2013 Friends of Connetquot Lecture Series

June 1, 2013 at 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Speaker: Ariana Newell

Topic: “Amphibians and Reptiles of Long Island.”

Join the Friends of Connetquot at Connetquot River State Park Preserve, Main Room, for the second program of this Series: “Amphibians and Reptiles of Long Island.” Come learn about the amphibians and reptiles of Long Island with Ariana Newell. We will explore the wonders of these secretive creatures and talk about species found at Connetquot River State Park Preserve. We’ll take a look at their history on Long Island and the challenges they face today. Ms. Newell is the biologist for NY State parks in Long Island and New York City. She has been interested in amphibians and reptiles since childhood and earned her Master’s degree studying rare turtles in West Virginia.

See our Lecture Series Page for registration information and details on upcoming lectures

2013 Friends of Connetquot Lecture Series

September 7, 2013 at 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Speaker: Annie McIntyre

Topic: “Migration of Monarch Butterflies”

Join the Friends of Connetquot at Connetquot River State Park Preserve, Main Room, for the last program of this Series: “Migration of Monarch Butterflies,” with speaker Annie McIntyre. Beautiful and fragile, the monarch butterfly undertakes an arduous journey each fall and spring to and from Mexico. The annual migration cycle of this butterfly has been described as the most spectacular in the insect world. Come learn about this fascinating animal and learn about its life cycle, habitat requirements, and the challenges they face with the present threats to its breeding, migration and winter habitats. Ms. McIntyre is the L.I. Regional Manager of the Environmental Office of NY State Parks.

See our Lecture Series Page for registration information and details on upcoming lectures

Connetquot Breakfast and Birding

Saturday, September 14, 2013

Place: Connetquot River State Park Preserve - Sunrise Highway, Oakdale, NY

Time: 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Program: Hosted by Friends of Connetquot. Let the Friends treat you to a continental breakfast while learning basic bird identification techniques through a PowerPoint presentation for beginning bird watchers. After, walk the trails with knowledgeable guides from Great South Bay Audubon in search of birds that migrate through or nest in the Preserve, such as warblers, orioles, tanagers, finches, ospreys, and more.

RSVP required: call Connetquot State Park Preserve at 581-1072 to register. Registration fee $4 plus $8 parking fee per car (unless you have yearly NYS) Park pass.

OnCell Audio Walking Tour!

Did you know you can take a walking audio tour of Connetquot River State Park Preserve using your own cell phone?

Thanks to OnCell 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.

Simply download the map here or get one at the entrance booth as you come in to the park.  Call 631-703-3313 to begin the tour and look for the markers along the trail.  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.