PRESS RELEASE

ONE DAY, 3 PARKS

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2026

Come join us for a fun-filled family day and enjoy our parks!

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!

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:

2:15 PM Disc Golf Demonstration

2:30 PM Guided Nature Walk

3:30 PM Children’s Activities

Anytime Scavenger Hunt /Exploration Hunt

4:15 – Close End of Day Celebration

Live Music – Food Trucks – Bring a picnic basket

All are Invited!

For more information, please visit https://www.bcahortsociety.org