he was instrumental in the rapid construction of highways after the great depression. because the island is so narrow, a road across it would have completely reshaped the landscape. it would've threatened unique habitats like the sunken forest. in order to protect these towns, each one with their own really unique history and culture, they turned fire island into a national park so that future generations could come here and enjoy it for themselves. fire island national seashore became a national park in 1964. the biggest pleasures of working out here is just having this intimate knowledge of the space that i can then share with other people. i think that nature is something that i want to commune with often, especially when i'm feeling somewhat disconnected from the world. it's really nice to be able to get outside, to see all of these amazing plants, all of these amazing animals. it helps me to feel more connected to