The Friends
are proud to announce that we have secured the following capacity
building grants that will greatly help us in strengthening our
organization for the benefit of Connetquot River State Park Preserve:
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FOC Newsletter, Chairman’s Letter, Summer 2008
As you venture through the park, keep a lookout and
listen for Northern Bobwhite Quail and Ring-necked
Pheasant. The Wilvert family of Islip Terrace has
raised over 1,000 quail and 200 pheasants, from
chicks, and released them into the park. Some of the
birds that were released last year have reached
adulthood and can be heard calling to each other.
Part of a quail’s diet is ticks. We’re hoping that
they can help control the tick population throughout
the park. This project has taken much patience and
hard work on behalf of the Wilverts. They deserve
much credit and gratitude for their efforts.
If you have visited the park lately, you may have
noticed that there has been no progress on the mill
restoration. New York State has given the Friends
authority to solicit bids from local contractors for
resuming and completing the necessary work. The
deadline for bid submissions was July 15 and several
bids have been received. Final contractor selection
will be completed within a few weeks. Let’s hope we
see some progress shortly. We are still seeking
donations to help support this project.
A committee of board members and park employees is
busy planning the Friend’s eleventh annual Gala. Our
theme this year is trout and trout fishing. There
will be representatives from local fishing clubs on
hand to demonstrate the art of fly casting, give you
a chance to try your hand at it and answer your
questions. There will also be equestrian
exhibitions, decoy carving, music, carriage rides,
auctions, and food. Again, we must call upon the
generosity of our members and friends and remind
everyone that we need contributions of Gala auction
prizes as well as food donations from local
restaurants. If you would like to contribute an
item, please call the park, 631-581-1072, leaving
your name and phone number and someone will contact
you to arrange pickup or drop off time of the item.
Take advantage of the warm summer days and enjoy a
walk, horseback ride or fishing session in the park.
Sincerely,
Bob Labuski
