Great Gull Island, Southhold

About this episode

The episode explores the history and significance of Great Gull Island as a wildlife sanctuary and the contributions of Helen Hays.

Esperanza and Irwin never heard of Great Gull Island before stumbling on a 2025 NY Times article about it. Located within 2.5 miles of Plum Island within the Town of Southold, the island's early history is as Fort Michie, a military outpost, dating back to 1886. But our focus is more on its role as a massive wildlife sanctuary, home to the Western Hemisphere’s largest Tern colony. It's also the story of Helen Hays, who for 50 years, made Great Gull Island her life's work. Listening is Believing.

People in this episode

Hosts: Esperanza, Irwin

Topics covered

• wildlife sanctuary
• Tern colony
• military history
• Great Gull Island
• Helen Hays
• environmental conservation

Keywords

• Great Gull Island
• wildlife sanctuary
• Tern colony
• Helen Hays
• Fort Michie
• Southold
• environmental history

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: NY Times

Places: Great Gull Island, Plum Island, Town of Southold

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