Sweetbriar’s experienced educators help open up the wonders of the natural world for children, through hands-on activities, live animals, crafts, and much more.
Take a walking tour with Jim while he feeds our Birds of Prey and tells you about their incredible adaptations that help them survive in the wild. You’ll be seeing and learning about our Bald Eagle, our Turkey Vultures, our owls, hawks and many more.
How much: $10 per adult / $5 per child (Under 12y)
Sweetbriar’s experienced educators help open up the wonders of the natural world for children, through hands-on activities, live animals, crafts, and much more.
Sweetbriar’s experienced educators help open up the wonders of the natural world for children, through hands-on activities, live animals, crafts, and much more.
Sweetbriar’s experienced educators help open up the wonders of the natural world for children, through hands-on activities, live animals, crafts, and much more.
Using DNA Barcoding to Identify Sweetbriar’s Bugs!
Jeffry Petracca, Entomologist and Manager of Student & Public Research, CSHL DNA Learning Center
12/30 9AM - 5 PM
Recommended for ages 13y - Adults
Insects can often be small and seemingly insignificant, but despite their size, they are incredibly important to living ecosystems. Because of their size and the sheer number of different species out there (even here on Long Island!), they can often be tough to identify. However, we can use an insect’s DNA to identify its species through a process called DNA barcoding.
Join us for this fun, hands-on workshop where we will learn how an insect’s DNA barcode can make identification easier and quicker, especially for citizen scientists! We will examine insects collected from Sweetbriar Nature Center, extract their DNA, and perform the steps necessary to examine their DNA barcode as part of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory’s Citizen DNA Barcode Network program. All DNA barcodes generated from this workshop will be published to a professional scientific database with participating citizen scientists as authors! This workshop is great for high school students interested in molecular biology and life sciences, as well as lifelong naturalists who just want to learn a new approach for studying and understanding organisms and ecosystems!
Pack a lunch and something to drink.
Sweetbriar’s experienced educators help open up the wonders of the natural world for children, through hands-on activities, live animals, crafts, and much more.
Start the new year with a Forest Bathing Walk. with one of Sweetbriar’s nature educators and forest therapy guide, Linda Lombardo.
Forest Therapy is a research-based framework for supporting healing and wellness through immersion in a forest or other natural environment. It's not about distance or endurance. It's about slowing down and noticing; being mindful and connected. This walk is 90 minutes. Adults and children 15+ years are invited to register.
For more information on Linda and the press release - Click here
Following the walk is an optional Free Book Talk and Signing at 2:00 PM with Maureen Calamia, on her book, The Enchanted Earth: Embracing the Power of Nature to Discover the Wild in You, published by Mango Publishing. Learn more here:
We will have a few snacks and animals available to see between both events.
We will be hosting Saint James resident and nature enthusiast Maureen Calamia with a free talk and book signing. This special event will celebrate the launch of her second book, The Enchanted Earth: Embracing the Power of Nature to Discover the Wild in You, published by Mango Publishing. A dedicated board member and volunteer at Sweetbriar, Maureen is using this event to support the nature center, with 50% of book sales proceeds donated to the organization.
Free event but please Register Below-
About Maureen Calamia
Maureen Calamia is an author, speaker, and advocate for biophilic design and a harmonious connection between people and the natural world. Her work inspires others to rediscover their inner wild through the transformative power of nature. The Enchanted Earth Podcast with Maureen Calamia is available on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple. Visit her at www.luminous-spaces.com.
Sweetbriar’s experienced educators help open up the wonders of the natural world for children, through hands-on activities, live animals, crafts, and much more.
Take a walking tour with Jim while he feeds our Birds of Prey and tells you about their incredible adaptations that help them survive in the wild. You’ll be seeing and learning about our Bald Eagle, our Turkey Vultures, our owls, hawks and many more.
How much: $10 per adult / $5 per child (Under 12y)
Sweetbriar’s experienced educators help open up the wonders of the natural world for children, through hands-on activities, live animals, crafts, and much more.
Take a walking tour with Jim while he feeds our Birds of Prey and tells you about their incredible adaptations that help them survive in the wild. You’ll be seeing and learning about our Bald Eagle, our Turkey Vultures, our owls, hawks and many more.
