Environmental Centers Of Setauket Smithtown

Our Mission

Environmental Centers of Setauket Smithtown: Sweetbriar Nature Center is a private not-for-profit, 501c3 corporation. Through education and examples, ECSS encourages responsible decision making, appreciation, and respect for the unique wildlife and ecosystems found on Long Island.

At Sweetbriar, we are dedicated to preserving and nurturing the natural world. We accomplish this by overseeing a diverse range of wildlife habitats, showcasing native plantings, a butterfly vivarium, maintaining a historical garden, and offering scenic hiking trails on the Nissequogue River. Moreover, our center is home to over 100 non-releasable wild animals, including reptiles, mammals, and a captivating variety of birds. Inside our museum, you'll find a demonstrative beehive, an interactive rainforest room, and a host of reptiles, amphibians, and friendly domestic animals. Beyond exhibitions, Sweetbriar is a refuge and medical facility for injured, orphaned, and sick wildlife. We provide essential care to over 2,000 creatures every year, all without any cost to the public. Education is at the heart of our mission. Our dedicated staff and passionate volunteers work tirelessly to inspire a sense of wonder and responsibility for the natural world. Through engaging with our programs, we aim to nurture the next generation of nature enthusiasts and conservation advocates. Our nature center proudly extends its educational outreach to over 250 schools, libraries, parks, and various community spaces across Long Island. Through an array of engaging programs, we aim to foster a deep appreciation for the local wildlife and environment among students and the public alike. Through these efforts, we not only educate but also inspire individuals to actively participate in the preservation and protection of the natural world that surrounds us on Long Island.