The Trail Mix
The Setauket to Port Jefferson Station Greenway
Volume 6, Issue 10 – October 2026
The Trail Mix is the monthly newsletter of The Friends of the Greenway. We established this bulletin to keep you current on some of the “goings-on” regarding our Trail and to dispense a mix of bits and bytes of flavorful information. Hopefully, The Trail Mix will enlighten, inform, and entertain our readers.
The Friends of the Greenway is part of The Three Village Community Trust. The Trust was established more than twenty-two years ago to “Protect the Places You Love.” Support the Greenway by joining the Trust today! Visit: threevillagecommunitytrust.org.
Keep it the Cleanway!!
Let’s keep the good energy going! We have scheduled one more Cleanup to the 2026 calendar. On Saturday, October 17th at 9am we will meet at the Port Jefferson Station Trail Head to do one more Monthly Cleanup! As Charlie McAteer, Chairman of the Friends of the Greenway and Three Village Community Trust board member likes to say – ‘The trail is in great shape due to our Stewards and volunteers – the Greenway is the Cleanway!
Show a little love for the Long Island Greenway
As many of you know, The Trust for Public Lands continues to work towards the building of the Long Island Greenway. The Trail Mix has been following this exciting project for several years.
It was in 2020 that New York State opened the Empire State Trail, a continuous 750-mile multiuse trail that spans the state from Plattsburgh in the north and Buffalo in the west. Those trails connect in Albany, in the center of the state, and continue south to the Battery at the tip of Manhattan. But it ends there! It leaves out more than 8 million New Yorkers who live on Long Island. We ask – ‘Are we chopped liver?’
The planned Long Island Greenway will correct this. The Trust for Public Lands, a national organization, plans a new trail that will stretch east from Manhattan all the way to Montauk and link residents of Long Island (including Brooklyn and Queens) to the Empire State Trail. The Long Island Greenway is slated to run nearly 200 miles, connecting 90 communities within a 10-minute walk, and 26 existing parks in the process. The greenway will be 60 percent off-road, offering a refreshing way to travel between these communities—or all the way out of the city for those seeking a longer adventure.
GREAT NEWS: The first phase is NOW. This Spring, Suffolk County plans to break ground on the first 12.3-mile section, from the Nassau-Suffolk border at Bethpage State Park to Brentwood State Park.
Below is a recent article that appeared in Newsday about the LI Greenway and our own Setauket to Port Jefferson Station Greenway!
Newsday: Long Island Greenway: Suffolk ready to break ground on 175-mile walking and biking path from Manhattan to Montauk
September 2026
By Peter Gill
For Don Pupke, a Malverne resident who recently walked across New York State, Long Island was the most treacherous part of the 700-mile trek.
He set off from the shore of Lake Erie in early July, following the Empire State Trail, a mostly off-road recreational path that stretches from Buffalo to Albany and down the Hudson Valley to New York City. By the time he reached Manhattan, he said, he’d worn out four pairs of sneakers and endured a heat wave, wildfire smoke, heavy rain, numerous ticks and two bear sightings.
But on the remainder of the journey to Montauk Point, there was no trail to follow. Pupke, who ran a fundraising campaign for his local American Legion post, walked along sidewalks and, more often, shoulders of busy roads. Sometimes he found himself standing between speeding traffic and guardrails marked with “car paint from side-scrapes — and you’re thinking, this is not good,” he recalled recently as he walked the final leg of his odyssey in Deer Park.
Don Pupke, of Malverne, walks Long Island Avenue in Deer Park as part of his trek across New York from Buffalo to Montauk. Credit: Newsday/Steve Pfost
Future hikers and bikers might traverse the Island much more easily if a plan to build a 175-mile recreational trail across Queens and Long Island comes to fruition.
The concept has percolated within certain outdoors and conservation circles for decades. But plans for the so-called Long Island Greenway have gained momentum since 2020, when the Empire State Trail, which it would connect to, was completed.
Suffolk County plans to break ground on the first 12.3-mile section, from the Nassau-Suffolk border at Bethpage State Park to Brentwood State Park, in the spring. Ninety percent of it will be off-road; except for a half-mile stretch on private commercial land, it will use existing public property, following underneath Long Island Power Authority power lines and skirting the Pilgrim Psychiatric Center. Expected to cost $21 million, construction is mostly funded through a $16.4 million federal grant, according to County Executive Edward P. Romaine’s office. Design and planning funding also came from New York State and federal earmark requests from Sen. Chuck Schumer and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand.
