Connetquot River State Park Preserve is a state park and conservation area in the Town of Islip in Suffolk County, New York in the United States. Connetquot was designated as New York's first State Park Preserve, a classification intended to protect its ecological, cultural and historic resources. The park contains the Long Island Environmental Interpretive Center as well as the Southside Sportsmens Club District, which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.
Natural environment The preserve protects of land and water. Its wildlife includes deer and waterfowl, while nesting birds include ospreys. Plant species recorded by New York State Parks include trailing arbutus and pink lady's slipper. The preserve contains approximately of hiking, bridle, cross-country skiing and nature trails.
Connetquot is a stop on the New York State Birding Trail. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation states that more than 200 bird species can be observed in the preserve, including numerous waterfowl and nesting ospreys.
In 2014, the southern pine beetle reached Long Island and affected the preserve's pine barrens. More than 8,000 trees were subsequently removed as part of efforts to suppress the infestation. In 2016, state agencies and volunteers began reforestation work at Connetquot, including the planting of 600 native pitch pine and white pine trees.
Park facilities The park offers hiking, fishing, a bridle path, nature trails, cross-country skiing, snow shoeing, a museum, and recreation activities. It also contains the site of the Southside Sportsmens Club District, which has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1973.Suffolk County Listings on the National Register of Historic Places See also:
The park is home to the Long Island Environmental Interpretive Center, which provides educational programs year-round. The center hosts the Regional Environmental Education Team, which assists schools, youth groups, and other organizations by leading interpretation activities within the region's state parks.
Vehicles are charged an entrance fee, however pedestrians may enter for free through several gates along the park's perimeter. A permit is required for horseback riding within the park. The park is a carry-in carry-out facility, as there are no garbage bins along the trails. Additionally there are no picnic facilities or play areas for children. Anglers possessing proper permits may fish for brook, brown, and rainbow trout within the park.
See also Connetquot River List of New York state parks
References
External links
New York State Parks: Connetquot River State Park Preserve New York State Parks: Long Island Environmental Interpretive Center Friends of Connetquot