QUALITY OF LIFE

Living in Silver Beach: A Short Resource Guide
Many of us have come to Shelter Island for its natural beauty, and Silver Beach is unique in this regard: residents here enjoy brilliant east/west light and access to the shoreline. As a community, Silver Beach believes in coming together and sharing information that can make all of our time here more enjoyable. We hope you explore some of the resources below and share your success stories with your neighbors. 

Water Matters
We’ve heard for years about the fragility of the Island’s aquifer. In Silver Beach this is a very real issue, with water use high and so many of our wells in shore areas that are at risk of saltwater intrusion. 

• Did you know that gravel decks and driveways allow rainwater to pass through and enter the aquifer, while paved surfaces contribute to runoff? Drywells and French drains also collect rainwater effectively.

• Did you know that organic and biodegradable detergents and cleaners reduce the chemicals that make their way into our well water? The Recycling Center will safely dispose of hazardous paints, cleaners, fertilizers, excess medicines and other toxic substances. 

For more information on the local water supply and how it can be protected—and on easy ways to lower water usage—read “This Special Place,” a Shelter Island Town homeowner’s handbook. 

Landscape and Garden
The Silver Beach landscape is all around us, full of information about what plants thrive here and which provide habitat for local fauna: from lightning bugs to box turtles to one of the richest catalogues of birds on the island. 

• Did you know that planting native species can mean easier gardening and lawncare—and less time spent fertilizing, watering, and putting up deer fencing? The best mulch for what you plant is the leaf litter your own trees produce. By saving it in a compost pile each fall, you’ll be a step ahead in the spring. 

• Did you know that planting a white oak sapling (Quercus alba) is the single best way to increase biodiversity in Silver Beach? Each oak provides food and shelter for up to 557 species of beneficial insects and caterpillars—food for the birds, pollinators for your flowers. 

The Shelter Island Town homeowner’s handbook has a list of native species to consider and invasive species to avoid.

Lawncare 

Every homeowner approaches this subject differently. Whatever your approach is, make it a safe one for your family and your neighbors.

 • Did you know that there are new ways of suppressing weeds in lawns and driveways without applying the chemicals that end up in our drinking water? Ask a garden center or a lawncare expert to tell you more.

• Did you know that cutting a lawn at a height of 3.5 or 4 inches prevents moisture loss and allows grass to crowd out weeds? In-ground irrigation systems are prohibited on the Island, but if we leave clippings in place, water sparingly, and save aeration and overseeding for the fall, when weed seeds are dormant, we’ll all have greener lawns. 

The East End’s Perfect Earth Project has accurate data on landscape toxins and a guide to best practices for chemical-free lawncare: https://perfectearthproject.org/resources/lawn-basics

The Night Sky

Silver Beach is a magical place to see the stars. Try Shell Beach on a clear August night.

• Did you know that if you’re currently using outdoor lighting, motion-sensor LED fixtures can lower energy bills and prevent species loss in insects and birds? Night lights are a major cause of insect death, especially fireflies. And they can disorient migratory birds, putting them at risk of striking buildings. 

• Did you know that the Town Code requires that outdoor lighting be limited to “downlights,” shielded from neighbors and focused towards the ground? Access the Code at www.shelterislandtown.us. The town followed the lead of New York State, which passed its “Dark Skies Act” in 2014.

Info from the International Dark-Sky Association: https://www.darksky.org/light-pollution/

Island Sounds

The neighborhood is busy these days—we can all hear it. With some common sense and courtesy, we can enjoy our time here without straining to make ourselves heard.

• Did you know that the Town Code has noise regulations for everything from beach parties to barking dogs? Check out the latest in Chapter 92.

• Did you know that most local noise comes from landscape equipment—lawn mowers, wood chippers, chain saws? While there are no firm rules for their hours of operation, neighbors appreciate quiet in the early morning and after 5 pm, especially on weekends. Landscapers will respect your request to keep to these hours. Please communicate with your landscaper.

When in doubt about the noise you’re hearing or making, talk to your neighbors. In fact, talk to your neighbors whenever you get the chance. We’re all here together.