Calendar of Events
Upcoming Friends of Connetquot Events
We're always looking for new programs to offer you. Please check back, follow us on social media or, for timely updates, sign-up for our email list.
Friends of Connetquot's Members Meeting & Open House
Saturday, April 18, 2026 - 12:00 pm
Come meet the Board. Learn what’s happening at Connetquot. Sign up to volunteer. Take a tour of the grounds or hike and tour the Hatchery.
I Love My Park Day
Saturday, May 2, 2026
Beautification, clean up, and conservation projects are planned in Parks all across New York State. Show your love for Connetquot River State Park Preserve by joining a volunteer team to make this wonderful park even better.
Purple Martins - North America’s Largest Swallows
Saturday, June 13, 2026 - 1:00pm
Did you know, Connetquot Preserve is home to a colony of Purple Martins? Purple Martins are beautiful, graceful flyers that live in colonies, depend on man-made housing and feed exclusively on flying insects. Martins overwinter in the Amazon Basin and start their spring migration into North America around the end of January, showing up in Florida in early February. Depending on weather and food supply the first Purple Martins, called scouts, arrive on Long Island around the first week of April to start their breeding season. Most Martins in this area start heading back south by the beginning of August.
Enjoy Ranger Ken’s presentation on Purple Martins and then he will lead a hike into the field for observations!
Pride Lantern Walk
Friday, June 26th - 7:30 – 9:30pm
Have you ever wanted to explore the park after dark? Now is your chance. Head to Connetquot for our popular lantern walk with a Pride Month twist! The ambiance will be enhanced with rainbow lanterns!
The History of the South Side Sportsmen’s Club & Islip Township
Sunday, June 28, 2026 - 1:00pm
Do you know the rich history of the Clubhouse? How it all began at the Nicolls Grist Mill and the Snedecor Tavern? Do you know the names of the many famous people who have visited Connetquot?
Come learn the amazing history of this unique 3.473 acre preserve and it’s role in the formation of the Town of Islip.
Presented by Islip Town Historian George Munkenbeck and FOC's Historian Ed Gross
Upcoming Park Nature Programs
Please be sure to visit the Connetquot River State Park Preserve Events page at the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation website for a schedule of all events.
Lecture: Recognizing Women's Right to Vote in New York
Sunday, April 12, 2026 - 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm
Family Program
Join us for a free 250th Event!
On November 6th, 1917, women won the right to vote in NY State. Join us for this special America 250 program to hear Town of Islip Historian, George Munkenbeck share the history of local Long Island suffragists. Also on display will be a travelling exhibit provided by the Long Island Library Resources Council.
FREE LECTURE
$8 parking fee is in effect. Reservations are required for all programs. Space is limited. If you are unable to keep your reservation, please cancel so others may have the opportunity to attend. Please try to arrive 10 minutes early.
Twilight Hikers Special
Friday, April 17, 2026 - 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Adult Program
A twist on our usual Northern Hikers Special Program!
Wander through wetlands, pine barrens, and oak forests while observing wildlife and native plants. We will hike approximately 6 miles to the pristine, less traveled northern section of the preserve during the early evening and night hours. We will stop and have "dinner" along the way. Wear proper footwear and clothing! Bring food & water!
$ 4 per adult upon arrival. No parking fee is in effect. Space is limited! Registration is required. Please make sure all members of your party are registered and have a ticket. If you can longer attend please cancel your reservation so others may have the opportunity to attend. Please try to arrive 10 minutes early. We will be starting on time! Adults only program!
Clubhouse Tours
Sunday, May 3, 2026 - 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Family Program
A docent will discuss the history of the tavern and the high society Club which shaped Connetquot River State Park Preserve into what it is today. Tours of the historic Nicoll Grist Mill are included and will be offered after your house tour. Recommended for children 8+.
There will be a short talk outside before viewing the inside. House Tours may be up to 1.5-2hrs long.
$4 per person upon arrival, No parking fee is in effect. Reservations are required for all programs. Space is limited. If you are unable to keep your reservation, please cancel so others may have the opportunity to attend. Please try to arrive 10 minutes early. Please make sure all members in your party have a registered ticket.
Clubhouse Tours
Sunday, May 3, 2026 - 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Family Program
A docent will discuss the history of the tavern and the high society Club which shaped Connetquot River State Park Preserve into what it is today. Tours of the historic Nicoll Grist Mill are included and will be offered after your house tour. Recommended for children 8+.
There will be a short talk outside before viewing the inside. House Tours may be up to 1.5-2hrs long.
$4 per person upon arrival, No parking fee is in effect. Reservations are required for all programs. Space is limited. If you are unable to keep your reservation, please cancel so others may have the opportunity to attend. Please try to arrive 10 minutes early. Please make sure all members in your party have a registered ticket.