The overall route, which is projected to cost $114 million, is being coordinated by the Trust for Public Land, a national nonprofit that has built trails in Dallas, Chicago and Atlanta.
Getting the rest of the trail built will require further funding, approvals from state and federal agencies and support from other local governments, civic groups, businesses and residents, according to TPL.
While Suffolk County is on board, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman’s office did not respond to a request for comment on whether it supports the project. It is also unclear whether federal funding will be available for future segments; the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which funded the competitive grant program that financed the first segment, is set to expire next month without a replacement.
The trail has been met with skepticism from some residents who have raised concerns about safety and privacy for nearby homes. But organizers of similar, smaller-scale projects on Long Island like the 3.5-mile Setauket Greenway and the 10-mile North Shore Rail Trail say initial opposition faded after the projects were built and people began using them.
Proponents point to the Long Island Greenway’s potential health, environment and tourism benefits.
“We need to preserve as much of our green spaces as possible, and the best way to do that is have people use them,” Romaine told Newsday. “The Greenway does that, and will link the island to other trails that we have. I want to see people outdoors and enjoying what this island has to offer.”
He added that while Nassau officials are free to make their own decisions, “I would encourage them to seriously consider being part of the Greenway.”
Parts will be paved, while others will use crushed bluestone or compact gravel suitable for biking.
“The look and feel of the trail will depend on the surrounding environment,” said Tamar Renaud, TPL’s New York director, adding it will pass through “pristine, natural environments” as well as densely populated areas where people “biking through can stop by and have a cup of coffee, or go to work or go to school.”
Romaine’s office said the county plans to complete the Brentwood-Bethpage section by late 2028, which will be maintained by a “combination of town, county, utility and volunteer organizations,” with costs “minimal.”
Next it will move on to the Riverhead-Montauk part, eventually finishing the entire Suffolk County portion of the trail by 2035.
TPL said it does not plan to focus on Nassau County until Suffolk’s portion is complete; while the proposed route in Nassau is far from final, it has held some public engagement events there.
At one such information session, hosted by the Levittown Community Council at the public library in October, some residents raised concerns about safety and privacy.
A woman who declined to give her name said she liked “the idea of a trail” but the proposed route is “right over my back fence” and worried about who would “hang out” along the trail. Recently, a homeless man had been living along that section of LIPA right-of-way, she said.
One man said a trail was unnecessary because there were already plenty of sidewalks and parks to bicycle or walk, although a younger attendee disagreed.
“I think a fact that’s often ignored is there’s a lot more traffic and cars on the road than there used to be when you guys were growing up,” said David DeRienzo, 23, adding that a classmate’s sister had been killed while crossing Hempstead Turnpike when he was in school.
While instances of crime do occur along suburban trails — a man was murdered near the Setauket Greenway in 2021, more than a decade after it opened — Renaud told Newsday that in TPL’s experience, crime generally drops after greenway trails are completed. She cited a theory by the 20th century urbanist Jane Jacobs that more “eyes on the street” — or in this case, on a disused public property — can deter misbehavior.
To address privacy concerns, she said that in certain locations, hedges or other screens might be installed along the greenway.
Newsday spoke to several residents who said they love living near the North Shore Rail Trail, which opened four years ago along an abandoned extension of the Port Jefferson railroad branch between Mount Sinai and Wading River.
People walk the Setauket-Port Jefferson Station Greenway, which opened in 2009. The North Shore Rail Trail, a mile away, opened in 2022. Credit: Newsday/Steve Pfost
John Reilly, whose backyard abuts the trail in Mount Sinai, said his wife uses it for physical therapy and his grandkids ride over on it to visit him.
“They’re not near 25A — so you don’t have to worry about cars that much,” he said. “What’s not to like?”
His neighbor Bill Dwyer, a retired high school teacher and track coach, said the trail is “incredible” for cycling and running: “I’ve seen people who, as they get older, they give up the running, but now they are biking the trails.”
Sarah Anker, a former Suffolk County legislator who pushed for the North Shore Rail Trail, which was mostly federally funded, said initially, some residents voiced similar concerns as those heard at the Levittown meeting. But she worked with residents, businesses and civic groups for years to build support, “sort of like a bucket filling up with water, one drop at a time.”
Romaine’s office said public support for the Long Island Greenway has been “strong,” adding it has been engaging residents, business owners and environmental and civic organizations to support the effort.
