Writing a Thriller

Join the Story Round in this six-session thriller writing class, where suspense and creativity collide! Taught by experienced English teachers, Eva and Jenn, this workshop breaks down the structure and essential qualities of thrilling narratives, making it easy to craft your own gripping stories. Each session will focus on a different key element—plot, character development,  (Event Information)

Monthly Meditation

Join Hildur Palsdottir for an evening of nature-based mindfulness and meditation on the first Thursday of every month. Classes will be held in the beautiful rooms of the Preserve’s mansions, or in the Hempstead House Garden when weather permits. With these sessions we will explore techniques specifically aimed at stress reduction. With kind curiosity Hildur  (Event Information)

Black and White Warbler

North Shore Audubon Society Bird Walk

Join a team of expert guides from the North Shore Audubon Society for small group tours through the Preserve’s diverse habitats in search of migrating bird species as well as those that thrive here through year-round. Join a team of expert guides from the North Shore Audubon Society for small group tours through the Preserve’s  (Event Information)

Wilderness Survival Series

Join us for the second year of our Saturday Survival Series. Ideal for beginners and seasoned enthusiasts alike, this series is led by survival enthusiasts Eric Powers and Mike Evans. Dive into essential survival skills, from emergency preparedness to advanced bushcraft techniques, exploring key concepts like the Rule of 3s and the 5 Cs. Perfect  (Event Information)

Photograph of a forest in spring.

Ecotherapy 2025

Join certified guide Linda Lombardo for an Ecotherapy walk. Ecotherapy, also known as Forest Therapy or Forest Bathing, is not simply hiking in the woods, or a walk on a beach. The focus of Ecotherapy is on connection and relationship, allowing the heart to open to the beauty of the natural world, and at the  (Event Information)

Aerial view of the Sands Point Preserve

Hours and Admission

Welcome to the Sands Point Preserve! The Sands Point Preserve’s grounds are open for visitors – the Great Lawn, Hempstead House Garden, Woodland Playground, dog run, forest trails, and pond area. The Welcome Center & Gift Shop in Castle Gould is open Wednesdays through Sundays at 11 am – 6 pm.  Restrooms are available in  (Event Information)

Creatures of the Night: Evening Bat & Wildlife Program

Join Ranger Eric Powers for a presentation and nighttime walk through the Preserve in search of Long Island’s only flying mammal: the bat. Bats, while villainized in vampire movies and such, are important members of our ecosystem. Learn about the fascinating lives of our bats, as well as some of the other nocturnal animals that  (Event Information)

Princess Day at the Castle

A Grand Event at the Sands Point Preserve! Guests begin their royal journey by entering the majestic Hempstead House through its grand doors, where they are welcomed and informed that they will soon become true Princesses (or Princes!). Their quest begins as they meet all 7 Princesses around the house and work towards earning their  (Event Information)

Historical Walking Tour

Join us for a walking tour through history! Our expert docent will lead you across the Preserve to discover the history of the buildings and grounds, from the Goulds to the Guggenheims and beyond. This tour will begin outside Castle Gould, followed by a walk to the freshwater pond, and ending in the grand rooms  (Event Information)

Hempstead House Tours

See the grand rooms inside the massive 50,000-square-foot Tudor-style mansion, the former summer residence of Howard Gould (1912-1917) and later Daniel and Florence Guggenheim (1917-1930). PLEASE NOTE:  TOURS ARE LIMITED IN GROUP SIZE AND TEND TO SELL OUT.  PLEASE ARRIVE EARLY TO PURCHASE TICKETS.  OUR WELCOME CENTER WHERE TICKETS ARE PURCHASED OPENS AT 11AM.  PLEASE  (Event Information)

Sands Point Preserve Conservancy, 127 Middle Neck Road, Sands Point, New York 11050  |  Tel: 516.571.7901  |  Contact Us  |  Site Map