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.
Holiday Decorating of the Clubhouse
Saturday, December 10, 2022 - 1:00 - 4:00 pm
Please join the Friends of Connetquot
as We Decorate the Clubhouse for the Holidays!
Parks and Trails NY Grant Ceremony - June 29th, 2022
Left to Right: Jeff Bender, PTNY Board Chair, Assemblyman Steve Engelbright, FOC Advisory Board member Joe Mikulas, Senator Alexis Weik, FOC Board Members Jim Fitzpatrick, Tom Casey, Senator Phil Boyle, Long Island State Parks Regional Director George Gorman, FOC President Janet Soley, Long Island Park Commissioner Richard Remmer, FOC Advisory Board Member Rita Trapani and PTNY Board Member David Brinston.
Photo taken by FOC Vice President David Reisfield
Read the details about the grant...
In Memorium: Dr. Richard Steinberger
Eulogy for a Rock
To those who knew him, he was a rock in many ways. He was, at times, immovable.
He was a staunch believer in sensible conservation, A devoted supporter of this Park, And an adamant believer in its fishery. He was resolute in how to preserve and conserve.
His knowledge of our sportwas vast and distinctive. As a dedicated fly fisher and talented fly tyer, His techniques were without compromise, As were many of his attitudes about our craft.
Since he was a physician, and I, a scientist, We talked about health, especially as his began to fail. His views in this regard were just as resolute. I am glad my views most often coincided with his. When they differed, it was like two mountains immovably facing each other.
Despite all of this, this Rock had a soft side. He gave his all to The Friends of Connetquot and Idle Hour Fly Fishers. He, in many ways, enlivened both groups, And made them more than they would have been without him.
He had a sense of humor that was wry and often understated. He and I often compared punchlines of stories we both knew. Although the breadth of his humor and foolishness was all inclusive, He suffered fools badly.
He gave away much more than he was given. I know this because I was one of his recipients. I wish I could have given him more. But he knew what we didn’t: his time was short.
Now, he is gone. All we have left is our memories and this rock. It is a poor substitute for Richard Steinberger. It will, however, memorialize him for years to come, Even after we all are gone. And THAT is good!
I miss you, my friend.
Robert J. Porcelli, Ph.D.
In Memoriam
Richard “Doc” Steinberger, M.D.
2022
Gil Bergen
The Friends of Connequot mourn the passing of long-time CRSPP Manager Gil Bergen.
In 1973 Gil became the Park Manager when New York State purchased it and it eventually became the Connetquot River State Park Preserve. He was still the Park Manager when he died in his 89th year on Wednesday evening, April 4. 2018. Gil spent 58 years managing the beautiful 3,473 acre property and spent two years in the Army prior to 1960....
Click here to read about a wonderful man and his unique life.
President's Letter, FOC Newsletter, Fall 2022
The President's Letter for Fall 2022 has been released:
Here are the highlights:
- The Friends rallied this summer to keep the river flowing to help the heat-stressed trout by repairing river diverters, removing invasives, and clearing the river of impediments.
- All proceeds from this year's Silver Anniversary Gala on December 1 will go towards saving the Ice House.
- We're hoping for beautiful fall foliage and wonderful weather for our Members Only Open House in October and our Native American History Celebration in November
- Sadly for us, Park Manager Susanne Wuehler has announced her retirement.
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.