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Hoyt Farm Nature Preserve expands wildlife conservation with handcrafted bird and bat houses

by Press Release - April 9, 2025

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Hoyt Farm Nature Preserve in Commack has launched an inspiring new project to support local wildlife and ecosystem health throughout the Town of Smithtown’s parks and beaches.

With a deep commitment to conservation and environmental education, the preserve has introduced 26 handcrafted wooden homes for bluebirds, wrens, bats, and Eastern screech owls, all designed and built by Hoyt Farm Groundskeeper, Kellie Wehrheim.

“Kellie has always had a deep love for birds and wildlife, and her fearless nature when it comes to caring for and protecting them is truly inspiring. From a young age, she’s never hesitated to lend a hand to an animal in need, and today, that same tenacity and work ethic shines through in her work at Hoyt Farm. Her commitment to conservation and stewardship—especially in creating safe habitats for native birds and bats that play a crucial role in our ecosystem—makes me incredibly proud. Smithtown is lucky to have her making such a meaningful impact, and as her dad, I couldn’t be prouder.,” said Smithtown Town Supervisor Ed Wehrheim.

The initiative aims to provide safe nesting habitats while also encouraging public engagement with nature. The newly constructed homes include six bluebird boxes, six wren boxes, six screech owl boxes, and eight bat houses. These boxes will be installed at optimal locations and heights within Smithtown’s parks and beaches, ensuring they benefit local wildlife populations.

“This project is not only about providing a safe habitat for our native wildlife but also about promoting education and environmental awareness… Each box will be clearly labeled to identify which species it was designed for. We hope this initiative inspires the residents of Smithtown to get outdoors, explore nature, and share in our mission to protect the wildlife that lives among us,” added Hoyt Farm Preserve Manager Jeff Gurmin and Park Interpretive Specialist Sheryl Brook.

The Importance of Supporting Native Wildlife

Providing safe, dedicated spaces for these species has a lasting environmental impact:

Birdhouses help birds thrive by offering protection and nesting opportunities. In return, birds contribute to weed and insect control, pollination, soil fertilization, seed dispersal, and biodiversity.
Bat houses provide critical roosting and breeding sites, helping declining bat populations while offering natural mosquito and pest control, reducing the need for pesticides.
Screech owl boxes provide safe nesting spots for these nocturnal predators, supporting natural rodent and insect control and encouraging local biodiversity.

Beyond their ecological benefits, these bird and bat houses serve as an educational tool—offering a unique opportunity for residents, students, and nature enthusiasts to observe and learn about native wildlife up close.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to keep an eye out for these beautifully crafted homes at Smithtown parks and beaches. Whether taking a stroll at Hoyt Farm, Paul T. Given Park, or the Nissequogue River Headwaters, nature lovers will soon spot these new additions, offering shelter to local birds, bats, and owls.

This initiative reflects the Town of Smithtown’s continued dedication to environmental stewardship, ensuring that our wildlife, parks, and natural habitats thrive for generations to come.

Hoyt Farm Nature Preserve is located at 200 New Highway, Commack.

Shelter Pet of the Week: Sugar

by Heidi Sutton - April 2, 2025

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ADOPT SUGAR!

She’s Sugar, spice and everything nice! Sugar is a delightfully sweet, and petite, chocolate-colored Min-Pin (Miniature Pinscher and Boston Terrier) Mix up for adoption at the Smithtown Animal Shelter.

This six-year-old girl’s journey began under some very unfortunate circumstances, originally rescued by the Shelter from a terrible breeding situation where she was used, neglected, and discarded. After medical care for being malnourished and dehydrated, this tiny survivor was later adopted… only to be returned to the shelter two years later due to her fears when it comes to meeting new people. This little survivor has been let down far too many times… but we know the right family is out there to give her the love she truly deserves.

Because of her difficult past, Sugar can be a little shy when meeting new people — but with patience, kindness, and a few treats, you’ll quickly earn her trust and see her wonderful personality shine. Sugar is smart, energetic, and eager to please. She loves to learn and will thrive in a quiet, compassionate home where she can finally feel safe, loved, and part of the family. If you’re ready to show Sugar that not all humans disappoint, she’s ready to fill your life with joy, loyalty, and unconditional love.