Though the federal grant for the Bethpage-Brentwood section of trail has already been approved, the Trump administration has clawed back similar grants for recreational trails in New Mexico, Illinois and other states since last year. It justified some of the changes by saying it wanted to instead focus on “projects that promote vehicular travel.”
Romaine said Suffolk County has not encountered any such issues.
“And I would say this: If the federal government has made a commitment, budgetarily and otherwise, to undertake whatever trails, whatever else, it should keep its commitment.”
He added, of the Greenway, “I think it benefits Long Island in the long run and it connects us.”
Originally published by Newsday, September 2026. Article by Peter Gill.
Want to help the LI Greenway?
Trust for Public Land has asked that trail enthusiasts send a “thank you” letter to one, or all, of the government officials listed below. A sample letter is also provided below that you can use to write your own letter.
Government Officials
Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York State
New York State Capitol Building
Albany, NY 12224
U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer
322 Hart Senate Building
Washington, DC 20510
Ed Romaine, Suffolk County Executive
H. Lee Dennison Building
100 Veterans Memorial Highway
Hauppauge, NY 11788
U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand
478 Russell Senate Building
Washington, DC 20510
Ed Smyth, Town of Huntington Supervisor
Town of Huntington
100 Main Street
Huntington, NY 11743
Sample Letter
Dear Governor Hochul, Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine, Town of Huntington Supervisor Ed Smyth and US Senators Schumer and Gillibrand:
I am writing to thank you for your leadership and continued support for the Long Island Greenway. As recently highlighted by Newsday, this project represents a major investment in Long Island’s future and reflects years of partnership between Suffolk County, the Town of Huntington, Trust for Public Land, US NYS Senators and community members, and many local and regional partners.
The Long Island Greenway is envisioned as a 200-mile multi-use trail that will connect communities across Long Island to parks, schools, downtowns, jobs, transit, and everyday destinations. It will strengthen local businesses, support tourism, improve public health, and enhance quality of life for residents across Nassau and Suffolk Counties.
Most importantly, the Long Island Greenway starts with safety. Too many families on Long Island feel they have few safe places to walk or bike without being next to fast-moving traffic. We urgently need safe, off-road paths where children can ride bikes, families can walk together, and residents can travel between communities without relying only on cars.
The Greenway would provide a trusted route for people commuting to work, a place where parents can teach their children to ride a bike, and a public space where communities across Long Island can connect. It is not just a trail. It is essential infrastructure that improves safety, supports healthier lifestyles, and gives people real alternatives to driving.
I am especially encouraged by the County and Town’s leadership on this project, and by the progress toward construction of the first phase of the Long Island Greenway. That progress shows what is possible when the Federal, State, County, Town, and community partners work together to deliver real, visible improvements for residents.
The Greenway has already generated broad public support, including more than 1,000 petition signatures from Long Island residents and a dedicated constituency of more than 300 members of the Friends of the Long Island Greenway. That support reflects how deeply people care about safer streets, better access to parks, and more connected communities.
For me personally, the Greenway matters because (add one sentence here about where you live, how you would use the Greenway, or who in your family or community would benefit).
More than three million New Yorkers live on Long Island. We deserve modern, safe, and accessible infrastructure that reflects how people want to live: healthier, more connected, and less dependent on dangerous roadways.
Thank you again for your leadership and for helping move the Long Island Greenway forward. I urge you to continue supporting this project and to help ensure that the route remains safe, connected, and off-road wherever possible.
Sincerely,
(Your Name)
Our September Cleanup
Our September Cleanup was another success- great group of Trail Stewards and community volunteers doing the hard work of keeping the Greenway ‘the place to walk, run and bike.’
Here are some of our hometown Greenway heroes from the September cleanup:
- Charlie McAteer
- Susan Colatosti
- Herb Mones
- Ben Brehl
- Norm Samuels
- Christina Cone
- Dave Wang
- Chancy Cone
- Bob Pearsall – Scout Master Troop 354
- Sebastian Poly
- Justin Poly
- Stephane, Rob, Matthew and Steven Alwais – Pack 333
Yes – We have scheduled one more Cleanup to the 2026 calendar. Join us on Saturday, October 17th at 9am. We will meet at the Port Jefferson Station Trail Head.
Upcoming Trust Events!! Mark Your Calendar!
Culper Spy Day has grown from a local event to a national and international “happening,” drawing thousands of visitors to the area. It is a wonderful family event.
