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Along the Connetquot River, where tides push inland and coastal flooding is becoming a familiar challenge, few trees are equipped to endure the changing conditions. Taxodium distichum, commonly known as bald cypress, stands out as one of the most resilient options. Native to floodplains and swamps, this species thrives in saturated soils where prolonged standing water and even brackish conditions would overwhelm most other trees. Its adaptability makes it increasingly important in riverfront and coastal landscapes shaped by climate change.
Taxodium distichum is a deciduous conifer, recognizable by its soft, feathery needles that turn a striking rust color before dropping each fall. One of its most distinctive features is the formation of “knees,” woody projections that rise from the roots when the tree grows in wet soils. While their exact function is still studied, these knees are widely thought to aid in oxygen exchange and provide added stability in saturated environments. Together, these traits allow bald cypress to tolerate extended flooding and periodic salt exposure. At Bayard Cutting Arboretum, the earliest bald cypress plantings date back to 1976, and they continue to thrive along the River Walk today. Their long-term success has guided our response to a changing climate. Over the past decade, we have introduced more than forty additional Taxodium to the Arboretum. This includes newer cultivars such as ‘Red Fox’ and ‘Shawnee Brave’, both selected for their strong pyramidal form and vibrant fall color.
| | My favorite Taxodium planting can be found on the land bridge by the Woodland Garden and River Walk. It is an ecologically complex area only about 20 feet wide, bordered by a freshwater pond on one side and the Connetquot River’s brackish water on the other. Frequent flooding from both sides creates rapidly shifting salinity and water levels, requiring a tree that can stabilize soil while tolerating extreme variability. After trial and error, Taxodium ascendens ‘Debonair’ (pond cypress) has proven highly successful in this setting (2019-0104). Closely related to bald cypress, the pond cypress has a narrower habit well suited to tight spaces like the land bridge, and its needles tend to point upward, reflected in the species name ascendens. Now, it is a popular destination to take stunning photographs and view rare wildlife. This planting has become a valuable case study, demonstrating which trees can truly withstand the demands of our changing coastlines. Over the past fifteen years, we have seen many species decline along the River Walk, and replanting efforts have sharpened our understanding of what resilience looks like in a coastal environment. | | As we enter the New Year, we have many things to look forward to at Bayard Cutting Arboretum! Each year, we host a symposium to educate the public on the evolving role of trees in our landscapes. Our 2026 symposium, Evolution of the American Landscape: Making the Coastal Connection, will explore the challenges facing coastal environments and the strategies needed to address them. Planting resilient trees like Taxodium is one of many strategies needed to address coastal threats. Additional strategies are necessary to respond to failing bulkheads, rising tides, increased flooding, and other pressures on these landscapes. Guided by industry experts, we invite you to join us on Monday, February 23, 2026, to learn more about these urgent challenges and potential paths forward. Additional information and registration details can be found on our website. | | Joy Arden, Landscape Curator | | |
The Manor House:
An Oasis of Beauty
| | While the Bayard Cutting Arboretum was created to provide, “an oasis of beauty and quite pleasure, rest, and refreshment for those who delight in outdoor beauty,” visitors have often found solace within the halls of the historic Manor House. The Tudor style estate built in 1886 by architect Charles C. Haight served as the country home for Mr. & Mrs. William Bayard Cutting – a respite from the bustle of Manhattan. Over the years visitors, volunteers, and staff have been welcomed into the Manor House and have been embraced by its historic charm and warm atmosphere. Thus, when the floor of one of the most significant rooms in the Manor House was damaged, it became the mission of BCA staff Louis Muller, George Lerikos, and others to restore it to its original beauty. | | |
Beginning in March 2025, Louis and George led a restoration project in the Dining Room of the Manor House to bring the 139-year-old parquet style quarter sawn oak floor back to life. As one of the most important rooms in the Manor House, the Dining Room was used by the Cuttings to share meals and entertain guests. Moreover, the furnishings and architectural features in this room were thoughtfully selected by Mr. & Mrs. Cutting including a 15th century fireplace mantel from a French Chateau; a 17th century French attributed verdure tapestry aligning the walls; a three-piece sideboard spanning to the 18th-19th centuries; and the reproduction Chippendale dining table and chairs purchased and used by the Cutting family. Due to the historic and architectural significance of this room, Louis and George did not hesitate in preparations for restoration of the floor.
