Since 1974, the Bayard Cutting Arboretum Horticultural Society (BCAHS) has been promoting sound home gardening methods, preservation of the environment and an appreciation of the beautiful Bayard Cutting Arboretum and our Long Island Community. Profits generated by the Society’s fundraising events are donated to Bayard Cutting Arboretum to help maintain the historic Westbrook Manor House, summer home of the Cutting Family.
BCAHS members enjoy numerous education programs, lectures, demonstrations and networking opportunities throughout the year. Monthly meetings include a short business portion, followed by an engaging guest speaker. Informative monthly newsletters are sent to members via email. Periodic field trips are arranged to visit gardens and other sites of interest.
Hundreds of visitors come to the Society’s annual benefit plant sale held at the Arboretum the weekend after Memorial Day. The Annual Plant Sale features attractive and unusual perennials, specialty plants and saplings collected at the Arboretum. Master Gardeners are available to help answer questions.
GENERAL MEETINGS
General Meetings are held in the Arboretum’s Upper Carriage House
September – November & April – June
Second Wednesday of the Month at 6:30 PM
January-March
Second Saturday or Sunday at 1:00 PM
December is our Holiday Party!
The Society offers:
~~Membership Benefits~~
Monthly Meetings with Horticultural Programs
Monthly Electronic NewsBLASTS
Reduced Registrations for Arboretum Symposium & Events
Annual Tour of Westbrook Manor House
Arboretum Garden Tour by BCA Director
Dahlia Garden Tour by L.I. Dahlia Society
Member Recognition Party
Annual Holiday Social
Many opportunities to make new friends and explore the world of gardening!
Download "Get to Know Us" for a full explanation of our Horticultural Society.
GET TO KNOW THE BAYARD CUTTING FAMILY
Long Island’s parks are not only celebrated for their landscapes, but also their historical significance. Despite living nearby, many of us have yet to visit the three state parks closest to us or know how important the Long Island Greenbelt Trail is to our parks and community. Some of us have explored Bayard, but may not have ventured to Connetquot or Heckscher, and vice versa. Some of us love the Greenbelt Trail and others haven’t experienced it.
To encourage our community to experience all three parks, the Friends’ Groups of each park and the Greenbelt Trail have joined together to plan this inaugural event.
“One Day 3 Parks”
October 4, 2025
The day will start at 9:00 am at Bayard Cutting Arboretum
- Begin with scheduled Manor House Tours
- Take a guided tour through the Scarecrows and down to the Farm
- Enjoy a Scavenger Hunt along the scenic paths or by the water
- Explore our famous Scarecrow display featuring the Culper Spy Ring this year
- Kids’ coloring table and building birdhouse or bat houses
Continue at Connetquot River State Park Preserve at 11:30 am
- Take a tranquil hike through the vibrant fall foliage
- Tour the Fish Hatchery
- Join a guided tour through the historic Club House and Stables
- Enjoy more family-friendly activities too
End the Day at Heckscher State Park at 2:00 pm
- Join the guided nature hike
- Learn something new with disc golf demonstrations and matches
- Have fun at the children’s field day
- Listen to live local bands and enjoy local food trucks and maybe even some dancing!
Event Details
This event is free of charge. If you have an Empire Pass, bring it with you. We invite you to join us for a family-friendly day and get to know the beautiful parks in your area.
Whether you would like to participate in the activities or volunteer at one of the parks, we would love to see you there. Raffles and giveaways will be at each park. Come to all events or the ones that fit into your day. Hope to see you there!
2024 MEMBERS OF THE YEAR
SUSAN DEAN AND MARILYN SILVERMAN
Susan Dean's idea a few years ago was to start the Gift Shop upstairs in the Manor House and has been instrumental in its huge success.
She is an avid buyer and manager of the Gift shop and knows just what her clientele wants to purchase.
It has been so successful that the Hort Society has been able to donate to the Arboretum’s many projects for renovation and repair.
She has also volunteered in Babylon township in its beatification projects and other projects that benefit its residents.
She also decorates the Hidden Oak Café during the Holiday season and is a tremendous help with the Holiday Party and the Plant Sales.
She is never without a smile on her face. Always friendly and wants to help whenever she can.
Marilyn Silverman has been our treasurer for several years and does a fantastic job of it. As treasurer she oversees the budget and the expenses and income that the Hort Society incurs.
She volunteers in the Gift Shop as well as at the Plant Sales.
She is indispensable to the Hort Society.
She is always smiling and welcoming to all members.
MEDITATION BENCHES COMPLETED JUNE 2023.
Donated by BCAHS to the
Bayard Cutting Arboretum
"An oasis of beauty and quiet for the pleasure, rest, and refreshment of those who delight in outdoor beauty."
Dedicated by Olivia Cutting James
VISITORS
