Montauk County Park, a 1,157-acre preserve at the eastern end of Long Island, was assembled by Suffolk County between 1971 and 1986 with help from Hilda Lindley and the Concerned Citizens of Montauk. Its open land protects distinctive features such as Big Reed Pond and wetlands balanced between fresh and salt water. The park also holds Montaukett village remains, a sweat lodge, and the grave of Stephen Talkhouse near Third House. Later layers of history include Deep Hollow Ranch, 18th-century Third House, Arthur Bensen’s 1879 land purchase, and Camp Wikoff in 1898, tying together Native heritage, conservation, ranching, and military history.