|
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.
Upcoming Events/Announcements
-
Newsday Story on Grist Mill
by Kevin Redding
Saturday, October 5, 2019
On a quiet Sunday night, nestled in Oakdale’s sprawling 3,473-acre park preserve, a large grist mill that has been shuttered since the 1880s — and was on the verge of collapse not long ago — rumbles to life.
With the flip of a switch inside a three-story structure, an electric motor now brings to life the Nicoll Grist Mill at Connetquot River State Park Preserve that had been quiet for more than a century. From a pump underneath the mill, gallons of water rush down a narrow wooden gateway into a spinning horizontal wheel while two French burr stones rotate, simulating the once-thriving process used by farmers to grind wheat and corn into flour.
Read the Full Story
-
Forgotten Places and Moments in Long Island History with Richard Panchyk
Saturday, December 7, 2019 - 1:00 p.m.
Long Island’s history is filled with fascinating firsts, magnificent mansions and Interesting characters. Did you know that it was Long Island Pilot Earle Ovington that was the first to carry our country’s airmail? Or that William K. Vanderbilt’s Long Island Motor Parkway was our nation’s first highway? Did you know that Muttontown holds the ruins of an exiled Albanian King's Estate? Or that Captain William Kidd may have buried treasure on Long Island? Richard Panchyk will discuss these and much more about the vanishing traces of Long Island’s intriguing history.
Where: Connetquot River State Park Preserve, Main Room
Registration for the lecture is free although seasonal parking rates apply.
Please visit the event page for more details and to reserve a seat
-
Long Island Lighthouses; Past and Present with Robert Müller
Sunday, February 23, 2020 - 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Long Island Lighthouses: Past and Present examines the history of more than 20 light stations over 200-plus years. It is based on Muller's 2004 book of the same name and his experience as a local lighthouse history researcher and preservationist. Images in the program range from the 1850s to the present and include lighthouse keepers, lightships, and lighthouses that no longer stand. Information includes personal stories about many of the personalities involved in this history.
Where: Connetquot River State Park Preserve, Main Room
Registration for the lecture is free although seasonal parking rates apply.
Please visit the event page for more details and to reserve a seat
Orvis had an event called “Giveback Days” where they gathered donations at their Westbury store and presented us with more than $900 (they’re still adding it up!) A huge thank you to Brian (left), Janet Soley, FOC Board Member- for arranging it), and Fred (Store Manager). GREAT organization!
President's Letter, FOC Newsletter,
Fall 2019
The Chairman's Letter for Fall 2019 has been released.
Here are the highlights:
- Our Program Chair (Janet Soley) has been booking interesting innovative Lectures and our Publicity Chair (Steve Mendelson) has been diligently working at getting our programs noticed.
- Our Annual Fishing Outing is scheduled for Friday, October 11th
- Our Board is now working on our upcoming
Annual Gala (Saturday, November 2nd from 7 PM – 11 PM)
- Rita Trapani has been reworking and reframing the photos in the foyer, the staff oiled the walls, cleaned and oiled the floor and it looks great!
- Soon we will be organizing and restoring the Billiard Room along with creating revolving displays of the former members of the South Side Sportsmen’s Club.
- Soon, we will have a beautiful new Donor Board installed in the Administration Building
Please visit the President's Letter page to read the full letter.
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.
|
