The Bayard Cutting Arboretum in Oakdale

Anyone ever been there?

I want to take the kids to the Planting Fields in Oyster Bay, but its kind of a long ride, so I found this place online instead.

I want to take some pictures of them and just have a nice relaxing afternoon tomorrow.

Re: The Bayard Cutting Arboretum in Oakdale

I take the kids now & again - even did a playdate there. Its a beautiful place. If you go down by the lake area bring some bread to feed the ducks & swans - the kids loooooooooooooove that.

Just don't bring food for yourself - if you do don't eat it on the lawn area. We got in trouble for doing so.

Also, when you leave check for ticks - I seem to have left the Arboretum with one on me and found him 24 hours later on my back!!!!!!!

Re: The Bayard Cutting Arboretum in Oakdale

There is a beautiful weeping tree right behind the main house, and if you go inside the branches, there's a little wooden path inside.

Also, if you're in for a walk, there is a dahlia garden there too - I don't think they would have taken it down for the season yet but you can ask when you get to the main building to get the map.

A note on feeding ducks bread though - bread for ducks is like Big Macs for us. Filling (which is why they appear to love it), but absolutely no nutrition whatsoever.

I realize most people have their children feed ducks for the benefit of the child, not the duck. But if you teach children the truth, that too much bread can hurt these ducks, and feed them corn or duck pellets instead, children will probably get a lot more out of it. At the very least, a life lesson on how to respect wildlife, even if it appears tame and hungry.

Don't mean to spoil the fun, just trying to inform because it's a common misconception.

Re: The Bayard Cutting Arboretum in Oakdale

Posted by greenfreak


A note on feeding ducks bread though - bread for ducks is like Big Macs for us. Filling (which is why they appear to love it), but absolutely no nutrition whatsoever.

I realize most people have their children feed ducks for the benefit of the child, not the duck. But if you teach children the truth, that too much bread can hurt these ducks, and feed them corn or duck pellets instead, children will probably get a lot more out of it. At the very least, a life lesson on how to respect wildlife, even if it appears tame and hungry.

Don't mean to spoil the fun, just trying to inform because it's a common misconception.

Re: The Bayard Cutting Arboretum in Oakdale

Sooo beautiful, especially on a day like today!

Re: The Bayard Cutting Arboretum in Oakdale

Posted by kimbalina

Posted by greenfreak


A note on feeding ducks bread though - bread for ducks is like Big Macs for us. Filling (which is why they appear to love it), but absolutely no nutrition whatsoever.

I realize most people have their children feed ducks for the benefit of the child, not the duck. But if you teach children the truth, that too much bread can hurt these ducks, and feed them corn or duck pellets instead, children will probably get a lot more out of it. At the very least, a life lesson on how to respect wildlife, even if it appears tame and hungry.

Don't mean to spoil the fun, just trying to inform because it's a common misconception.

I never knew this!!! Thank you!

Re: The Bayard Cutting Arboretum in Oakdale

I'm glad to help, I didn't want to come across preachy. I figure you have the information, you can take it or leave it.

Re: The Bayard Cutting Arboretum in Oakdale

I've been there many times. it's really nice - and I love that it's on the water.

we went there to test out our new digital SLR a few years ago in the Fall - SO BEAUTIFUL!!!!