Sugar can become protective of her people, however she will listen when corrected. Sugar would be best suited in a quiet home with no other pets or children. Let’s get her story out to the world far and wide… if you’re not the right person for Sugar, you can still help by sharing her story on Social Media and with friends, neighbors and family.

If you are interested in meeting Sugar please fill out an application and schedule a date/time to properly interact in a domestic setting, which includes a Meet and Greet Room, the dog runs, and a Dog Walk trail.

The Town of Smithtown Animal & Adoption Shelter is located at 410 Middle Country Road, Smithtown. Visitor hours are Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Sundays and Wednesday evenings by appointment only). For more information, call 631-360-7575 or visit www.townofsmithtownanimalshelter.com.

For more information regarding more rescue animals available for adoption visit:. TownofSmithtownAnimalShelter.com

URGENT – Foster Opportunity:

If you have no other pets or young children at home, and are looking for a way to serve your community, please consider signing up to be a foster. Foster parents provide temporary care for cats, kittens, and dogs in their own homes. Some animals need as little as two weeks of care, while others may need care for extended periods of time.

Download the Foster Application at:

https://www.smithtownny.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4325/Foster-Application

Salamander discovered after a century ‘hiding in plain sight’ in Stony Brook stream

by Sabrina Artusa - March 27, 2025

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The northern dusky salamander in Anita Lago’s hand when she found it on Sept. 1, 2024. Photo courtesy Anita Lago

By Sabrina Artusa

Anita Lago was walking along a stream leading to the emptied Stony Brook Mill Pond on Sept 1, overturned earth and strewn twigs littering her path, when she spotted a black object. Thinking it was a fishing lure she picked it up.

“It was not a fishing lure, it had legs,” she said.

Lago put it back and showed a picture of the salamander to John Turner of the Seatuck Environmental Association, who shared it with Smithtown High School East senior and Four Harbors Audubon Society board member Gabe Finger. Finger and Turner identified the salamander as a northern dusky salamander.

A light form of the northern dusky salamander. Photo courtesy John Turner

The northern dusky salamander isn’t known to live on Long Island — the only traces of it having existed on the island are nearly a century old. One of the only samples was secured by Long Island naturalist Roy Latham.

Finger and Turner returned to the pond. Finger overturned a rock and found another. Wading in the stream, Turner and Finger found four more salamanders of two different morphs: two salamanders were darker gray and two were a lighter, sandier color. The genetic expression of the salamander allows for wide varying appearances, Turner said, just like people.

The finding was pure “serendipity,” according to Turner. “No one was looking for it.”

“It is remarkable for a species that is thought to be gone for almost a century and to still be here and to be here in a fairly suburban part of Long Island,” Turner said. “I would not think of Stony Brook as where you would find it. I would think it would be further out east, maybe by the pine barrens, and it is hiding in plain sight.”

Gabe Finger presenting the discovery of the salamander at the Long Island Natural History Conference at Stony Brook University on March 21. Photo courtesy SCSD

Finger, who will be attending Cornell University to study sustainability and wildlife biology. gave a presentation about the finding at a Long Island Natural History Conference at Stony Brook University on March 21. “Since I was very, very little I’ve always been just fascinated with animals and I knew from a very young age that all I wanted to do with my life was study animals,” he said.

Since the salamanders found at the Stony Brook Mill Pond have likely been geographically separated from their ancestors for tens of thousands of years, it is possible that they evolved into a new species —an offshoot of the northern dusky salamander.

The northern dusky salamander resides in cold, trickling waters. The small, fast flowing tributaries of the North Shore fit these criteria: the streams aren’t in the sun long enough to get warm and are fast-flowing enough for a quick turnover of water. The salamander also lurks in the muddy stream banks, maybe hiding under a rock or log.

