By Scott Brinton
As soon as Nurmi walked a few steps ashore, the tern seized the moment. The anxious white-and-black bird dived headfirst into the murky Meadow Brook.
Nurmi, the Levy Preserve's chief ranger, turned quickly to catch the action. But the tern had already grabbed a fish from the water and was gone, disappearing into the abundant green reeds across the canal.
Nurmi noted that the tern is but one of 170 bird species that nest and hunt amid the Spartina grass that fills the tidal wetlands west and south of the 50-acre Levy Preserve. So, she said, birdwatchers would no doubt love to take a Town of Hempstead kayak eco-tour through the area, led by town rangers. For that matter, anyone who appreciates nature would enjoy a tour, she said.
The town launched its maiden tour under sunny skies last Friday for a small group of residents and journalists. Nurmi, a former property manager who majored in political science at Boston University, led the excursion.
She said she thoroughly enjoys her second career as a park ranger. On the tour, the longtime Merrick resident spoke about the tidal wetlands, and how they act as a breeding ground for fish and shellfish. She explained how the Levy Preserve was once a landfill -- and how the wetlands surrounding it were once filled with garbage.
When the town created the Levy Preserve in 1999 at a cost of $15 million, it restored the wetlands, removing tons of trash and planting three acres of Spartina grass in the saltwater marsh. Now ospreys and white egrets ply its tidal canals, along with diamondback terrapin turtles and even the occasional red fox.
Jim Muhlbauer of Massapequa, an assistant ranger and avid kayaker, helped lead the tour, while assistant ranger Mike Natale of West Hempstead kept close watch from shore to ensure the participants' safety.
Earlier in the day, town officials, including Supervisor Kate Murray, cut the ribbon on the new program. "I can think of no more fitting addition to Levy Preserve's ecological adventures than our new guided kayak eco-tours," said Murray. "Paddling down the restored Meadow Brook and into Merrick Bay is invigorating, and our rangers will provide interactive presentations on local wildlife, conservation and the environment."
Murray said she sees the eco-tour as one part of a larger effort by the town to expand its environmental programs. She noted that Hempstead has purchased a number of hybrid garbage trucks, which will run on electricity and diesel fuel rather than just diesel, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Town Councilwoman Angie Cullin said, "I can't wait to kayak down the Meadow Brook. I know of no comparable tour experience by area governments."
The town is holding ranger-led kayak tours on Saturdays and Sundays. The maximum tour size is 10 people. Kayakers paddle about two miles, and the tour lasts about an hour and a half. Sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat and old sneakers are recommended. The tour is free, but reservations are required. Kayak rental is $20 for a single boat and $30 for a tandem. Call (516) 804-2000 for reservations.
Nurmi added that residents can bring their own kayaks and launch them from the Levy Preserve, either as part of a guided tour or on their own. "It's a feeling of joy seeing people enjoy the outdoors," she said. "Everyone's enthusiastic. They love the birds. They love the view."
Comments about this story? SBrinton@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 203.
