After this cold snowy winter, it is great to say that spring is here. We can start putting away the heavy jackets, lace up our walking shoes, and again head outside.

Many of us during the pandemic have used our time away from others to explore the parks and open spaces around us.

We all know by now that it is more difficult to transmit COVID-19 outside, so for many of us, nature has become a refuge. As the outdoors have become more bearable, now is a great time for anyone that has been hesitant to see what parks in Suffolk County have to offer.

With this new season upon us, Suffolk County can help you make the most of the warmer weather. If you want to enjoy nature, take a walk through Cathedral Pines Park. It has well maintained trails and beautiful scenery to view as the trees start to bud and flowers bloom. Perhaps instead you want to head over to Southaven County Park.

With the striking Carmans River running through the park, it is a great place to picnic. Moreover, you can enjoy the picturesque bike trails through the pine-oak forest.

Now is a great time to check out the Vanderbilt Museum. It is a unique combination of mansion, marine and natural history museum, and planetarium. Many exhibition and program themes focus on Long Island’s Gold Coast Era. Programs also concentrate on William K. Vanderbilt II’s desire that his marine, natural history, and ethnographic collections promote appreciation and understanding of the marvelous diversity of life, other cultures, and scientific knowledge. Planetarium programming, more specifically, focuses on scientific knowledge and seeks to capture Mr. Vanderbilt’s sense of adventure and exploration through state-of-the-art entertainment. With beautiful grounds, now is a great time to explore this exceptional museum right here in our community.

If you want to stay closer to home, now is the time to start planting your garden. Check out your local greenhouse or nursery to start growing healthy foods and beautiful flowers. Spring is a great time to assess damage from winter, fix tools, tend to your lawn, make new beds, and plant from bare-root or container-grown plants. Before you begin, know that walking on or digging in soil when it is still too frozen and wet may compact it, and plant roots need soil to live their best lives. So, if the ground is still too hard or is fully saturated with water, be patient. If you are a beginner, certain fruits and vegetables are easier to cultivate than others are. Bell peppers, blackberries, raspberries, garlic, strawberries, and tomatoes are all simple starter plants with which to begin your new spring garden. With simple-to-grow fruits and veggies like these, you will discover just how easy, rewarding, and enjoyable growing your own meals can be.

With 50-, 60-, and even 70-degree weather in our forecast soon, it definitely feels like spring. There is a lot to do here in Suffolk County from our parks, museums, and even in your own backyard. I just ask that you continue to stay safe, healthy, and aware of the risks COVID-19 still poses our community.

If you still have not gotten your vaccine and you qualify under New York State guidelines, please call my office at 631-854-1400 and we can help you get an appointment. Stay safe, and enjoy the weather.