For almost four years now, I have assisted with the BCA monthly newsletter. The newsletter is a collaborative effort of our entire staff. Lee Kennedy, Office Assistant, started the newsletter and continues to contribute her poetic prose when inspired. Mary Valentin, Assistant Director, has written about restoration projects related to the Manor House. Our interns have described their progress at the arboretum and almost every employee has contributed to the employee photo of the month. Joy Arden, GIS specialist, not only writes about special projects that we are always working on, but she also diligently composes the newsletter as a whole.

Even in the age of social media, I believe our newsletter has been our most successful way to communicate with the BCA community. In addition to announcing our monthly schedule and upcoming events, the newsletter has given us a forum to showcase the work that we all take pride in and share our excitement of the details that make Bayard Cutting Arboretum the special place that it is. Working on the newsletter has been one of the many highlights of my experience at BCA. Every month, I pick out a different plant at the arboretum and attempt to convey my interest in it and more importantly what role it plays in the landscape of Bayard Cutting Arboretum. I am proud to say that every month I have written about a different plant and have not needed to repeat anything. I plan to continue in that tradition as we continue to plant new trees and add to the diversity of our collections.

However, this month I am making an exception and taking this opportunity to introduce myself as the new Director of Bayard Cutting Arboretum. Just as the success of our newsletter can be attributed to a collaborative effort of our entire staff, the success of the arboretum can be attributed to a collaborative effort of the BCA Board of Trustees, NYS Parks, the entire staff of BCA, and the BCA community, which includes the BCA Horticultural Society, LI Dahlia Society, our docents, our volunteers, and our patrons. I am humbled and excited to play a greater role in this effort. I look forward to working with each and everyone of you to maintain our "oasis of beauty and quiet" and to grow the arboretum and the community into the future.

-Kevin Wiecks, Executive Director

A cozy and inviting view of Bronson Cutting's bedroom.

February 28, 2022

Fredrick Law Olmsted (1822-1903) was the founder of American landscape architecture. His legacy includes designing the grounds of Central Park, Prospect Park, the U.S. Capitol, Biltmore Estate and Bayard Cutting Arboretum. This year, we celebrate the 200th anniversary of his birthday by presenting a full-day program focusing on his influence on landscape and garden design.

There is a lot of excitement in the air because our Manor House Tours are back. The groups are limited to eight guests and everyone must wear a mask on this guided tour. The tours fill up quickly! Call ahead, make your reservation and join our experienced Docents for an hour and a half journey through time.

Thursday through Sunday 1:00PM

Cost $15 Adult, $7 for children 12 and under

Call 631-581-1002

The best way to see all that BCA has to offer is to take a “Grounds Tour” that is guided by a friendly and knowledgeable docent. We are offering free tours every Wednesday and Saturday at 10:30 am. We offer private grounds tours at $10 per person with a minimum of 10 on the tour. We hope to see you and your friends soon!

Upcoming Dates: Dec 4, Jan 2, Feb 5

Cost per person: $40

For more info and to sign up: website

Join certified forest therapy guide, Linda Lombardo of Wild Heart Nature Connection, on a walk to reconnect with the natural world around us.