A boost for Tackapausha

To many local residents, the Tackapausha Museum and Preserve is Seaford’s hidden gem, tucked away on the east side of the community, along the Massapequa border. With animal exhibits and miles of wooded trails, it brings a different dimension to an otherwise suburban locale.

The Friends of Tackapausha, a group dedicated to supporting education and preservation efforts at the Nassau County park, has officially been recognized by the county after a years-long process. The group can now implement its own programs at the preserve, which spans 84 acres from Jerusalem Avenue to Merrick Road.

While the Friends group has been around for several years, and is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit agency, its recognition by the county allows for a greater partnership with Tackapausha’s staff. “Our goal is to help the museum, whether it’s by running our own programs or helping the staff with programs,” said Lorraine Bondi-Goldsmith, of Plainview, the group’s president.

A formal agreement had to be drawn up between Nassau County and the Friends group, and the organization also had to get insurance. Bondi-Goldsmith said the county will pick up the cost of insurance for the first year, but the Friends will be required to pay it going forward.

“It’s been a process but we finally are there,” she said. “How long a process it was really isn’t important. We’re here now.”

The organization is hardly unique, as there are similar Friends groups at other county parks, including Garvies Point Museum in Glen Cove and the Sands Point Preserve. Bondi-Goldsmith said that Friends of Tackapausha is looking to mimic the success of those organizations.

“Friends groups are a great way for the county to partner with community members for the betterment of the facility,” said Brian Nugent, Nassau County Parks commissioner. “We hope to partner with Friends of Tackapausha to further beautify the preserve and assistance with the museum.”

The museum, on Washington Avenue at the southern end of the preserve, opened in 1965 and has numerous animal exhibits featuring birds, small mammals and reptiles. Nature trails run through the woods north to Jerusalem Avenue.

“When you’re in the middle of that place, you might as well be in the middle of Montana,” said Peter Ruffner, a lifelong Seaford resident and Friends of Tackapausha board member. “What an oasis that is.”

Ruffner said the mission of the Friends group going forward will be to increase awareness of the facility. He would like to see more people coming to the museum and using the nature trails.