Many people in Smithtown simply pass by Caleb Smith State Park Preserve located along Jericho turnpike with Old Willets Path to the west and the Smithtown Bull to the east. A few years ago I finally discovered this treasure when my friend’s parents asked me to help the preserve’s Friends organization with their newsletter.
Over the last few years with the Friends group I have volunteered at a few events, become one of the board members and now I am the assistant secretary. There have been many times sitting or walking around the park where I am in amazement that this beautiful sanctuary is right off the hectic, and sometimes dangerous, Jericho Turnpike. It seems worlds away.
With over 500 acres, the park is part of property once owned by Richard Smythe, the founder of Smithtown back in 1665. The property has changed owners over the centuries, but since 1963 has been owned by the state of New York.
I must admit there is so much more about the park I need to discover. I haven’t explored as much as I have liked, and I am planning to now that the nice weather is here. There are walking trails and fresh water tributaries for fly-fishing. Okay, so maybe I won’t be fishing, but definitely a bit of hiking. And even in the winter one can cross country ski or go snowshoeing. Plus, this summer the park’s nature museum will be open once again with amazing exhibits.
Among the ponds, streams, fields and woodlands there’s so much more to discover here. Peace and serenity exist right in the town of Smithtown.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
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