Discover Long Island: Autumn Leaves and Scarecrow Selfies

let’s get outside and head to Long Island and take a leisurely exploratory walk at Bayard Cutting Arboretum for fresh air, fitness and camaraderie with new friends ... as well as taking some scarecrow selfies 😂 walk is reachable on Long Island Railroad to Great River station.

Noteworthy: The Arboretum is currently having a scarecrow exhibition, inspired by the infamous Culper Spy Ring! Learn more about this group of Patriots and the struggles they endured to support the efforts of George Washington and the Revolutionary War.

• Please note — the viewing hours for the scarecrows are 9am-3pm, Tues-Sun. At 3, the displays will be covered to protect them from the elements. Keep this in mind when planning your trip to the Arboretum to view this beautiful display.

About the Arboretum: The Bayard Cutting Arboretum is a New York State park that was donated to the Long Island State Park Region by [Bayard Family] “to provide an oasis of beauty and quiet for the pleasure, rest and refreshment of those who delight in outdoor beauty; and to bring about a greater appreciation and understanding of the value and importance of informal planting.”

Read more about it -------> HERE and HERE

From their website: we are an arboretum, think of us as a “museum of trees”, not a park. Activities such as biking, picnicking, sports, pets of any type, and games are not permitted.

GETTING THERE: LIRR to Great River Station then 12-min walk over to the arboretum.

TRAIN SCHEDULE:

• IF YOU ARE TAKING LIRR FROM PENN STATION: LIRR train leaves at 8:36am, transfer at Jamaica Station at 9:11am, and arrive at Great River station at 10:06am
• IF YOU ARE TAKING LIRR FROM JAMAICA STATION IN QUEENS: LIRR train leaves at 9:11am, and arrive at Great River station at 10:06am
• For LIRR from other stations, check MTA Schedule
• Drivers: you can meet us at the Arboretum at 10:30AM. Please note on weekends there is a parking fee of $8.00.

We all all meet at Great River station at 10:06AM. From the station, it's a 10-minute walk to the Arboretum.

AGENDA: we will explore the Arboretum at SLOW LEISURELY PACE, with frequent stops to enjoy the magnificent gardens, and frequent stops and plenty of time for photos. We will walk approximately 4 miles through the Arboretum. Trails are on gravel or easy dirt paths.

THE IMPORTANT STUFF:

• Dress in non-cotton layers.
• Wear appropriate shoes suitable for hiking -
• Bring lunch, snack and at least 3 liters of liquid to stay hydrated.
• Bring sunscreen, bug spray, head cover
• Bring a sense of adventure and a positive attitude. A smile also goes a long way. Please leave the drama and crankiness at home.

DURATION: We'll explore for several hours. I cannot guarantee finishing time. But you can leave on your own at any time. We won't judge. Much.

WEATHER: Rain cancels

LIABILITY WAIVER: Come prepared. Participate at your own risks. Hold no one liable, etc, etc.