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.
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!
- September 14 – Women’s Fishing Clinic
- September 22 – Forest Bathing
- October 18 – Friends Fishing Outing
- October 11-13 – Haunted Connetquot
- November – Indigenous History Month
- December 5th – Our 27th GALA
Volunteer 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!
The Friends of Conneqtuot received a plaque at the 2024 Bay Shore Historical Society Dinner
The plaque reads: "The members and officers of the Friends of Connetquot have proven to be not only effective stewards of Connetquot but also caring and sharing in the historical preservation that is so vital to Long Islanders through its historical societies. The Bay Shore Historical Society appreciates the support of the Friends of Connetquot."
Pictured are BSHS President Barry R. Diouhy, FOC President Janet Soley and greatest supporter Mark Soley looking on.
Photo taken by Matthew Miller
President's Letter, FOC Newsletter, Summer 2024
The President's Letter for Summer 2024 has been released:
What can I say?? Snakes creep me out almost as much as it does Advisory Board Member Sandi Brewster-walker! Sorry Sandi! But isn't our cover photo amazing? Park visitor Laura Colosa spotted this water snake enjoying a lunch of eel near the Mill Pond spillway. I think that SSSC Members might have enjoyed such a meal at that location too!
Please visit the President's Letter page to read the full letter.
STQRY 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 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.