Wildlife & Ecology Center


The Town of Brookhaven Ecology Site, Park & Animal Preserve is located on a reclaimed landfill. Since 1974, when the landfill closed, the Town of Brookhaven Highway Department employees had worked to re-vegetate the hills filled with garbage and to build a modern recreational and educational facility. Some of the amenities at the Holtsville Park include: a triple pool complex; exercise-trail fitness course; nature preserve and ecology center, featuring Buffalo, Bobcats, Eagles, ecology exhibits and tours, free compost, greenhouses, picnic area. For Ecology Center, call 758-9664.

TOURS

• Guided tours are available Monday to Thursday for a fee of $5 per person to schools, grades 1 and up, Scout troop’s, camps and other organized groups.
• Self-guided tours available for a fee of $2.00 per person for groups of 10 or more.
• Self Guided Tour Booklet is also available for a fee upon request.
• Advance scheduling is necessary. For further information call 631-758-9664 extension 13

ANIMAL PRESERVE

• Over 100 injured or non-releasable wild animals and farm animals for viewing. Handicapped accessible
• Feed machines for the goats are available for 25 cents a handful.
• No outside food is permitted to feed the animals, due to their careful diet.
• We DO NOT accept injured animals, since we do not have a veterinarian on staff.
• When inclement weather, call 758-9664 ext. 10.

GREENHOUSES

• View the many types of plants grown
• Seasonal plants are grown for Town offices, park grounds, civic and senior citizen groups as well as Highway beautification programs including Adopt-A-Spot. Click here to download the Adopt-A-Spot application. None of the plants are for sale. Call for further information.
• Picture taking area available for special occasions, for a fee. Call 758-9664 ext. 10 (subject to availability).

MEETING ROOM

• Available to organizations such as civic and youth groups, for a fee. Call 758-9664 ext. 10 to schedule.

GARDEN PARCELS

• 10' X 10' parcels are available to residents to grow vegetables and flowers. Call to check availability, and to reserve a parcel, 758-9664 ext. 10.
• Seeds, garden tools, hoses etc. must be provided by the resident.
• Spigot for watering is available.

JOG AND EXERCISE

• A 1.2 mile jogging/walking trail can be used free of charge year-round, weather permitting.

SWIM, PICNIC AND PLAY

• Three swimming pools, picnic areas and a playground provide all day recreation. Pools are open during the summer only, and there is an admission fee. Picnicking and playground areas are available as weather permits. For more information, call the Parks Department at 631-451-8696.

FREE COMPOST AND WOOD CHIPS

• Residents' leaves are recycled into leaf compost, turning a waste product into a useful gardening additive. Bring your own buckets and a shovel. There is a four 4 garbage can limit for leaf compost and wood chips. Hours of operation 8 a.m. to 4 p. m. seven days a week. Subject to closure or change of hours at the Towns discretion.

EAGLE SCOUT AND G.S. GOLD AWARD PROJECTS

• Projects available upon request, call 758-9664 ext. 13.

SPECIAL EVENTS

• There are no scheduled Town of Brookhaven events at this time.
  
• Call the Brookhaven Wildlife Center @ 631-758-9664 extension 11 for events that support the animals.
  

WILDLIFE - PROBLEMS AND INJURIES

• Remember if you can't catch it, it doesn't need your help!
• We DO NOT accept injured animals; there is no veterinarian on staff.
• Injured, wild animals, if caught, can be brought to local veterinarians that will treat them for free. Call first to see if they treat that type of animal.
• STAR (Save the Animals Rescue) Foundation runs a rehab center, supplies information and has a list of wildlife rehabilitators in your area, call 736-8207.
• For nuisance wildlife problems, call a wildlife trapper, listed in the yellow pages.
• We DO NOT accept farm animals or pets.

Visitors are welcome to enjoy all aspects of the park. Please remember to stay on trails, follow signs, and try to remain quiet in the animal preserve, for your safety and the safety of all the animals that live here. Many of our animals are nocturnal, and therefore sometimes sleep during the day. Please be patient if they are not in full view and awake during your visit. Morning or afternoon feeding times are generally a good time to spot most animals.

EDUCATION

PEE WEE GARDEN AND CRAFT CLASS: (ages 3-5, adult must accompany child).
Hands-on program, children will learn gardening skills, plants we eat and discuss the environment.
TIME: 6 week sessions available in Spring and Fall. (Minimum of 15 children per class)
FEE: $50.00, to cover cost of supplies--6 week session
LOCATION: Harold Malkmes Wildlife Education and Ecology Center at Holtsville.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Call 758-9664 ext. 10

HORTICULTURE CLASS (ADULTS)
Learn A-Z about plants. Floral arranging, plant propagation, etc. (Minimum of 20 per class)
TIME: 6 week sessions available in Spring and Fall
FEE: $50.00 per person for supplies (6 week session).
LOCATION: Harold Malkmes Wildlife Education and Ecology Center at Holtsville.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Call 758-9664