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.
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
We mourn the loss of Dr. Richard Steinberger, who passed away December 10, 2021. Doc was a great friend to many, sharing his knowledge and time freely with anyone who asked. Few can match his devotion to Connetquot River State park Preserve. His research and support to Friends of Connetquot played a pivotal role in saving the CRSP trout hatchery from destruction. Those who knew him expected a well-thought, educated response to any query. They also knew not to expect a short answer to their question.
Doc was a devoted son, caring for his mother until her passing. He was an excellent fly tyer, who could cast any fly with ease. His knot-tying was superb, and he enjoyed teaching these skills to anyone who asked.
His legacy lives on in his colleagues from the Idle Hour Fly Fishers, and the Friends of Connetquot. He was awarded the Gil Bergin Preservationist Award by the Friends of Connetquot. Most of all, those of us who knew him were pleased and proud to call him OUR Friend.
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 2022
The President's Letter for Summer 2022 has been released:
Here are the highlights:
- Spring was a very active time for the Friends with several events.
- We put out a call for volunteers interested in history and had a great response.
- We're delighted to report that the Friends of Connetquot were awarded a $41,000 matching grant from the Environmental Protection Fund's Park and Trail Partnership Grants program to create the Educational Interpretive Center at the Historic Connetquot River State Park Preserve Trout Hatchery.
- House tours and lectures are on summer break, which gives us time to work on creating some really exciting fall programs.
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.