Laurel Lake is the largest preserve in Southold Town. The lake itself is 30 acres and is a popular fishing area filled with largemouth bass, sunfish, chain, pickerel, brown bullhead catfish and trout.
The complex of properties is owned by the Town of Southold, Suffolk County Parks Department, Suffolk County Water Authority and New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. The preserve totals approximately 400 acres surrounding the lake and includes a hiking trail. The varieties trees that can be found on the property are oaks, hickories, beeches and maples.
Among the wildlife inhabiting the forest are the American woodcock, owls, foxes, woodchucks, deer and squirrels. Ducks, bullfrogs and snapping turtles can be found in the wetlands on the property.
In the meadow areas of the preserve, butterflies, hummingbirds, hawks and falcons are not an uncommon sight.
