It's a 305-acre nature preserve on the East End that's free of charge and open 365 days a year.

News 12’s Erin Colton spent some time with some different friends at the Quogue Wildlife Refuge for this week's Road Trip: Close to Home.

Spend a summer day walking through the trails or get up close and personal to nature exhibits.

There are miles of trails, all boasting different habitats – including forests and ponds.

In the Pine Barrens, you will see a lot of habitats and native wildlife. But you can’t leave without visiting the butterfly garden.

The highlight for so many people is the greenhouse – which is home to five tortoises – pets that people did not want.

There are also wild animals that were injured and live there now.

The nature center also has educational programs and offers summer, winter, and spring break camps.