The Peter Hildebrand Memorial Nature Trail

Last Updated: 2/24/22; Contributors: Mindy-B.

Overall Observations: Tucked away in the northeast corner of Mather Memorial Hospital is a peaceful nature trail in a forested grove.

Long Island Explorer Observations: Beautiful trees, nice woodland, but invasive vines are hurting the trees. It's oriental bittersweet and it can be cut back so the top vines will die.

Trail Observations:  There is nearby SCWA land, and adjacent approx. 25 acres of "residential vacant land." The trail could use some blazes.

Wildlife Observations: On the return trail there were many flocking birds (robins) in south facing trees, as well as native wildflowers. This area will most very likely destroyed by the parking lot proposed development project.

What Needs Improvement: Some signage along the trail. It was hard to find the trail with a fresh layer of snow, but maybe more obvious without snow. Invasive species could be controlled with help from volunteers. Just recently learned - it appears that it's not really protected as a parking lot is being proposed, with trees cut, at least 2 acres. I looked at the development proposal. It looks likely this nature trail will be directly impacted with trees cut, and also destroy the secluded feeling of the trail. 

Editor's Note: I couldn't find any reference to who Peter Hildebrand is, and why this nature trail memorialized him.