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The Bayard Cutting Arboretum was donated to the Long Island State Park Region by Mrs. William Bayard Cutting and her daughter, Mrs. Olivia James, in memory of William Bayard Cutting, " 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."
Utilizing plans conceived by the noted landscape architectural firm of Frederick Law Olmstead, the arboretum development was begun in 1887. The site was originally wooded and many of the large oaks now seen were retained during the clearing of the land. With the cooperation of Charles Sprague Sergeant, then director of Boston's Arnold Arboretum, Mr. Cutting several years later began to plant his conifer collection in the area just north of the Carriage House. Unfortunately, and in most instances the result of a severe hurricane in 1985, many of these original plants have been lost. However, because of subsequent plantings made during and after the 1940's, the current collection of fir, spruce, pine, cypress, hemlock, yew and other lesser known conifers is still probably the most extensive to be found on Long Island. Contained within the collection are several trees which, regionally, are the largest of their species. Also found are extensive plantings of dwarf evergreens, rhododendron, azaleas, hollies and oaks. Wildflowers and daffodils are featured in many native woodland locations. Combined with the site's ponds and streamlets, these areas also provide opportunities to observe a broad range of land and aquatic birds and occasional glimpses of fox, raccoon and other small wildlife.
Located in the former Cutting residence are magnificent fireplaces, woodworkings, stained glass windows and a small natural history display. The manor house also contains a café with an open porch overlooking the Connetquot River, a gift shop and the administration office.
Concerts, art exhibits, meetings and classes by horticultural and performing art groups are often presented in two small meeting rooms or outside on the lawn. Holiday decorations by local garden clubs adorn the manor house during December.
The arboretum is a popular photo site for wedding parties. Every weekend there are bridal parties seeking out the perfect spot to remember their day. There seems to be a location for all tastes; the great lawn, the massive oak trees, the Connetquot River, the shaded walks, the paths colorfully lined with flowers, massive weeping trees and, of course, the exterior of the Cutting family manor house. Wedding parties must pay the vehicle-parking fee.
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