Brookhaven State Park encompasses 1638 acres of pine-barrens forest. Pitch pine-oak forests surround an interior pitch pine-oak heath woodland. Wetlands and coastal plain ponds can also be found within the park; these important ecosystems contain imperiled and threatened species that require continued protection.
Established as a State Park in 1971, this large pine-barrens preserve land was once owned by Brookhaven National Laboratory. Prior to that ownership its land was part of a military installation known as Camp Upton. During WWI, this camp housed troops that prepared to embark overseas. Between 1925 and 1927, the land was conserved as “Upton National Forest”. During WWII, the camp transformed into a Japanese internment camp, imprisoning approximately 1,000 Japanese Americans as the war broke out.
Size: 1638 acres
Relatively free of invasive species compared to its size
- While invasive species populations exist at this park, many observations are confined to the outer edges of the property. Preventing the further spread of these species, and managing after natural or man-made disturbances, will be vital to the continued protection of these intact ecosystems.
Large populations of rare and endangered species
- This park is home to several species of state importance, including 11 critically imperiled species, 5 imperiled species, and 2 vulnerable species across insect, plant, and mammal taxa.
As many of the invasive species present at this park occur on the outer edges of the property, LIISMA would like to work with partners to establish a boot brush station and educational material to engage visitors in preventing the spread of invasive species.
LIISMA seeks to continue surveying the area, especially the coastal plain ponds, as previous reports of common reed (Phragmites) may be threatening the integrity of plant communities there.
LIISMA and partners will continue to survey for southern pine beetle (Dendroctonus frontalis) and other species designated for early detection and rapid response.
Species found within the buffer of the ISPZ, require monitoring for early detection and rapid response:
- Miscanthus (Miscanthus sinensis)
- Southern pine beetle (Dendroctonus frontalis)
- White mulberry (Morus alba)
- Princess tree (Paulownia tomentosa)
Species recently found within the park that require rapid response:
- Mile-a-minute (Persicaria perfoliata)
- Black swallow-wort (Vincetoxium nigrum)
- Cypress spurge (Euphorbia cyparissias)
Invasive species that are established within the park, requiring containment and removal in highest quality areas:
- Japanese Barberry (Berberis thunbergii)
- Common reed (Phragmites australis)
- Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris)
- Japanese angelica tree (Aralia elata)
- Wisteria (Wisteria sinensis)
- Multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora)
- Bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus)
- Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica)
- Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia)
- Porcelain berry (Ampelopsis brevipedunculata)
- Knotweed (Reynoutria spp.)
- Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima)
- Asian bushclover (Lespedeza cuneata)
- English ivy (Hedera helix)
Widespread invasive species found within the park that require greater research on their impact:
- Wineberry (Rubus phoenicolasius)
- Garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata)
- LD moth (Lymantria dispar)
- Chinese mystery snail (Cipangopaludina chinensis)
