Friends of Connetquot River State Park Preserve

The Friends of Connetquot is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation, conservation and history of the 3,473-acre Connetquot River State Park Preserve. We work to help management protect a pristine environment and historic buildings and artifacts. We also support educational programs, fishing facilities and hiking and equestrian trails.

Volunteers at ConnetquotVolunteer with the Friends

Regular volunteer opportunities are always available to help the Friends at the Preserve!

Planter Maintenance and Watering

Pollinator Garden Maintenance and Watering

Hiking and Equestrian Trail Maintenance

River Work – Platform Repair and Diverters

Clubhouse Deck Refurbishment

Creation of a Native Species Pathway

Perimeter Fence Trash Pick-up

Invasive Removal

Clubhouse Tour Guide

...and more!

Learn more about volunteering opportunities

New York State Centennial Challenge

Take on the Centennial Challenge

Introducing the New York State Parks and Historic Sites Centennial Challenge! Celebrate 100 years of NY State Parks with this fun and interactive experience, accessible at all of New York State's 250+ sites. Starting on January 1st, you'll have all year to tackle new adventures, earn prizes, and explore what makes our parks and historic sites so special. Finish 24 out of 100 missions to earn a commemorative Centennial prize, plus have your name entered into a random drawing for one of 24 three-year Empire Passes and a Centennial swag bag!

Click here for more information and the Challenge Checklist

President's Letter, FOC Newsletter, Winter 2024

The President's Letter for Winter 2024 has been released:

I can’t believe that another year is behind us! 2023 was such an amazing year! We hosted so many fantastic programs in collaboration with NYS Parks, NYS DEC, Long Island Library Resource Council (LILRC), Keep Islip Clean, ORVIS and Save the Great South Bay. It’s hard to pick my favorite event...

Please visit the President's Letter page to read the full letter.

In Memorium: Dr. Richard Steinberger

Eulogy for a Rock

To those who knew him, he was a rock in many ways. He was, at times, immovable.

He was a staunch believer in sensible conservation, A devoted supporter of this Park, And an adamant believer in its fishery. He was resolute in how to preserve and conserve.

His knowledge of our sportwas vast and distinctive. As a dedicated fly fisher and talented fly tyer, His techniques were without compromise, As were many of his attitudes about our craft.

Since he was a physician, and I, a scientist, We talked about health, especially as his began to fail. His views in this regard were just as resolute. I am glad my views most often coincided with his. When they differed, it was like two mountains immovably facing each other.

Despite all of this, this Rock had a soft side. He gave his all to The Friends of Connetquot and Idle Hour Fly Fishers. He, in many ways, enlivened both groups, And made them more than they would have been without him.

He had a sense of humor that was wry and often understated. He and I often compared punchlines of stories we both knew. Although the breadth of his humor and foolishness was all inclusive, He suffered fools badly.

He gave away much more than he was given. I know this because I was one of his recipients. I wish I could have given him more. But he knew what we didn’t: his time was short.

Now, he is gone. All we have left is our memories and this rock. It is a poor substitute for Richard Steinberger. It will, however, memorialize him for years to come, Even after we all are gone. And THAT is good!

I miss you, my friend.

Robert J. Porcelli, Ph.D.
In Memoriam
Richard “Doc” Steinberger, M.D.

2022

Dr. Richard Steinberger

Memorial

STQRY Audio Walking Tour!

STQRY QR CodeDid you know you can take a walking audio tour of Connetquot River State Park Preserve using your own cell phone? Thanks to STQRY and the Friends of Connetquot, you can learn about the history behind the landmarks of the park such as Mile Marker "50", the various bridges along the trails, the Ice House, Hatchery and more! Plus, you can find out what to look for as you walk the trails of the park. It's a whole new way to see Connetquot even if you've been here hundreds of times or you’re hundreds of miles away!

Simply download the map here or get one at the entrance booth as you come in to the park. Start your tour at the Welcome Kiosk in the parking lot. Scan the QR code with your smartphone for pictures and audio or call 631-703-3313 and enter number 1 to begin the tour. Look for more signs throughout the Preserve. Snap the QR or enter the number on the marker and you'll be treated to a short summary of what you're looking at and what to look for.