Between Stony Brook Harbor Tides: The Natural History of a Long Island Pocket Bay

"This thorough examination of Stony Brook Harbor, while of significant local interest, also provides a valuable resource to better plan for the futures of all our waterways and wetlands. Combining history and the latest scientific evidence in very readable format, R. Lawrence Swanson and Malcolm J. Bowman have written a book that offers readers a better understanding of the natural environment and its interconnectedness with society." — Long Island History Journal "…[this book] should be in every school library on Long Island … for those interested in the history, current conditions and future of our wetlands and waterways, this book is an essential read." — TBR News Media "This book is a small gem, an intimate look at a small local place that—like many small local places—is very special indeed. Many people have such places, often overlooked as too familiar, undervalued as too ordinary. The reader can take a hint from the authors and seek deeper acquaintance with one's own special places, wherever they are." — Carl Safina, author of The View from Lazy Point: A Natural Year in an Unnatural World "I was impressed by Between Stony Brook Harbor Tides' well-written and comprehensive overview of the rich history of Stony Brook Harbor. The research in this was thorough and well documented using both current and historical studies of Stony Brook Harbor. It is vital when looking forward to future planning of our waterways to examine the historical background, as this book does, in order to move forward without harming the natural ecosystems that have developed over many thousands of years." — Suffolk County Legislator Kara Hahn, 5th District "This book, by two eminent coastal oceanographers, is a must read for those interested or concerned with coastal community planning, management, or marine environmental processes." — Lee E. Koppelman, Executive Director Emeritus, Long Island Regional Planning Board "It was at Cordwood Beach at the southern end of Stony Brook Harbor, where, at the age of six, I saw my first horseshoe crab. 'Don't step on its tail; it's poisonous and will sting you,' I remember imploring my friend, and, in so doing, perpetuating a persistent myth about the animal. As Larry Swanson and Malcolm Bowman indicate, in this interesting and informative book, while horseshoe crab tails are sharp, and were used for spear tips by Native Americans, they are not poisonous. This and a good many more fascinating facts about the harbor's cultural and natural history await the reader. It is a must read for anyone who loves this charming and special part of Long Island." — John Turner, author of Exploring the Other Island: A Seasonal Guide to Nature on Long Island