Turner and Finger can’t pursue their studies further until they have permission to take a small toe clip of the salamander to study its DNA. “There’s been a lot of red tape to go through,” Finger said.

Once they have a DNA sample and the salamanders become more active in the warmer weather, researchers can begin employing environmental DNA collection techniques to detect the presence of salamanders by simply testing the water of streams in which they potentially reside.

Shelter Pet of the Week: Maya

by Heidi Sutton - March 26, 2025

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MEET THE MAGNIFICENT MAYA!

This week’s featured shelter pet is Maya, a lovable domestic short-haired beauty available for adoption at the Smithtown Animal Shelter.

Approximately four years old with a striking brown and tabby coat, Maya came to the shelter from a home with many other cats, and while her journey hasn’t been the easiest, this resilient little lady is ready to find the forever family she deserves—one that will show her the safety, care, and affection she’s always longed for.

Though she may seem a bit shy at first, patience is the key to unlocking her affectionate and playful personality. Maya loves a good scratch behind the ears, a warm snuggle, and sometimes a little solo time to recharge. She’s sweet, she’s sassy, and she’s sure to bring joy, laughter, and comfort to the lucky home that welcomes her in.

Maya is a great match for most households, including those with other cats, older children, and possibly well-mannered dogs. She has a mild neurological condition, likely Cerebellar Hypoplasia, which affects her coordination and balance—but don’t let that fool you! It’s not painful, not contagious, and certainly doesn’t stop Maya from living her life to the fullest.

Come meet Maya at the Smithtown Animal Shelter and discover just how wonderful life can be with a little more purr-sonality in it! Interested potential families for the magnificent Maya must first fill-out an application to schedule a time to properly interact with your prospective soul mate in a domestic setting.

For more information regarding other rescue animals available for adoption visit:. TownofSmithtownAnimalShelter.com

URGENT – Foster Opportunity:

Download the Foster Application at:

https://www.smithtownny.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4325/Foster-Application

Paw Prints: Meet Camila, Daisy, Cash, Bailey, Tomi and Sprinkles!

by Heidi Sutton - March 20, 2025

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Welcome to the 39th edition of Paw Prints, a monthly column for animal lovers dedicated to helping shelter pets find their furever home

Meet Camila

With a name associated with grace, beauty, and strength, meet Camila, a twelve(+) year old Chihuahua mix waiting at Little Shelter in Huntington for her soulmate. As often happens, with age comes wisdom, and this clever little lady knows her best days are still ahead of her. Initially shy and demure, it doesn’t take long before she settles into your lap for a chat and perhaps a quick nap, making herself right at home. Dainty, darling, and the dearest friend you could ask for, Camila is now ready to find her forever home. Will you be the lucky one to welcome her into your family? 631-368-8770

“A Chihuahua’s loyalty is as grand as its heart … small in size, but limitless in depth.”

*Camila is not completely housebroken*

Meet Daisy

Symbolizing cheerfulness and new beginnings, meet Daisy, a ten-year-old Mini Golden Doodle up for adoption at Little Shelter in Huntington. Fresh faced and free spirited, she radiates happiness, greeting each new acquaintance as another possible friend. Striking just the right balance between being active enough to maintain her girlish figure, while also easy going, so as not to jeopardize a good hair day, she would fit well into most family situations. You’ll want to stop by soon…a flower like Daisy is full of promise and would be the most adorable scene stealer on your holiday card! 631-368-8770

“A dog wags its tail with its heart.”

*Daisy is mostly housebroken and is good with dogs and cats.

Meet Cash

This 5 1/2-year-old brown lab mix has been at Save A Pet in Port Jefferson Station for over 1,400 days now. That is heartbreaking.

For almost four years, Cash has woken up in the same kennel, listening to the sounds of footsteps of potential adopters passing him by. He watches other dogs leave, tails wagging, excited for their new lives. But no one ever comes for him — he is officially growing old in the shelter. No dog should spend this long waiting. No dog should feel this forgotten. Cash doesn’t know what it’s like to have a home, a soft bed, or a person who loves him unconditionally. All he knows is waiting.

