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.

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

2024 Events!
Come Celebrate NYS Parks 100th Anniversary!

  • April 29Fishing with Friends
  • May 4I Love My Park Day
  • May 18 – Islip Arts Pleinathon
  • June – Pride Month Celebration
  • July 27 – Learn to Fly Fish Clinic
  • Grand Opening of the Hatchery Project
  • September 14 – Women’s Fishing Clinic
  • September 22 – Forest Bathing
  • October 18Friends Fishing Outing
  • October 11-13 – Haunted Connetquot
  • November – Indigenous History Month
  • DecemberOur 27th GALA

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

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.

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.