plaza. The core area of the property has been planted with 21,000 native plants and serves as a demonstration site for bird and pollinator friendly gardens. 

These projects will enhance the visitor experience, expand education and conservation programming, and advance historical understanding of environmental conservation. 

The current renovations represent the final phase of a $3.2 million capital project to transform TRSAC as a stunning Oyster Bay preserve and a space for community members to engage in Audubon’s community conservation work, coastal stewardship, and environmental education initiatives.  TRSAC will also serve as the home base for Audubon NY’s Coastal Resiliency and salt marsh restoration work.   

Bird and pollinator friendly gardens.
Bird and pollinator friendly gardens. Photo: Diana Wilson/Audubon

Construction began in April 2022, and we anticipate completion before the end of the year. Once complete, TRSAC will have a Visitor Center and educational space to pay tribute to Theodore Roosevelt’s conservation legacy and the Sanctuary’s historic community education efforts on Long Island. 

We are so thankful for the continued community support and to our donors for making this possible.

Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary and Audubon Center serves a general population and in a typical year welcomes approximately 11,000 visitors and program participants, including approximately 2,000 youth. 

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