He loves other dogs, women, but needs time to warm up to men. He also needs a home without small children.

Somewhere out there is his new best friend. Could that be you? 631-473-6333

Meet Bailey

Bailey is a spirited and playful shepherd mix at the Town of Brookhaven Animal Shelter. At just around 2-years-old, she’s already faced more challenges than most, having been born with genetic malformations. Despite these hurdles, Bailey remains an incredibly happy and affectionate dog, blissfully unaware of her mobility issues. She will require lifelong care which include issues with her spine and dysplastic hips, as well as ongoing management for a mild heart murmur. Her future will involve regular check-ups and possibly some special accommodations, including softer food and careful handling. 631-451-6955

Meet Tomi and Sprinkles

These two lovely ladies arrived at the Smithtown Animal Shelter a month ago when their mom fell on hard times. At four years old, they have lived a life full of love and are looking for a nice, quiet home that will continue to show them that they are valued and adored. These sisters have always been together and rely on each other so it would be nice to have them adopted out together. Call 631-360-7575 to set up a meet and greet.

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‘Senior Spring Fling’

Did you know? For the entire month of April, the Town of Brookhaven Animal Shelter, 300 Horseblock Road, Yaphank is waiving all adoption fees for all seniors pets (5 years old or older). The shelter is also offering free adoptions for ALL the pets for Easter Week — April 21 to April 25 — because everyone deserves a chance to find their forever home. Spread the word and help these sweet animals find their happily ever after! Donations of blankets are also appreciated. 631-451-6955

Rescue is a lifestyle. Adopt, don’t shop.

Check out the next Paw Prints in the issue of April 17.

Paw Prints is generously sponsored by Mark T. Freeley, Esq.

Shelter Pets of the Week: Ash and Ember

by Heidi Sutton - March 15, 2025

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MEET ASH AND EMBER!

This week’s featured shelter pets are Ash and Ember, a stunning brother-sister duo up for adoption at the Smithtown Animal Shelter.

Both estimated to be approximately seven years old. Ash (male) and Ember (female) both boast beautiful brown tabby coats with adorably unique flecks of white patching. They found their way to the shelter after years of living in a home crowded with many other cats. Nothing would make these inseparable siblings happier than to bring warmth and sparkle to one lucky family’s heart and home.

Ash and Ember’s sweet and loving nature shines through to everyone lucky enough to meet them! While they may be a little shy at first, a gentle touch and a little patience are all it takes to earn their trust—and once you do, you’ll have two lifelong cuddle buddies. Not only are they absolutely stunning, but they’re also incredibly sweet, playful, and full of charm. Get ready for double the purrs, lap naps, and snuggles with this adorable duo! These two will keep you entertained for hours with their playful antics, filling your home with laughter, love, and endless joy. Ash and Ember are guaranteed to brighten your world!

Ash and Ember would thrive in most homes, including a family with other cats, older children and possibly dogs. They are a brother and sister who have never been separated and would do best if adopted together.

If you are interested in meeting Ash and Ember, please call ahead to schedule an hour to properly interact with them in the shelter’s Meet and Greet room.

HIGH HOPES: Community comes together to help the ospreys

by Press Release - March 13, 2025

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Sometimes it takes a village.

Suffolk County Legislator Steven Englebright (D-Setauket) and Town of Brookhaven Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich (D-Stony Brook) joined members of the Four Harbors Audubon Society (4HAS) and Three Village Dads Foundation for an osprey pole raising at the West Meadow Creek inlet in Stony Brook on March 9.

According to a joint press release from Englebright’s and Kornreich’s office, an osprey pole was recently removed from Suffolk County’s Old Field Farm. Despite successful nests in earlier years, 4HAS members observed in recent years that sporadic activity in the area surrounding the pole was scaring away adult ospreys for long periods, leaving the birds’ eggs or newborn chicks susceptible to predators.

