BAYARD CUTTING ARBORETUM
Montauk Highway in Oakdale, NY
maintained by the Long island State Park and Recreation Commission
690 acres

Directions:

Southern State Parkway east to exit 45E - Montauk Highway. Remain on Montauk Highway eastbound for approximately three-quarters of a mile. The entrance is on your right side.

Long Island Railroad to Islip Station. Taxi service is available. MSBA bus route S40 operates along Montauk Highway between the towns of Babylon and Patchogue.

The arboretum borders the Connetquot River and the Connetquot State Park.

Geology:

banks of the Connetquot River; lawns, open meadows, wildflower garden, marsh

History:

Estate started in 1887. This site was donated to the Long Island State Park Region by Mrs. William Bayard Cutting and her daughter Mrs. Olivia James. The estate was given in trust to the state by Mr. Cutting's daughter.

Facilities:

The former estate residence now serves as the visitor center for the arboretum. It houses an impressive display of fireplaces, stained glass and woodworking. Also displayed are artifacts of Indigenous peoples.

This building houses a snack bar, gift shop, rest rooms as well as, administrative offices and the park police. Walks, public buildings and rest rooms are handicap accessible. Normal hours are from 10am until Sunset. The arboretum is closed on Mondays. There is a $4.00 seasonal vehicle parking fee when you visit.

Trails:

There are five trails. The various paths include the Pinetum, Wild Flower, Rhododendron, Bird Watcher and Swamp Cypress Walks. There are also established paths that pass through meadow, oak park, native wood and bog.

PLANTS:

Extensive plantings can be found throughout the arboretum. Represented species include: evergreen, rhododendron, azalea, oak, fir, spruce, pine, cypress, hemlock, yew and holly.