The Friends of Connetquot is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation, conservation and continuation for future generations of the Connetquot River State Park Preserve. In order to maintain the environmental, ecological, cultural and historical integrity of the 3,473 acre preserve, the groups’ initiatives are:

• To help preserve the pristine environment
• To lend support to the management
• To help support the fishing habitat, woodlands, flora and fauna, hiking and bridle trail facilities and the educational programs
• To help protect and restore historic buildings

The Friends of Connetquot believe that the act of preservation is best accomplished when we keep an eye on the past, a foothold in the present, and our arms outstretched for the future.

15th Annual Spring Fun Trail Ride - Sunday, May 6th @ 12:00 Noon (Rain or Shine)

Come join us for our 14th annual fun filled ride/hike through beautiful Connetquot Park Preserve. Enjoy the peaceful beauty of the trails and woodlands of the first N.Y.S. preserve. The clubhouse will be open for tours. A leisurely ride or hike of a few miles will take you through some of the most historic trails on Long Island. There will be a Chinese Raffle for many wonderful prizes donated by generous friends. Everyone receives 5 raffle tickets to start, plus the "Osprey" special for $20. The last riders will go out by 2:00 p.m. so we can draw the winners at 3:30 p.m.

A donation of only $30 pre-paid by April 30th; $35 after April 30th. includes bagels and a sumptuous lunch buffet and dessert bar. Even if you do not ride, enjoy the company of great people like you. All profits will stay in Connetquot to enhance the preserve’s many and varied programs and services. This is YOUR park preserve - please support it.

Click here to download a flyer and registration form

Click here to see pictures and a recap of the 14th Trail Ride!

Chairman's Letter, FOC Newsletter, Fall 2011

The Chairman's Letter for Fall 2011 has been released.

Here are the highlights:

• We are very optimistic about our preliminary plans for reopening the hatchery as a visitor-friendly educational facility.
• A preliminary estimate for materials and labor to continue the restoration of the grist mill was obtained by the Friends
• The Friends' fourteenth annual Gala was a great success
• The Friends' Lecture Series continues to draw large audiences.
• Our Saturday Birding and Breakfast programs are also popular.
• Thank you to our Grants Committee and grant writer Susan Mathisen for all their efforts to secure funds for our projects.

Please visit the Chairman's Letter page to read the full letter.

2011 Gala Recap

Eat, drink and be merry was the imperative for our guests on the splendid Sunday of October 2 at the Friends Annual Gala.  The guest list was considerably shorter than in the past, but it was a joyous and successful event nonetheless.  Thanks to the support of  many generous donors, our auctions and raffle were brimming with valuable and beautiful prizes—from magnificent wood carvings, framed original art, limited edition prints, and photographs to guided fishing outings, a carriage ride that included lunch, and stable cleaning services.

Click here to see pictures and the full recap.

Friends of Connetquot's 2011 Mid-Year Appeal

The Friends of Connetquot 2011 Mid-Year Appeal is Now in Progress

Have you sent in your contribution? There is still time to help.

Connetquot River State Park Preserve needs the support of ALL who enjoy its breathtaking natural beauty and evocative historic buildings. Every dollar the Friends receive is applied toward enhancing your experience of this magnificent place. In 2011, the Friends are working diligently to re-open the Hatchery and complete the restoration of the historic Grist Mill. Your support makes these important projects possible, and we hope you will join us by supporting these efforts.

Although generous gifts are always welcome, please remember that no amount is too small to show that you care. Please send your gift today.

Friends of Connetquot, Inc.
P. O. Box 472
Oakdale, NY 11769

Friends of Connetquot is a 501(3) (C) non-profit corporation.
Gifts are tax-deductible to the extent the law allows.

Click here to read the full appeal

Click here to print out the contribution form in PDF format

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.