As we go forward into the future with our plans to restore and enhance Connetquot River State Park Preserve’s historical structures and natural features for your enjoyment and the cultural enrichment of the community, we wish to acknowledge the generosity of our many friends who have made the following recent endeavors possible … but we also need to remind everyone that we need your steadfast support in order to ensure that this wonderful Preserve continues to be a treasure for all who visit it:

• Phase 1 of the Grist Mill foundation is complete: the structural frame has been stabilized with new sill beams and floor joists and the mill now rests on a restored foundation.
   
• Purchase of the Betty Kuss collection of historical documents.
   
• Architectural plans for the eventual Ice House conversion into a library and research facility for holding the Kuss document collection.
   
• Initiative to protect the Connetquot River from pollution of surface runoff from a faulty road design at a Veterans Memorial Highway overpass that crosses the river.
   
• Initiative to safeguard the Preserve’s historical hatchery.
   
• Sponsorship of Birding & Breakfast program at the Preserve.

The Board will continue to guide the Mill restoration through the remaining phases of construction toward the goal of a working mill, continue its vigilance and active involvement to protect the Connetquot River from pollution and to encourage reopening of the Hatchery, as well as pursue grant funding for the Friends’ projects to amplify the power of your contributions and to develop new programs or other ways to serve you.

This is an exciting time at the Preserve and we hope you will join us and continue to be a part of it. Please send your gift today. And, remember, although generous contributions are always welcome, no amount is too small to show you care.

With many thanks for your continued support,

Bob Labuski, President