If you’ve ever dreamed of attending a haunted mansion party, the Seatuck Environmental Association Bats & Brews Annual Fundraiser at the Historic Scully Estate is the ultimate annual event to put on your radar. Each October, the community eagerly anticipates this notorious evening brimming with never-ending servings of beer, fresh food from local restaurants, live music, and a fascinating lecture that ties it all together. Greeted by the glow of string lights and the faint hum of excitement in the autumn air, guests trickle in for a night of excitement. Bats & Brews is not only a celebration but also a statement of support for local conservation efforts, with enthusiasm for the cause radiating from every corner of the impressive mansion.
The Historic Scully Estate, impressive in both architecture and location, hides quietly within a 400-acre property on South Bay Avenue in Islip. Nestled between neighborhood blocks and the Great South Bay, the estate feels hidden; its elegant, winding trails carrying whispers of folklore from decades past. From the late 1880s until the early part of the 20th century, the 70-acre Scully Sanctuary was part of Windholme Farm, a nearly 300-acre “gentleman’s farm,” implying it was maintained for pleasure, not profit. This vast tract also included what is now the 200-acre Seatuck National Wildlife Refuge on the east side of South Bay Avenue. After decades of upkeep, the property was donated to the National Audubon Society in the late 1960s, with the intent to be used as a wildlife sanctuary and nature center. Today, that promise lives on through the Seatuck Environmental Association, which carries the mission of conservation and education.
These hallowed halls aren’t open to the public every day, but once a year, the community is welcomed back inside for the highly regarded event. The mansion glows beneath the October moonlight, its stately façade illuminated by the soft flicker of lanterns. Guests are encouraged to explore the event through a digital guide, accessible via QR code—an eco-friendly alternative to traditional paper pamphlets. In the theme of sustainability, drinks at this event are served in souvenir glass tasting cups, the perfect size to try a sample from various booths.
“We welcomed over 500 guests who enjoyed an expert conservation lecture on the American eel, live music from Paris Ray and that Sound Band, beer samplings from over two dozen local brewers, tasty eats from local purveyors, and over 1,000 oysters, with shells collected for Seatuck’s Half Shells for Habitat program,” shared Claire Moran, Seatuck Development Associate.
Stepping into the beer tent, the options are both plentiful and enticing, pouring over 100 different beverages from local breweries and distilleries, each with its own unique flavor profile and backstory. Whether discovering new favorites or revisiting classic staples, the assortment of IPAs, pumpkin ales, and autumnal ciders could be overwhelming at first. Luckily, friendly beertenders at each booth shared their expertise, helping guests select the perfect beverage for their taste. One of my favorites was the Baked Pumpkin Pie Ale from Great South Bay Brewery, paired with a stop at the massive charcuterie board from Cornucopia.
booth.Photo by Samantha Salerno.
After an hour of light bites, nearly every seat was filled for the sought-after lecture. This year’s featured presenter, Katrina Rokosz, a Ph.D. candidate at Stony Brook University, explored the eel’s mysterious life cycle in her gripping presentation. Discussing her personal insights and research on eels in the Hudson River, Rokosz explained how her findings are helping scientists better understand and protect these fascinating fish.
“I hope the audience got a sense of the shared interests between researchers and conservation groups in protecting our environment and natural resources. Monitoring programs are critical for ensuring that environmental interest groups are well-informed and equipped to manage natural resources and conserve our shared ecosystems effectively,” Rokosz said. “I am grateful to have been invited to present on American eel and share the monitoring work and research done at Stony Brook University and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation [NYSDEC]; we have a lot of exciting research happening in the Hudson River and on Long Island.”
Adding to the charm of the event were fantastic igloo structures with cozy seating—a new addition that proved both eye-catching and functional. Inside, attendees found a serene escape from the chill of October. Seated on comfortable couches, they shared camaraderie and craft beers. This year’s musical direction saw a shift, as guests were treated to a two-part lineup: an acoustic hour of mellow tunes by Paris Ray near the food area, followed by a lively evening set with That Sound Band, over by the festive igloos set up in the courtyard, all under the stars on a crispy autumn night.
