As summer wraps up, the entire Sylvester Manor team — board and staff — send a warm thank you for making our programming, events, and beautiful historic grounds part of your Shelter Island summer. Every visit, shared experience, and new connection helps bring this special place to life. Thank you for being part of our community and for supporting Sylvester Manor.
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Farm Update
The transition of seasons has already started, with summer crops dwindling and fall crops starting to come in. We were blessed with more than enough rain this summer, which will only help the bounty yet to come. Our farmers and volunteers are focused on extensive harvesting, and soon we’ll be planting cover crops in preparation for winter. According to a recent mid-season CSA survey, we have many satisfied members this year. The abundance and quality of produce at the CSA and Farmstand are unprecedented. If you’re a CSA member, thank you! And if you’re interested in becoming one next year, please be sure to sign up in January.
On August 23rd, a providential downpour coincided with the Harvest Service at Union Chapel celebrating Sylvester Manor. Through song, verse, and a bracing sermon, CSA member and Board Trustee Reverend Galen Guengerich led the congregation in an extended meditation on spiritual farming. Each aspect of the beautifully orchestrated service circled back to the joyful and life-affirming values of attending to the sacred earth, involving the community, and cultivating a sense of gratitude. Thanks to Galen and all who made this uplifting moment possible—a moment to reflect on the meaning of our shared work.
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Farmstand Update
September brings beautiful late-summer weather and even more Sylvester Manor-grown produce. Our shelves are overflowing with fresh harvests from the fields, including cucumbers, tomatoes, radishes, string beans, leeks, garlic, lettuces, peppers, eggplant, blackberries, and raspberries. More potatoes, fall brassicas, and other fall crops are on the near horizon. Our fresh eggs and woodland-raised pork are stocked daily in the refrigerated and freezer sections.
The Manor Mercantile is restocked daily with local natural soaps, beautiful tableware, and our signature Sylvester Manor apparel and wine glasses—perfect for bringing a little piece of the Manor home with you.
Follow along for harvest updates, Farmstand restocks, Manor Made features, event announcements, and behind-the-scenes moments from the fields.
Facebook: The Farm at Sylvester Manor Instagram: @thefarmatsylvestermanor
September Farmstand Hours
Open Daily Through Sunday, September 6
9am-5pm
After Labor Day Thursday – Sunday 9am-5pm
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Sculpture @ Sylvester Manor: [R]evolution
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Sculpture @ Sylvester Manor: [R]evolution, an outdoor exhibition of sculptures and installations, features a diverse spectrum of artists local to the East End of Long Island and takes place on the historic grounds of Sylvester Manor. The exhibition is free and open daily to the public, from dawn to dusk, June 13 through October 4, 2026. Use the self-guided app or sign up for a walking tour with curator Tom Cugliani.
Recommended for ages 10+. The tour is not ADA-accessible.
Guided Tours Available Every Other Sunday
10:00-11:30am
Manor Grounds
Free; preregistration is required
Join us for an outdoor concert for a rocking good double-header featuring East End legends Gene Casey & the Lone Sharks and The Hoodoo Loungers!
This isn’t just a great day of music—it’s our second annual co-fundraiser for the Shelter Island Volunteer Fire Department! A portion of all ticket sales will directly support the incredible work our local firefighters do every day. Plus, 100% of the proceeds from a 50/50 raffle will go straight to the fire department.
Be on the lookout for an email with ticketing and logistical information later this month!
Gene Casey & The Lone Sharks
and The Hoodoo Loungers
Saturday, October 10
2pm
Sylvester Manor Grounds
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Manor House Preservation Update
Work with the Shelter Island Town Board on our Site Plan Review process continues. We submitted our Site Plan application a year ago and learned in July that we must address fire access routes. Over the past six weeks, we worked closely with the Shelter Island Board of Fire Commissioners to map fire access routes across our 236-acre site and select a location for a fire well. These improvements will enhance the safety of our residents, guests, staff, and volunteer first responders while protecting this nationally significant historic site. Our site plan will be reviewed at the Town Board’s upcoming work session on September 1st.
Once we receive Site Plan approval from the Town, the Building Department will be able to issue building permits not only for the Manor House rehabilitation project but also for improvements throughout the property including our front gates and roadways. This complicated and historically significant project involves numerous partners, funders and agencies. Thanks to everyone involved. We look forward to updating you more in the coming weeks…and getting to work!!
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Trails Open
The trails and grounds are open for your enjoyment, seven days a week from sunrise to sunset. Pick up a map highlighting our four walking trails (Creekside, Woodlands, Old Growth Forest and Farm). Paper maps are available at the kiosk at the front entrance to the Manor and also at the Welcome kiosk located by the parking area near the bathrooms. You can always download a digital version by clicking the button below.
Due to storm damage, the Land Bridge is temporarily closed. Please adhere to the posted trail closures.
Leashed dogs are welcome, but please pick up after your dog and dispose of the waste properly. No bicycles or motorized vehicles are allowed on the trails. The public restrooms are open to the public.
Download the “Sylvester Manor Walking Tour” from the App Store for a self-guided tour of the grounds. Use the app and learn more about our historic property at your own pace.
By aaq|2026-09-01T11:46:54-04:00September 1st, 2026|Bulletins|Comments Off on Sylvester Manor / Sept News: Farm & Farmstand Updates / Sculpture Exhib / Trails Open | Oct Concerts ….
