AYLUS Oyster Bay visited Bayard Cutting Arboretum from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for a guided house tour organized by the park staff in appreciation of the volunteers’ continued involvement with the arboretum.
During the tour, members learned about the history of the Cutting Estate and the life of William Bayard Cutting. Beyond his role as a wealthy landowner, he was also deeply involved in philanthropy. As president of the Improved Dwellings Association, he worked to develop safer and more sanitary housing for underprivileged families in New York City, reflecting his broader commitment to social responsibility.
After his passing, his legacy continued through his family. In 1954, his wife and daughter donated the “Westbrook” estate to the State of New York for preservation as a public park dedicated to the appreciation of nature. Today, Bayard Cutting Arboretum stands not only as a historic estate but also as a lasting example of public service and environmental preservation. His values strongly align with AYLUS’s mission of community engagement and stewardship.
Written by: Thomas Dai