Elaine Maas, 4HAS co-chair of co-Chair Education and Outreach, and John Turner, 4HAS co-chair of Conservation Committee, who both sit on the society’s board, brought the issue to the attention of Englebright. The county legislator reached out to the Suffolk County Parks Department to discuss relocating the pole to a nearby location. Maas and Turner also contacted Kornreich’s office to request using town property abutting the county park for a new pole in an area that is less accessible than the old nest.

On Saturday, March 1, concrete, water and a mixer were delivered to the Brookhaven property. JM Troffa Hardscape, Mason and Building Supply provided the concrete, while K. Dymond Industries lent the use of their equipment. Members of the Three Village Dads Foundation and 4HAS, along with Englebright and Kornreich, were on hand to dig a hole and set a pole sleeve in concrete for the new osprey pole.

Before the preparation for the new pole, the Suffolk County Parks Department removed the old one at Old Field Farm to prevent ospreys from nesting at this nonviable spot.

Volunteers delivered the new 20-foot pole donated by Haig and Jack Seferian of Flagpoles, Inc., and the nest structure built by Elite Home Improvement to the site on Sunday, March 9. Three Village Dads Foundation and 4HAS members and Flagpole, Inc. also donated or paid for additional materials to cement and build the nest structure. The volunteers were again on hand, preparing the nest box for the birds and raising the pole.

Maas and Turner were among the volunteers on March 1 and 9. Maas said the pole was raised just in time as the ospreys, who migrate south to Florida or South American in the winter, usually return to Long Island around St. Patrick’s Day. She added she was “grateful for the widespread community support.”

Kornreich thanked the members of Three Village Dads Foundation and its chairman, David Tracy, as well as 4HAS.

“We were up against a time crunch because the ospreys start nesting in a few weeks, and the Dads really delivered,” Kornreich said. “Thank you to Elaine Maas and John Turner from Four Harbors for bringing this situation to our attention, and we are glad we were able to help connect the dots and find a solution.”

Englebright echoed the sentiments.

“It was good to see the community come together in the interest of protecting these remarkable birds,” the legislator said.

Shelter Pet of the Week: Igor

by Heidi Sutton - March 6, 2025

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ADOPT IGOR!

This week’s featured shelter pet is Igor, a black, domestic short-haired male cat up for adoption at the Smithtown Animal Shelter.

Approximately seven years old, this enchanting boy arrived at shelter as part of the Town’s Trap, Neuter, Release program (TNR). Sadly, he was found covered in scars, which reveal what an incredibly rough and heartbreaking life he lived on the streets. Despite his hardships, Igor remains sweet and gentle, with a heart full of love just waiting to be embraced by a special human companion who can bring him joy and happiness.

While Igor takes some time to trust people and is a little shy when meeting new faces, he is loving and affectionate with his caretakers. Once you meet Igor, he’ll happily spend endless hours by your side, soaking up all the love and affection you have to offer. He is an endearing fella who will effortlessly pull on your heartstrings by purring through every stroke, pet and snuggle one lucky family can dish out, making up for years of neglect during his time living on the streets. Igor deserves his happily ever after and will make a wonderful addition to an adoring family’s heart and home.

The Smithtown Animal Shelter believes Igor would do best in a quiet home. However, a home with older children, calm dogs, and possibly cats would be okay as well.

All of the felines at the Shelter are current on vaccines and have received a full workup (blood work, Feline HIV & Leukemia tested, physical exam etc.) by a board certified veterinarian.

If you are interested in meeting Igor, please call ahead to schedule an hour to properly interact with him in the shelter’s Meet and Greet room.

D. None of the Above: The joy of traveling to a world of stingrays, turtles and mammoth hermit crabs

by Daniel Dunaief - March 5, 2025

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By Daniel Dunaief

Nature rocks!

I know that’s not such a startling revelation, particularly to those people who go hiking, snorkeling or scuba diving.

It’s just that the world around us, and perhaps a flight away, puts the one we’ve created in perspective.

My wife and I recently took a vacation without the kids gasp!— for the first time in over two decades. We didn’t leave them home with a babysitter. They’re both grown up and out of the house, so we left our empty-ish nest, which still had two cats a dog and a vibrant and active bird feeder, to travel to a Caribbean island.

