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.
Transom Restoration
A stained-glass window that dates back to the late 19th century has been restored and reinstalled at the Sportsman's Club at Connetquot River State Park Preserve.
See the full story behind the history of the transom and its restoration at Newsday.
Gil Bergen
The Friends of Connequot mourn the passing of long-time CRSPP Manager Gil Bergen
Click here to read about a wonderful man and his unique life.
President's Letter, FOC Newsletter, Summer 2021
The President's Letter for Summer 2021 has been released:
Here are the highlights:
- Park Manager Sue Wuehler and her staff have done an awesome job repairing, updating, and restoring so much throughout the 3,473 acres during Covid—AND KEPT THE PRESERVE OPEN!
- With the help of donations, FOC purchased a $4,600 grooming tool to rehab and maintain the equestrian trails.
- We funded the crafting of four rocking chairs to replicate those that were in the Billiard Room many years ago.
- We commissioned a Fire Safety Study, acquired a federal grant for the installation of a fire suppression system in the Main Building.
- FOC volunteers installed 2 turtle-viewing rafts and signage and redid the Clubhouse foyer with a display of newly-framed old photographs.
- Volunteers, park staff and New York State are refurbishing the circa 1870 Icehouse, which will become an exhibit to show how ice was stored in salt hay and sawdust in years past.
- We also obtained the old Astor Stove from the NYC Historical Society and returned it to the Billiard Room
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.