Sometime between 200 and 300 years ago the site of the Sunken Forest was an area of bare, windblown sand. The process of succession leading to a climax forest stage can take thousands of years, but most likely took around 300 years in the Sunken Forest. However, none of these trees will grow taller than the unique double dune system which protects them. Oaks and black cherry also grow one in the Sunken Forest. Other trees in this forest canopy include the sassafras ( Sassafras albidum ), shadbush or juneberry ( Amelanchier canadensis ), and other hardwoods. The Sunken Forest is dominated by American holly ( Ilex opaca ), some of which are estimated to be up to 300 years old. Throughout the year you may stroll along the boardwalk, although facilities (restrooms) and other services are not available when ferry service is not operating. Today you can easily visit and explore this rare habitat from May to October, when ferries run from Sayville on Long Island to Sailors Haven. According to the New York Natural Heritage Program, the Sunken Forest was ranked as "globally rare," meaning there are few remaining occurrences of this assemblage of plants throughout the world. This type of maritime holly forest is found behind well-established sand dunes along the Atlantic coast from New Jersey to Massachusetts. Fire Island's Sunken Forest is a rare ecological community.
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