Hikes On The Dunes, Cruises On The Sound

The East Hampton Trails Preservation Society has a hike scheduled for Saturday on Barcelona Neck. Hikers will be treated to the "wit, urbanity, and chocolate" provided by Vincent Downing, the leader.

Nature's treats include an "incomparable" view of Northwest Harbor and Gardiner's Bay from atop Barcelona's high dune. Hikers are asked to meet in the parking lot by the clubhouse on the Sag Harbor Golf Course, off Route 114, at 2 p.m.

On Sunday, the society will venture to the Walking Dunes on Napeague, with John Benedict as the leader. The meeting place is the end of Napeague Harbor Road, north of the intersection with Route 27, at 10 a.m.

The Cornell Cooperative Extension Service has planned a seal watch cruise for Saturday beginning at 10 a.m. from Kokomo's Dock in Greenport. Seal watchers will journey out into Gardiner's Bay to Fisher's Island aboard the 100-foot Sunbeam Express.

Two naturalists are scheduled to be on board to discuss seal biology and behavior and to point out species of sea birds, including scoters, old squaw, eiders, and common and red-throated loons. The cost of the cruise is $30 for adults and $15 for children 12 and under. Advance registration and payment are required by calling the Cornell Marine Center in Southold.