| | Louis and George carefully removed, inventoried, and labeled each wood tile to assess damage and salvage as much of the original material as possible. The pieces that were too damaged to be reinstalled were used as a template to create new custom, hand-cut tiles and spline out of quarter sawn white oak. A numbering system and reference guide was developed to identify original tiles, reproduced tiles, and their location/placement. After replacing the leveling strips that were found beneath the original floor, plywood was put in place to create a secure, flat, and even surface to begin installing each tile. While re-installing the original and custom-made tiles, Louis and George referenced the guide they created to position the tiles back into their original locations. Once the tiles were glued to the floor, a fill was placed in between the tiles to support expansion/constriction over time. Thereafter, the entire floor was sanded, and all the original tiles were taped along the perimeter so stain could be applied to the reproduced tiles. Once the stain had dried, two coats of amber shellac and satin polyurethane were applied to the floor to complete the restoration. | | Throughout this restoration, it is estimated that Louis and George spent approximately 940 hours combined working on this project. They found it interesting to see how the floor was originally constructed, which led to an appreciation of the skill of those who built it in 1886 - especially without the use of modern technology. When caring for a historic structure, it is important to consider its integrity and how to preserve it for the future; once it is gone, it cannot be brought back. Thanks to the passion and patience from Louis and Geroge, a piece of the Manor House was restored to its original beauty and re-opened to visitors to enjoy for years to come. | | Stefanie D’Erasmo, Manor House Curator | | Remembering Caroline Kiang | |
 | | It is with deep sadness that we must announce the passing of Caroline Kiang. She was not only a wonderful friend to Bayard Cutting Arboretum but also a pillar of Long Island’s horticultural community. Caroline began the Suffolk County Master Gardener program in 1977, training over 1500 gardeners in best horticultural practices. Her expertise, mentorship, and commitment made her a beloved figure in many lives. At Bayard Cutting Arboretum, Caroline frequently visited to appreciate our collections and teach eager gardeners and plant societies. In 2019, she generously funded a tree peony collection showcasing Chinese breeders. Thanks to her guidance, we were able to acquire rare specimens, creating a stunning collection in the Pinetum Extension. Caroline also assisted us in developing bilingual signage featuring Chinese characters, furthering our mission to educate our patrons. Each year, she would reach out to inquire about bud set and the potential bloom times, ensuring she could visit at just the right moment. Meeting with Caroline and her family to admire these beautiful peonies in bloom was always a delight. We cherished her company and the enthusiastic horticultural discussions during her visits. We feel lucky and grateful to carry on Caroline’s legacy every spring. She will be profoundly missed by us and the entire horticultural community.
Learn more about Caroline from a 1985 New York Times article: https://www.nytimes.com/1985/08/25/arts/an-answer-to-gardeners-questions.html
| | Wishing you a Happy New Year! | | Bayard Cutting Arboretum Symposium 2026 | |
Bayard Cutting Arboretum Horticulture Symposium Evolution of the American Landscape: Making the Coastal Connection
Monday, February 23, 2026
This year’s symposium will be held at the Bayway Arts Center, 265 East Main Street, East Islip, NY. A shoreline tour and discussion will follow at the Bayard Cutting Arboretum, 440 Montauk Highway, Great River, NY.
Information and Registration!
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Join certified forest therapy guide, Linda Lombardo of Wild Heart Nature Connection, on a walk to reconnect with the natural world around us. We’ll slow down, wander, and notice what most of the world simply walks past; the beauty of nature in any season. We’ll do some grounding, connect with the trees and water, and even create some nature art together.
Saturdays
Fee: $45 per person.
Please wear comfortable, sturdy shoes and warm clothing for walking outdoors. Register here!
| | Find More Educational Programs on our Website! | | Help Support Bayard Cutting Arboretum | |
Tax deductible donations can also be made by check payable to
Natural Heritage Trust and mailed to
Bayard Cutting Arboretum, PO Box 907, Great River, NY 11739
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