Campo Cuttica: A Living Model of Sustainability, Art, and Ecology

A Haven for Art and Nature

Nestled within a 40-acre nature preserve in Riverhead—the agricultural apex of Long Island—Campo Cuttica is more than a creative retreat; it’s a living, breathing ecosystem where art and the environment thrive together.
Artists live and work in thoughtfully placed studios scattered among native trees, meadows, and water features. The design is intentionally low-impact, encouraging a respectful and attentive engagement with he land.

Biodiversity and Wildlife

Surrounded by tidal flats, marshes, and rich ecosystems like the Peconic River and Goldthwait Marsh, Campo Cuttica is home to a diverse range of wildlife.

Una salamandra negro con manchas anaranjadas sobre musgo y tronco de árbol.

    • Wading birds such as the Great Blue Heron, Snowy Egret, and Black-crowned Night Heron

    • Waterfowl including Mallards, Black Ducks, Canada Geese, and Common Eiders

      Shorebirds and migratory species like Terns, Sandpipers, and YellowlegsOccasional rare sightings such as the Peregrine Falcon and Brant

    • Deer, foxes, and river otters roam the preserved wildlife corridors

    • Species of concern like the Spotted Turtle and Eastern Tiger Salamander (NYS endangered) also inhabit the area

    • The Peconic River supports fish like Largemouth Bass, Pumpkinseed, Chain Pickerel, and the Banded Sunfish—New York’s only natural population of this species

    • American Eels, Bluegill, Black Crappie, and more thrive in the property’s water systems

  • Special plantings of milkweed, bee balm, and echinacea help sustain vulnerable bee and butterfly populations, including the Monarch Butterfly, whose numbers are in steep decline

Endangered plant species

supports efforts to protect native and endangered plant life, with species found in the region

Hoja pequeña de planta de coníferas verdes distribuidas en varias ramas, rodeada de hojas secas y musgo en el suelo.

  • Atlantic White Cedar, Collins’ Sedge, Red-rooted Flatsedge, Bog Aster, and Pine Barren Gerardia

  • Multiple species of bladderwort, sedge, rush, and tickseed

  • Rare plants adapted to Pine Barren habitats and wetland environments

sustains and preserve nature 

Nature stewardship is at the heart of Campo Cuttica’s mission:

Flor amarilla de una Utricularia gibba en primer plano contra fondo negro.

  • Conservation is central to Campo Cuttica’s mission. Efforts include:

    • Avoiding invasive landscaping and encouraging native plant regeneration

    • Preserving wildlife corridors for the safe movement of animals

    • Careful placement of buildings and paths to minimize soil disturbance and erosion

  • The land is managed organically with no chemical fertilizers or pesticides. Instead:

    • Composting enriches the soil naturally

    • Regenerative planting restores native meadows and supports biodiversity

    • Permaculture principles guide water and nutrient management

  • The built environment blends seamlessly with nature:

    • Solar power supplies energy needs

    • Rainwater harvesting systems support irrigation

    • Structures are made using reclaimed wood, natural finishes, and locally sourced stone

  • Campo Cuttica is also a hub for learning and community engagement:

    • Artist residencies, workshops, and exhibitions highlight the connections between creativity and ecology

    • Public conservation days and guided nature walks foster deeper environmental awareness

    • The site includes wetland buffers that provide critical habitat for amphibians, birds, and aquatic life

    • Landscaping intentionally supports endangered pollinators, creating habitat through native flowering plants

A Living Model of Sustainability

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Campo Cuttica demonstrates that nature and people can coexist in balance. Through conservation, regenerative practices, and ecological design, it serves as a living model of harmony between art, sustainability, and the natural world.