Library Programs
Whether you want your patrons to learn about metamorphosis and butterflies, meet birds of prey or explore the treasures of the tropical rain forest, Sweetbriar has the program for you! Our programs are designed to involve participants through the use of live animals, hands-on activities and interactive experiences. It is our hope that all visitors will gain a better understanding and respect for the natural world.
$350 for an hour program. Reduced fees for multiple programs in one day. A $30 travel fee will be added for libraries over twenty miles from our location, $50 for over 40 miles.
Programs for children 3 to 6
Animal Interviews
Nature’s Coloring Book
Turtle Tales
Backyard Wildlife
Are You My Mommy?
Snow Bunniies
Programs for children ages 7-11
Birds of Prey
Don’t Bug Me
Exploring Our Planet
The Mysteries of Owls
Serpents, Dragons, and Lizards
Treasures of the Tropical Rain Forest
Vertebrate Parade
Programs for Ages 12 and up
Caring for Wildlife
Birds of Prey
Threatened Wildlife
Treasures of the Tropical Rain Forest
Contact Veronica Sayers, Program Coordinator, at 631-979-6344. ext. 303. programs@sweetbriarnc.org for more information or to book a date for a program.
Library Programs
Ages 3 to 6
Animal Interviews – Children will meet and interact with some of Sweetbriar’s resident animals including a many-legged animal to at least one representative from each of the amphibian, reptile, bird, and mammal groups. The presentation will show how each animal is unique and different. So have us come and share a scaly snake, an ancient turtle, a curious bird, a furry mammal and some surprise visitors.
Nature’s Coloring Book – Animals come and all shapes, sizes, and colors. Sweetbriar will bring animals of all colors as we take children along the rainbow. The presentation will show how important color is to the survival of wildlife. So have us come and share a green tree frog, a camouflaged box turtle, a purple-tailed lizard, and more.
Turtle Tales – Not only are turtles fascinating but they are the subject of many stories. Children will listen to a story or two and meet some of our resident turtles, as they learn about the “cool” ways they survive. So bring us by to share a Box turtle, a Snapping turtle, an aquatic turtle, and a scaled cousin.
Backyard Wildlife – What lives in your backyard? Children will meet a variety of animals that might live in their neighborhoods right here on Long Island. The presentation will help them realize the importance of looking after our resident wildlife and how we can be better neighbors. So bring us by to share a Box turtle, an opossum, a rabbit, a screech owl, and may be a surprise guest or two.
Are You My Mommy? – Every animal starts off as a smaller version of their parents. This presentation will reunite the baby with the mom as children use their observational skills to figure out whose mom belongs to a picture or stuffed animal of a baby animal. Then children will meet the actual animal mother. So have us come and share a turtle, an opossum, a chicken, a frog, a rabbit mother, and who knows maybe a baby will visit too. (Spring/Summer preferred)
Snow Bunnies – What do animals do in the winter? Children will listen to a story about a bunny and meet one of our resident bunnies. The presentation will help children to learn about the adaptations of rabbits and how some animals survive the winter. Bring us by to share a bunny or two and a couple of special guests who find special ways to survive the winter. (Winter Only)
Ages 7-11
Birds of Prey – Birds of prey are some of the most magnificent animals in the world. In this presentation, children will meet a variety of birds and discover what makes them so special. Have us come by and share two owls, a falcon, and more. Learn about the adaptations that help these awesome birds survive.
Don’t Bug Me – Insects and their kin are some of the most common creatures on the face of the earth. Through the use of live examples, and stuffed animals this presentation will show what makes these animals different from all other life and show them just how important they are to our survival. Bring us in to share a walking stick, a hissing cockroach, a tarantula, and maybe a couple of animals that eat insects and their kin.
Exploring Our Planet – Animals live in almost every place on Earth including every continent. Children will take a trip around the globe without leaving their seats as they meet a variety of animals from the nature center. They will meet a dragon from Australia, a spiny creature from Africa, a mountain dweller from South America, and more. So let us drop in and share some amazing animals.
The Mysteries of Owls – Owls have always been fascinating and mysterious to people. This presentation will reveal some of the wondrous adaptations these creatures have for surviving under the cloak of darkness. Bring us to your library to share a Great Horned, a Screech, a Barred Owl, and a daytime bird of prey.
Serpents, Dragons, and Turtles – Reptiles, especially crocodiles, alligators, and snakes are some of the most misunderstood animals. This presentation will share the amazing world of reptiles and their fascinating adaptations for survival. Bring us in to share a python, a snapping turtle, a bearded dragon, a box turtle, and more.
Treasures of the Tropical Rain Forest – Tropical rain forests are one of the most amazing and unique natural places on earth. Through our presentation, we'll show live rainforest animals, and a treasure trove of products, children will learn the importance of one of the most diverse places on earth. Have us come in and share a python, a tree frog, a tarantula, a hissing cockroach, and more.
Vertebrate Parade – Vertebrates are animals with a backbone and an inside hardened skeleton. In this presentation, live representatives from four of the five groups of vertebrates will be shown. Children will learn the differences between each group while they interact with each animal. So have us come by and share a frog, a snake, a turtle, an owl, a surprise mammal, and maybe an invertebrate.
Ages 12 and up - Adult Programs
Caring for Wildlife – Sweetbriar Nature Center is a wildlife rehabilitation facility. We take care of injured, sick, and orphaned animals. In this presentation, participants will meet some of our resident non-releasable animals and find out their stories. We will also help them to learn what to do if they find an animal that might need help. So bring us in to share an owl, an opossum, a falcon, and more.
Birds of Prey – Birds of prey are some of the most magnificent animals in the world. In this presentation, participants will meet a variety of birds and discover what makes them so special. Have us come by and share two owls, a falcon, and a hawk. Learn about the adaptations that help these awesome birds survive.
Threatened Wildlife – All over this planet much of our wildlife is in trouble. Through live animals and products confiscated by the Department of U.S. Fish and Wildlife participants will learn about the things that cause animals to become threatened or even endangered and some of the things they can do to make a difference. So have us come in and share some of our threatened wildlife including a variety of exotic animals.
Treasures of the Tropical Rain Forest – Tropical rain forests are one of the most amazing and unique natural places on earth. Through our presentation, we’ll bring along live rainforest animals, and a treasure trove of products. You’ll learn the importance of one of the most diverse places on earth. Have us come in and share a python, a tree frog, a tarantula, a hissing cockroach, and more.