Yes, I know. These vacations can make just about anyone feel rhapsodic. You step off the plane onto a tarmac that’s invitingly warm and bright, you hear Bob Marley music, you feel the refreshing wind on your face, and you tilt your head back, feeling the tension ease out of your muscles more rapidly than if you were on a massage table.

While all of that is amazing, the time we spent communing with, appreciating, observing and feeling genuine awe towards nature were among the most remarkable and enjoyable moments of our travel.

Nature is the currency of communication in our household. Years ago, we were on long drives with children who wanted to know how much longer until we got wherever we were going and we’d see a fox scurrying across the road. We’d pull over and watch for a while, forgetting, for the moment, that we hadn’t arrived and feeling as if we were exactly where we should be.

So, yes, all four of us delight in the opportunity to observe, interact with, or appreciate nature, whether we’re far away or taking a walk through the neighborhood. On my morning walks with our dog, I often take pictures of the hawks that land nearby and the worms that wriggle on the sidewalk after a rainstorm and send them to my wife and children.

Anyway, my wife and I rocked back and forth on a boat that was taking us out to a coral reef, reveling in the pristine air and marveling at the pelicans that glided inches above the water, following their beaks to the next fish meal.

Even before we arrived, we saw turtles swimming near the boat, sticking their colorful heads out of the water so they could take a long gulp of air.

As we prepared to exit the boat, I was delighted to put on my prescription dive mask. Typically, I use a regular mask and try to connect the vague shapes I see at the bottom of the reef with the clearer images we have on our dive card.

This time, as soon as I looked down, I could see the white sand eight feet down and the contours and colors of the fish and the technicolor reef below.

As we made our way along the reef, we searched for the usual striped sergeant majors, green and blue parrotfish, multicolored tilefish, red squirrelfish and orange and white tobacco fish. Each of these residents of the reef contributes to a vibrant scene.

For a while, we tracked a stingray my wife spotted. We also spied the magnificent and svelte barracudas, with their conspicuous underbite and their shimmery silver sides.

Even though we went snorkeling at the same site several times, we witnessed something new with each visit. We watched a sand diver as it stopped on the bottom and perched on a rock, the way a movie studio might envision a mermaid preening on a rock near shore.

The snorkeling instructors required us to wear yellow flotation belts to keep us at the top of the water. That made diving to the bottom challenging, as these belts counteracted my efforts to kick myself closer to the reef. I secretly took mine off, handed it to my wife, and got a close up of the sand diver, which looks like a cross between a lizard and a fish.

On one of our days away, we took an excursion to a nearby island, where we watched an improbably large hermit crab slowly make its way across the sand, dragging its enormous shell. Nearby, lizards of different sizes chased each other as they searched for food or perhaps a preferable place in the sand.

While stepping away from work, concrete sidewalks, cooler air, and various responsibilities in and of itself was refreshing, immersing ourselves in nature offered transcendent peace.

Suffolk County officials urge caution when handling deceased birds

by Press Release - March 3, 2025

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415507696_122093790860180810_1190846810702090748_n — Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine

There have been reports of deceased birds being found across the county. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) recommends the following guidance if you encounter this situation on your property.

In cases where DEC field staff cannot collect samples or carcasses from the landscape, please limit direct contact with dead wildlife and keep children and pets away. To dispose of a dead bird safely, DEC provides the following guide:

Wear disposable gloves, a mask, and eye protection, like safety glasses or goggles.
Avoid direct contact with the carcass or carcass fluids by using a shovel or a garbage bag to pick up the bird.
Carcasses should be triple bagged (garbage or contractor bags) and placed in an outdoor trash receptacle.
Remove and throw away your gloves. Wash your hands with soap and water immediately after removing gloves.
Change your clothes and wash them after disposing of the bird.
If you use a shovel, clean it with hot, soapy water and disinfect it with diluted bleach (1/3 cup bleach added to a gallon of water).

For additional information or to make a report, please call the DEC at 844-332-3267.

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