The Hempstead Plains, the only natural tall grass prairie east of the Appalachian Mountains, once covered approximately 40,000 acres in the center of Nassau County on Long Island.
A unique ecological habitat, the Plains were home to a diverse community of plants and animals. Today, a remnant of the Plains continues to exist as a nature preserve, a unique gem in a heavily developed area.
The Plains played a prominent and unique role in American history. It served as the “Cradle of American Aviation,” a military training ground for over 200 years, a laboratory for suburbanization, and the scene of America’s first horse racing course.
The Nassau County Historical Society will host “The Natural and Human History of the Hempstead Plains,” a program with Dr. Paul van Wie, Professor of History at Molloy College set for Sunday, September 18th.
Dr. van Wie is the editor of the new book The Natural and Human History of the Hempstead Plains published by the Friends of Hempstead Plains.
This program will begin at 2 pm and will be held both in-person at the Jericho Library and virtually via Zoom. Refreshments and a book signing will follow the in-person program at the library. To register for the Zoom program, click here. For more information visit the Nassau County Historical Society website.
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