Holtsville Ecology Site & Animal Preserve

02/02/2025

🌤️❄️ Groundhog Day 2025: The Prediction is In! 🐾🔮

The moment we've all been waiting for—will we get six more weeks of winter, or is spring just around the corner?

01/30/2025

While we will not be holding a public ceremony this year, check back on this page on Sunday, Feb. 2, at 7:25 a.m. to hear Holtsville Hal's prognostication for 2025.

12/05/2024

11/26/2024

This year, following the Brookhaven Town Tree lighting, Santa will be available for photos! $30 per photo package; all proceeds go directly to the feed and vet care of the animals residing at the Holtsville Ecology Site. See you next Friday, Dec. 6, at 6 pm!

11/25/2024

Thank you to all of our amazing sponsors! Don't miss the Brookhaven Town Tree Lighting on Friday, Dec. 6, at 6 pm at the Holtsville Ecology Site!

11/22/2024

The Highway Department and Ecology Center staff are saddened to report the passing of our beloved Honey, the resident black bear who has delighted and educated children about her species for more than a quarter century. While the average life expectancy for a black bear rarely exceeds twenty years, Honey lived to twenty-seven. This is a testament to the love and exemplary care she received from our dedicated staff.

Honey, and her brother Pooh who passed away more than five years ago, were ambassadors for wildlife education to the countless thousands of residents who visit the Holtsville Ecology Center each year. The injured or domesticated, non-releasable, animals who call the Ecology Center home provide an opportunity for encounters that helps to instill a passion for conservation in our next generation. While Honey will be missed and long remembered, the mission of our Ecology Center lives on.

11/18/2024

The Brookhaven Highway Department regrets to inform our residents that we will be unable to host our annual holiday light show this year. The untimely failure of a heating system coupled with a water main break directly below one of our buildings has forced us to make this difficult decision. While this is unfortunate, our staff is working extra hard putting together a whole new tree lighting experience! Please come out on Friday, December 6th, at 6:00 pm for this free event! Plan to arrive early as parking inside the site will fill up. As always, Santa will be arriving by helicopter and the Holtsville Fire Department will be on hand to bring him right to the stage. Come ring in the season with performances by local dance teams as well as the Longwood School District Harp Ensemble. There will be Christmas carols, free hot chocolate, and some great new visual effects.

10/15/2024

Don't miss this fun, free event at the Holtsville Ecology Site and Animal Preserve on Saturday, Oct. 26.

09/09/2024

Tomorrow, Sept. 10, is the last day to register for the Fall P*e Wee Gardening classes at the Holtsville Ecology Site. There are still a few remaining spots....call 631.451.5330 or visit www.BrookhavenNY.gov/RecOnline to reserve your spot today.

08/23/2024

Registration is open for our Fall P*e Wee Gardening and Adult Horticulture classes. Visit www.BrookhavenNY.gov/RecOnline to register and reserve your spot today.

07/10/2024

The animals have been finding plenty of ways to stay cool during these hot summer days. Stop by to visit with them daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

06/28/2024

Call 631.451.5330 to register for any of the kids' summer programs being held at the Holtsville Ecology Site this summer!

06/10/2024

Registration is now open for the 2024 Summer Programs at the Holtsville Ecology Site & Animal Preserve. Call 631.451.5330 with any questions.

05/22/2024

Major construction throughout the Animal Preserve is complete at this time. Small sections of the Preserve may be closed due to maintenance. Thank you for your continued patience and understanding.

05/21/2024

A special thank you to Shealyn Varbero and Ashley Morello of Girl Scout Troop 745 who completed their Silver Project by building an enrichment feeder for Wilbur, the pig.