Sweetbriar Nature Center

Sweetbriar Nature Center, located at 62 Eckernkamp Dr, Smithtown, NY 11787, is a private not-for-profit 501(c)(3) corporation dedicated to providing natural science education services for Long Island residents of all ages and engaging in native wildlife rehabilitation services. Situated on 54 acres of diverse habitats including gardens, woodlands, fields, and wetlands along the Nissequogue River, the center serves as a vital resource for fostering appreciation and respect for Long Island's unique wildlife and ecosystems.

The environment at Sweetbriar Nature Center is a rich tapestry of natural beauty and ecological significance. Hundreds of species of plants and animals make their homes within the preserve. Visitors can explore a network of hiking trails that wind through these varied habitats, offering opportunities for bird watching in the fields, observing the natural spring, and traversing the lower river trail. Part of the larger Greenbelt trail system also runs through the preserve. It is important for visitors to note that dogs are not permitted on the grounds to help protect the delicate ecosystems and resident wildlife. The center operates year-round, with the nature preserve open daily from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, and the nature center building open from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM daily.

Sweetbriar Nature Center offers a wide array of services and features designed to engage and educate the public. The indoor facilities include a mock rainforest room and a temperate forest turtle area upstairs, providing an immersive experience with tropical parrots, a mini waterfall, an arachnid outcove, and various animal sounds. There is also a dedicated Reptile Room filled with scaly, slimy, and small crawly friends, and a museum in the main house showcasing wild specimens, an observation beehive, and more live animals. For an additional fee, visitors can experience the Butterfly Vivarium, typically open from June to mid-September, which is a vibrant space filled with butterfly-friendly plants and butterflies. This exhibit is weather-permitting and may close during rain, lightning, or excessive heat.

Outdoor features include the year-round Discovery Area, a children's play space equipped with a sandbox, a hobbit house, a see-saw, a slide, and areas for painting and making music. Scattered throughout the grounds are outdoor enclosures housing many of Sweetbriar's ambassador animals—non-releasable wildlife that reside permanently at the center and are used for educational programs. The gardens, including a beautiful stained glass window-shaped garden, burst with color during the spring, summer, and fall, offering picturesque spots for reflection and photography. Visitors should be aware that professional photography, commercial use, and large group gatherings require prior contact with the center to understand their specific rules and regulations.

Education is at the core of Sweetbriar Nature Center's mission. They offer a diverse range of educational programs for all ages, both on-site at the nature preserve and as outreach programs at other facilities. These programs are thoughtfully designed to involve participants through the use of live animals, hands-on activities, and interactive experiences, fostering a deeper understanding and respect for the natural world. Examples of programs include "Five Senses," "Life Cycles," "Animal Interviews," "Treasures of the Tropical Rain Forest," and "Discovering Dinosaurs" for younger audiences. Scout programs are also available, tailored to meet badge requirements and offering opportunities for service hour projects. Virtual programs, such as "Animal Interviews," "Nature's Coloring Book," "Backyard Wildlife," "Birds of Prey," and "Don't Bug Me," bring the center's educational offerings directly to classrooms or homes.

Sweetbriar Nature Center also serves a crucial role in wildlife rehabilitation, caring for sick and injured native wildlife with the goal of releasing them back into the wild. The Steven Goldman Clinic is their recently renovated wildlife rehabilitation area. They also care for over 100 permanent resident animals, many of whom are non-releasable and serve as educational ambassadors. This critical work is supported by donations and fundraising efforts, as the center receives no government funding for its wildlife rehabilitation services. Visitors can directly contribute to this mission through monetary donations or by purchasing items from their Amazon Wish List, which includes essential supplies like animal formulas, worms, and various cleaning and care items.

The center hosts a variety of public events throughout the year, providing unique opportunities for engagement and support. Past and upcoming events often include festivals like the "Butterfly and Bird Festival" (scheduled for Saturday, June 7, 2025), which features wildlife presentations, craft vendors, food trucks, and musical performances. Other events include "Superheroes of the Sky" (a walking tour to learn about birds of prey), "Owl Prowls," and "Yoga at the Center." They also offer unique "Animal Encounters and Wildlife Experiences," such as personal tours of the wildlife rehabilitation area and opportunities to meet ambassador animals like owls and ducks for a fee. These experiences, which can be reserved online, allow for close-up interactions and photo opportunities, often needing to be scheduled at least two weeks in advance. Promotional information for these events, including pricing and registration details, can be found on their official website. The center encourages carpooling for larger events due to limited parking.

Feedback from visitors consistently highlights the positive aspects of Sweetbriar Nature Center. Reviews commend the "nice helpful people" and the opportunity to "learn and enjoy" for both children and adults. Visitors appreciate the combination of indoor and outdoor spaces and the availability of online reservable programs. Even during colder weather, the visible birds and overall atmosphere provide an enjoyable experience. The center serves as a valuable local scenic spot, offering not only a beautiful environment for leisurely walks and photography but also vital services in environmental education and wildlife conservation. By visiting and participating in their programs and events, local users directly contribute to the ongoing efforts of Sweetbriar Nature Center to protect and educate about Long Island's natural heritage.

Sweetbriar Nature Center

62 Eckernkamp Dr, Smithtown, NY 11787, USA