How much: $10 per adult / $5 per child (Under 12y)
Sweetbriar’s experienced educators help open up the wonders of the natural world for children, through hands-on activities, live animals, crafts, and much more.
Hunter and Thief restaurant will be having a fundraiser for Sweetbriar Nature Center with drink specials and more.
We'll be stopping by with a few sweetbriar friends from the center. No fee to attend.
Join us for a magical afternoon at Sweetbriar's Annual Holiday Party for Wildlife! 🎄✨ Get into the holiday spirit with music, festive decorations, and heartwarming activities.
Highlights include:
🐾 Fascinating animal presentations
📸 Photo ops with our special wildlife guests🎁
🎨 Fun holiday crafts for kids and adults alike
Plus, make this season even brighter by bringing a small gift from our Wildlife Wish List to place under our beautifully decorated tree—no wrapping needed!
We’ll also have our new Chupa Chups the Squirrel ornaments available for purchase in our gift shop
This is the perfect way to celebrate the season while giving back to nature. Don’t miss this unforgettable holiday event! 🌟
Flyer if you’d like to share our event
Families are welcome. $15 per child $5 per adult
Tickets are Nonrefundable and cannot be credited
Sweetbriar’s experienced educators help open up the wonders of the natural world for children, through hands-on activities, live animals, crafts, and much more.
Sweetbriar’s experienced educators help open up the wonders of the natural world for children, through hands-on activities, live animals, crafts, and much more.
Join us for a fun outdoor tree adventure. Learn about local trees and the animals who live in them while doing a craft, going on a short walk, and participating in a fun treetivity.
Families Welcome. $15 child $5 Adult
Tickets are Nonrefundable and cannot be credited
Sweetbriar’s experienced educators help open up the wonders of the natural world for children, through hands-on activities, live animals, crafts, and much more.
Visit Sweetbriar to meet and learn about some of our resident owls. We will embark on a walk into the darkness to enjoy the night and call some owls. Meet behind the main house and check in. Wear bug spray and bring a flashlight just in case.
*Must have tickets to attend this event. Unfortunately, no walk ins permitted for this event*
Open to families with children ages 5y and up
$20 pp
Tips for attending an Owl Prowl:
1) Arrive at 62 Eckernkamp Dr, Smithtown, NY 11787 ** Gate will open between 5:30pm-5:45pm**
2) Proceed to park in either the roundabout in front of the house or make a left when entering the facility and park in the far-left parking lot
3) Walk up to the house's main door and then turn right and follow the sidewalk pathway to the back of the house. You will arrive at the back deck of the house surrounded by benches
4) Owl Prowl hosts will greet you at the backdoor to check-in
5) Event will proceed outside unless other circumstances arise
Take a walking tour with Jim while he feeds our Birds of Prey and tells you about their incredible adaptations that help them survive in the wild. You’ll be seeing and learning about our Bald Eagle, our Turkey Vultures, our owls, hawks and many more.
How much: $10 per adult / $5 per child (Under 12y)
Sweetbriar’s experienced educators help open up the wonders of the natural world for children, through hands-on activities, live animals, crafts, and much more.
Sweetbriar’s experienced educators help open up the wonders of the natural world for children, through hands-on activities, live animals, crafts, and much more.
Sweetbriar’s experienced educators help open up the wonders of the natural world for children, through hands-on activities, live animals, crafts, and much more.
Sweetbriar’s experienced educators help open up the wonders of the natural world for children, through hands-on activities, live animals, crafts, and much more.
Join us for a Creatures of the Night event. Meet nighttime animals, play a game with prizes, and take a nighttime hike in the woods with us to see where creatures of the night make their homes.
Please bring a picnic blanket to watch the animal presentations. You may want to apply bug spray as well.
Cost: $20 per person
Ages: 7y and up
Limited tickets may be available at the door. We cannot give refunds for missing the event.
Sweetbriar’s experienced educators help open up the wonders of the natural world for children, through hands-on activities, live animals, crafts, and much more.
Take a walking tour with Jim while he feeds our Birds of Prey and tells you about their incredible adaptations that help them survive in the wild. You’ll be seeing and learning about our Bald Eagle, our Turkey Vultures, our owls, hawks and many more.
