The Environment

‘This will help us improve the ecology of both the upland areas of the site and the wetland buffer areas and start to deal with the water-quality issues of Sag Harbor Cove through the use of rain gardens and bioswales.’

- Ed Hollander - Landscape Architect.

John Steinbeck Waterfront Park will feature only local plantings in an effort to create a natural and environmentally friendly haven.   The restoration of native species will start at the waterfront with drought-tolerant beach perennials such as Salt Marsh Cord Grass (Spartina alterniflora) and Beach Grasses (Ammophila breviligulata) moving through the high marsh area  filled with Salt Hay (Spartina patens).    

Paths, dedicated to literary and maritime historic moments in the village history, will wind up and away from the water.  In these paths we will find plants such as Seaside Goldenrod (Solidago sempervirens) a major food source for migrating Monarch Butterflies, and other familiar East End shrubbery like bayberry, beach plum and marsh elder.

Throughout the park will be rain gardens and bio-swales naturally controlling flooding and dry periods in the park, without the use of excessive irrigation.  

Indigenous shade trees will allow for mid-day relaxation in the park, while lower beach shrubs afford views from Main Street and Bay Street to the waterfront.  Even the paths and boardwalks will be ecologically forward using sustainable woods and recycled and environmentally-sound paving’s.

Hardscape features may include pieces of Sag Harbor history such as railroad ties found in the recent renovation of Long Wharf or donated art work commemorating John Steinbeck, or large flat rocks as benches in the amphitheater that have been reclaimed over the years from various building projects in the Village.

Sag Harbor pledges to care for the park’s grass and greenery without synthetic pesticides, weedkillers and fertilizers except on rare occasions to resolve an infestation or to improve habitat for native plants and wildlife.