Mt. Loretto Unique Area provides nature lovers with more than 200 acres of forest, grasslands, wetlands, and coastal shoreline on the southern shore of Staten Island. These habitats make it a beautiful area to hike and one of the best places to spot migrating birds in the area.

Butler Manor Woods, located within Mount Loretto Unique Area, encompasses roughly 18 acres of wetlands. It is a remarkable parcel of land that truly complements and beautifies the incredible ecological diversity already found within Mount Loretto.

Mt. Loretto Unique Area features three hiking trails: Wetlands Trail, Grassland Trail, and Beach Loop. The Wetlands Trail includes a self-guided interpretive trail brochure (PDF, 608 KB), with eight stops along the trail. Some of the stops talk about the bird life at Mt. Loretto or the wildlife found at a pond, while others discuss the importance of wetlands, both tidal and freshwater.

Mt. Loretto Unique Area features a freshwater pond with an accessible fishing pier. The area also offers a mile of shoreline for saltwater fishing on Prince's Bay.

Mt. Loretto Unique Area is a New York State Watchable Wildlife site, where wildlife can be spotted year-round. With five ecosystems - marine/coastal, grassland, forest, and tidal and freshwater wetlands - Mt. Loretto offers a wide array of habitats for bird species on Staten Island and lots of opportunities for birders.