How much: $10 per adult / $5 per child (Under 12y)
Around the double garage in the Sweetbriar parking lot. Household items and fun treasures! Money goes back into the wildlife center.
WE ARE ALSO CALLING FOR DONATIONS OF QUALITY ITEMS THAT WILL HELP US RAISE MONEY FOR OUR WILDLIFE. ANTIQUES AND OTHER HOUSEHOLD TREASURES, COLLECTIBLES AND OTHER NICE KNICKKNACKS.
Please no furniture. no skis, bowling balls, speakers, fish tanks, cages, plastic yard toys, pillows, clothes or other such items unless new with tags or antiques.
NO BOOKS OR CLOTHES UNLESS ANTIQUES, NO ITEMS OVER 4O POUNDS WITHOUT CHECKING WITH THE CONTACT AND NO GAMES OR TOYS AGAIN UNLESS ANTIQUES OR COLLECTIBLES AND SEALED.
IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS CALL Joe (631) 901-5911
IF YOU CAN DONATE OR ARE INTERESTED IN THE ITEMS BEING SHOWN CALL JOE CALAMIA AT 631-901-5911
Sweetbriar’s experienced educators help open up the wonders of the natural world for children, through hands-on activities, live animals, crafts, and much more.
Sweetbriar’s experienced educators help open up the wonders of the natural world for children, through hands-on activities, live animals, crafts, and much more.
Join us for a “not so dark” kid friendly Creatures of the Night event. Meet nighttime animals, hear a story about some nocturnal animals, and take a short walk in the woods through our lighted pumpkin trail with us to see where creatures of the night make their homes.
Please bring a picnic blanket to watch the animal presentations and story. You may want to apply bug spray as well.
If it rains we will move the program inside.
Cost: $20 per child/ $10 per adult
All children must be accompanied by an adult, this is not a drop-off program.
Limited tickets may be available at the door. We cannot give refunds for missing the event.
Come to Sweetbriar Nature Center all ghoulies, ghosties, and other Halloween creepies for an evening of fun and excitement.
Sweetbriar’s experienced educators help open up the wonders of the natural world for children, through hands-on activities, live animals, crafts, and much more.
Trick or Treat trail and Halloween fun for ages 2-7 years old
Sweetbriar’s experienced educators help open up the wonders of the natural world for children, through hands-on activities, live animals, crafts, and much more.
This amazing event taking place at Sweetbriar features beer tastings, live music, and wildlife demonstrations.
Postponed due to weather.
Join us on Friday, October 4th at 10am for our next Outdoor Thrift Garage Sale!
Around the double garage in the Sweetbriar parking lot. Household items and fun treasures! Money goes back into the wildlife center.
WE ARE ALSO CALLING FOR DONATIONS OF QUALITY ITEMS THAT WILL HELP US RAISE MONEY FOR OUR WILDLIFE. ANTIQUES AND OTHER HOUSEHOLD TREASURES, COLLECTIBLES AND OTHER NICE KNICKKNACKS.
Please no furniture. no skis, bowling balls, speakers, fish tanks, cages, plastic yard toys, pillows, clothes or other such items unless new with tags or antiques.
NO BOOKS OR CLOTHES UNLESS ANTIQUES, NO ITEMS OVER 4O POUNDS WITHOUT CHECKING WITH THE CONTACT AND NO GAMES OR TOYS AGAIN UNLESS ANTIQUES OR COLLECTIBLES AND SEALED.
IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS CALL Joe (631) 901-5911
IF YOU CAN DONATE OR ARE INTERESTED IN THE ITEMS BEING SHOWN CALL JOE CALAMIA AT 631-901-5911
Sweetbriar’s experienced educators help open up the wonders of the natural world for children, through hands-on activities, live animals, crafts, and much more.
Take a walking tour with Jim while he feeds our Birds of Prey and tells you about their incredible adaptations that help them survive in the wild. You’ll be seeing and learning about our Bald Eagle, our Turkey Vultures, our owls, hawks and many more.
How much: $10 per adult / $5 per child (Under 12y)
Sweetbriar’s experienced educators help open up the wonders of the natural world for children, through hands-on activities, live animals, crafts, and much more.
