SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2026
The Friends of Heckscher State Park, Bayard Cutting Arboretum Horticultural Society, Friends of Connetquot River State Park Preserve, and the Long Island Greenbelt Trail Conference are excited to announce a special event this fall featuring three state parks in Suffolk County: Bayard Cutting Arboretum, Connetquot River State Park Preserve, and Heckscher State Park.
These parks form a unique cluster of state parklands situated just a few miles apart, offering over 5,700 acres of diverse outdoor experiences. Visitors can enjoy the extensive woodlands and river corridor of Connetquot State Park, the pristine riverfront grounds of Bayard Cutting Arboretum, and the vast recreational attractions of Heckscher State Park on the Great South Bay.
On Saturday, October 3, 2026, all three parks will offer special activities throughout the day, hosted by Friends group volunteers at each location.
Snacks and Giveaways and even a Raffle or two!
The Long Island Greenbelt Trail Conference will have a table at Connetquot and Heckscher. Stop by and say hello! Our Long Island Trail extends through all three parks!
Bayard Cutting Arboretum:
9:15 AM Manor House Guided Tour
9:45 AM Scarecrow to Farm Guided Tour
Anytime Scavenger Hunt
Anytime Bird Coloring Tables, Nature Activities
Connetquot State Park Preserve:
11:45 AM House Guided Tour
12:15 PM Hike Guided Walking Tour
1:00 PM Fish Hatchery Guided Tour
Heckscher State Park- Field Three:
2:15 PM Guided Nature Walk
Children’s Activities- Free Pony Rides, Petting Zoo, Two Bouncy Houses and games!
History of Heckscher State Park Presentation
Learn about Turtle Rescue and Beekeeping
Anytime Scavenger Hunt /Exploration Hunt
Live Music! – Food Vendors!
For more information, please visit https://www.bcahortsociety.org