Spearheaded by the Three Village Historical Society, the Trust (our parent organization) has a fantastic day planned for you at Patriots Rock!
A Great Race – For a Great Cause!
And don’t forget another good cause: to make All Souls Church handicap accessible.
18th Annual Soles for All Souls Race
A 5K Race and 2K Walk on Sunday, October 4th
At 9:00 AM – Rain or Shine
Sponsored by: Historic All Souls Episcopal Church
61 Main Street
Stony Brook, NY
Register at ACTIVE.COM! Search SOLES for All Souls.
Registration
Individual: Pre-registration is $30 on or before midnight September 27th and $35 thereafter. Only pre-registrants are guaranteed a FREE t-shirt. Click here to register
Special College Student Rate: Pre-registration is $20 before midnight September 27th. Afterwards and on race day, registration is $25. Only pre-registrants are guaranteed a FREE t-shirt.
Special Youth Rate (18 Years & Younger): Pre-registration is $10 before midnight September 27th. Afterwards and on race day, registration is $15. Only pre-registrants are guaranteed a FREE t-shirt.
Running and Walking Groups: Join or form a team when you register.
Race Day Information
Pick up your race packet, race t-shirt, and BIB in the parking lot at The Reboli Center for Art and History, 64 Main Street, Stony Brook, from 7:30 AM to 8:45 AM on race day.
Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals will be awarded in several age categories, with medals for best costumes as well.
Sponsors: If you are interested in being a race sponsor, having your name on the back of the Race Day t-shirts, or contributing to the event, please contact Dan Kerr at 631-655-7798 or danielbkerr@verizon.net.
Our Special Friends
Keep in mind, these special friends of the Greenway who support our efforts throughout the year! Please consider giving them your business, and mention you saw them in The Trail Mix.
Shown above is Dave Prestia, owner/operator, of Bagel Express
Bagel Express at 15-5 Bennetts Road in Setauket. Owned and operated by David Prestia, Bagel Express generously donates the catering of our Trail Steward breakfasts. Delicious bagels, hot, steaming coffee – sooo good! For the third year in a row, The Trail Mix has voted Bagel Express #1 for breakfast and lunch, and all of your catering needs. Call 631-675-2770 or check website at Bagel Express – New York | View our menu, reviews & Order food online (bagelexpressli.com)
Emily Riley Design631-512-3330 emilyrileydesign.com
Emily Riley of Emily Riley Design knows plants and landscaping. Using the latest understanding of natural, native and sustainable landscaping methods, Emily can transform your yard into a magical setting that lasts for years and years. As a landscape designer, Emily has been a generous donor of both time, energy and materials to a host of Trust projects!
A Big Friend of the Trust is Swan Cove Landscaping. Swan Cove does a whole line of services – lawn maintenance, pruning, stone walls, firewood. Dave Fortuna has recently retired, but his longtime employee Wander Aleman is now the new and capable owner/operator. Swan Cove donates many, many of services to the Trust. The result – our properties always look great! Thank you, Dave! Call 631-689-8089.
Emerald Magic Lawn Care’s horticultural consultant, Craig den Hartog has been providing flower bulbs for the Greenway over many years at “no cost.” We planted a big bulk of these bulbs at the kiosk on Gnarled Hollow Road, Setauket. Craig generosity is part of his beautification effort known as Old Town Blooms.Why not support Emerald Magic, who supports us! Call 631-286-4600, 631-804-9205.
Steve Antos – He can do it all!
For your yard’s beautification look to Setauket Landscape and Design. Steve Antos can help you plan and design the unique surroundings to make your property the envy of your neighborhood. His company has helped us with many large and small projects on the Trust’s historic properties. Call 631-882-7190.
And lots of thanks to Bove Industries and Skyline Industries for their generous support of the Trust’s projects – they have been instrumental in our grounds restorations at the Smith/deZafra House! Bove Industries and Skyline Industries are leaders in producing materials for roads and construction products.
Randall Brothers Tree Service is always a big help and big hearted in helping the Trust! Call 631-862-9291. Marty is the Man!
Northville Industries
We are appreciative of Northville Industries’ big, big help in mowing the Greenway throughout the past year. Their partnership with the Three Village community helps make the Greenway a special place for all!
Jos. M. Troffa Materials Corporation at 70 Comsewogue Road in Setauket is a very special friend. The company has every conceivable item to beautify your yard. Mulch – they got it. Grass seed – yes! Soil, gravel, shovel, – everything. Forget the big box stores – You gotta go to Troffa!
