Every October, the Seatuck Environmental Association opens its doors for Bats & Brews. The historic Scully Estate in Islip is the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable evening of craft beer, live music and community spirit in support of Long Island wildlife conservation. What began as a humble bat lecture in 2009 has become a highly anticipated annual event, drawing guests from across Long Island and New York City.
Upon arrival, attendees are welcomed with a souvenir tasting glass to sample a range of craft brews from Long Island’s top breweries. Over 30 local breweries from Long Island, Brooklyn, Queens and the Hudson Valley offered seasonal flavors like pumpkin, caramel apple and Oktoberfest, along with an assortment of classic favorites for a well-rounded tasting experience.
Although it’s easy to get lost in the beer tent, the bewitching haunted mansion party had vibrant indulgences at every turn. Local restaurants showcased tastings of their most popular dishes, while a striking Seatuck ice sculpture displayed freshly shucked oysters from O’Brien Oyster Co. In the mansion’s grand hallways, two impressive charcuterie boards, including a vegan option, invited guests to indulge in gourmet bites.
This year’s educational presentation put a unique twist on tradition, swapping the classic bat lecture to explore spiders. Joe Arguelles, a Ph.D. student in comparative biology at the American Museum of Natural History’s Richard Gilder Graduate School, delivered a captivating talk on spiders, a “polarizing group of animals,” as he describes. His research highlighted the incredible properties of spider silk, explaining its potential use in medical fields. For added intrigue, Arguelles even brought a few jumping spiders alongside him to show the audience.
To introduce the lecture, opening remarks were made by members of Seatuck’s Executive Board.
“We’re focused on protecting and saving wildlife habitats across Long Island, and it’s a big place,” Seatuck Environmental Association Executive Director, Enrico Nardone said. “If we can’t protect them, the things that we love about Long Island are in trouble.”
Each speaker underscored the importance of conservation and care for our environment while being excited about the number of participants in the crowd.
Guests spent the rest of the evening dancing their hearts out to the sound of The Decoys cover band while debating which beer was their favorite tasting. With its enchanting atmosphere and commitment to a worthy cause, this October benefit has grown richer every year. Be sure to grab tickets for this beloved event next fall!
