Celebrating trails, trees and preservation

The grounds at the Post-Morrow Foundation are quiet now. But on Saturday, Sept. 21, its beautiful arbored field, paths, and brilliantly illuminated boardwalk will be awash with guests as they celebrate the nonprofit’s Connection for Conservation Fundraiser.

Raise a glass of Prosecco when you enter. Or aim for one of the signature cocktails like the Beach Plum Bourbon Sour. Plenty of great food is planned, and the Jazz Loft from Stony Brook will lift your spirits as you amble the property catching up with friends from 3 to 6 p.m.

“We own 250 acres,” said vice president Tom Williams. “We own 100 acres, some with the town or some other group. Last year, we preserved over 7 acres on Chapel Avenue, in Brookhaven hamlet with the town and an anonymous donor. Also, 13 acres of the former Bianchi Weiss Greenhouses in East Patchogue.  We were advocates for the Avery property and our project this year is a community garden at St. Joseph the Worker. We won’t have to buy it; we’re working with the county.”

They’ve collaborated regularly with CEED and other not-for-profits on programs.

As stewards of quite a wide swath of green land, funds raised will support property maintenance of that land and put towards future purchases. You can still pay at the door. Tickets are $150.

Support a nonprofit and get drinks, food, music, and a euphoric atmosphere! Good bargain!

If you haven’t visited this jewel of a place in Brookhaven hamlet at 16 Bay Road, here’s what you’ll see. The set-back Morrow Homestead, Post-Morrow’s headquarters, then the start of an awe-inspiring cathedral of trees off a field and a native garden to the left. A South Loop meanders by small ponds; say hello to the great blue heron if you’re lucky enough to see him. The North Loop follows the Ken Budny Memorial boardwalk off Beaver Dam Creek, with its resident egret. You’ll be charmed by the Giving Thanks Storywalk along the way, written by two local award-winners: author Jonathan London and  illustrator Gregory Manchess. Easy walking trails are nearby in the adjoining streets.

Board members, plus administrative assistant Florence Pope and a volunteer, made up the fundraising committee; among the food choices: raw clams, grilled fillet mignon, scallops wrapped in bacon, chicken walnut salad, shrimp cocktail, spanakopita and pigs in a blanket. The HOG Farm is supplying flowers. There are Long Island wines.

Four raffle baskets are available with themes: native plantings by Dava Stravinsky, beach, bon fire, family in nature. There’s a basket with bayman wood carver Wilbur Corwin’s head of a duck decoy, an original shipping ticket, and a ferry reprint. Also, notecards from Post-Morrow’s holiday artist series will be available for sale.

“You can celebrate all our conservation efforts and get to the next space we’re trying to protect and save with connecting trails,” emphasized board member Rebecca Kusa.