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Holtsville Ecology Center

Holtsville Ecology Center mourns the loss of Honey the black bear

by Heidi Sutton - November 22, 2024

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By Heidi Sutton

A beloved resident of the Holtsville Ecology Center & Animal Preserve has died. The Town of Brookhaven’s Highway Department and Ecology Center staff have announced that Honey the black bear passed away on Nov. 22 at the age of 27.

“[We] 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,” read the announcement.

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..

While the Ecology Center is home to more than 100 injured or non-releasable wild animals and farm animals including deer, a buffalo, bobcat, wild horses, alpaca, buffalo, coatamundi, hybrid wolves, an arctic fox, goats, horses, pigs, cows, alpaca, deer, various birds, pigs and goats, just to name a few, Honey was a favorite among visitors. Many took to social media to pay their respects and share their memories.

“RIP Honey Bear. You are now reunited with your brother Pooh Bear. You both gave my daughter, husband and I so many memories that we will cherish forever,” read one post. “My daughter fell in love with her when we visited a couple of months ago – she’s going to be heartbroken. So very sorry for your loss – thank you for caring and loving her,” read another.

“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,” read the release.

Update: National Night Out events canceled for August 6

by Heidi Sutton - August 6, 2024

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Suffolk County Sheriff Errol Toulon takes part in a previous National Night Out event in Ridge. Photo courtesy of Suffolk County Sheriff's office

Update: These events have been canceled due to the weather.

The Town of Brookhaven, Town of Smithtown and Town of Huntington are among the many communities across the United States that will soon be celebrating National Night Out — a national initiative seeks to improve bonds between police and the public during an evening of family fun. And best of all, it’s free. No registration necessary.

Centereach – This event has been rescheduled to Aug. 20.

The Centereach Pool Complex at 286 Hawkins Road, Centereach will host a National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 6 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sponsored by Brookhaven Town Councilman Neil Manzella, Brookhaven Town Clerk Kevin LaValle, SCPD’s 6th Precinct and the Middle Country Public Library, the event will feature music, swimming, touch-a-truck, food trucks, vendors and more. 631-451-6647

Holtsville

Holtsville Ecology Center, 249 Buckley Road, Holtsville will host a National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 6 from 5 to 8 p.m. Sponsored by the SCPD’s Fifth Precinct, Brookhaven Town Councilman Neil Foley, Town of Brookhaven Supervisor Dan Panico and Brookhaven Town Highway Superintendent Dan Losquadro, the event will include food, music, and face painting. The pool complex, zoo and Safety Town will also be open. 631-451-6645

Huntington

Manor Field Park, 110 East 5th Street in Huntington Station, will host a National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 6 from 5 to 8 p.m. Sponsored by Huntington Town Councilman Dr. Dave Bennardo, SCPD Second Precinct and the Huntington Town Board, the event will feature basketball and soccer tournaments, food, music, bounce house, obstacle course, spray park, food, giveaways, raffles, vendors and more. 631-351-3000

Lake Grove

The Smith Haven Mall’s Lifestyle Village in Lake Grove will host National Night Out with the SCPD 4th Precinct on Tuesday, Aug. 6 from 5 to 8 p.m. Enjoy a night of fun and safety education. Rain date is Aug. 8. 631-724-1433, 631-852-6000

Ridge – This event has been cancelled due to the weather.

Fireman’s Memorial Park, 725 Middle Country Road, Ridge will host a National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 6 from 5 to 8 p.m. Sponsored by Suffolk County Sheriff Errol Toulon, Brookhaven Town Councilwoman Jane Bonner and Councilman Michael Loguercio, the event will feature games, a petting zoo, Sheriff’s Office vehicle displays, ice cream truck, softball and hockey games and giveaways along with a table for medical ID cards and Safe Child cards. 631-852-2200, 631-451-6964

Rain or shine, Holtsville’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting spreads joy

by Bill Landon - December 10, 2023

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The Holtsville Ecology Center Christmas Tree lighting. Photo by bill Landon — The Holtsville Ecology Center hosts its annual Christmas Tree lighting on Friday, Dec. 1. Photo by Bill Landon

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The Holtsville Ecology Center held its annual Christmas Tree lighting Friday night, Dec. 1, an event during which, in years past, Santa Claus would make a grand entrance by helicopter.

Due to the inclement weather, the guest of honor was picked up at the airport and delivered to the event by the Holtsville Fire Department.

There were indoor activities for the kids, the hot chocolate was piping hot, and the dance team from the Michelle Ferraros Dance USA studio took centerstage, wowing the crowd with their holiday performance.

Town of Brookhaven Highway Superintendent Dan Losquadro (R) emceed the event while Suffolk County Executive-elect Ed Romaine (R) wished the gathered faithful holiday good cheer.

Despite the steady drizzle and all the umbrellas, the spirit of the holiday season prevailed.

— Photos by Bill Landon

Holtsville Hal makes wintry prediction at annual Groundhog Day event

by Heidi Sutton - February 2, 2023

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By Heidi Sutton

The Town of Brookhaven held its annual Groundhog Day celebration at the Holtsville Ecology Site and Animal Preserve on Thursday, Feb. 2. Many families with young children braved the frigid weather to hear a very important prediction from Suffolk County’s most famous weatherman, Holtsville Hal.

Before he read this year’s prognostication, Town of Brookhaven Superintendent Dan Losquadro gave a bit of history of Groundhog Day and how it began in Pennsylvania in 1886 but joked, “We like to say we have the most accurate weatherman. I know they’ve been doing it for longer there in Pennsylvania but Holtsville Hal is the real deal here. Punxsutawney Phil, he had his time; it’s time for Holtsville Hal now.”

At 7:25 a.m. sharp, before a crowd of several hundred spectators, the groundhog awoke from his slumber and saw his shadow, which, according to folklore, means six more weeks of winter.

Superintendent Losquadro read Hal’s official 2023 prediction with help from the town’s newly appointed clerk, Kevin LaValle.

“As I stepped out of my burrow on this early winter morn’, I rubbed at my eyes and let out a great yawn. It soon became clear the crowd was not here for Honey Bear, my prognostication was what everyone was waiting to hear. Six more weeks of winter or an early spring? I know you can’t wait what my prediction will bring. And so, at 7:25 a.m. on this brisk winter day, I have recorded my prediction and am sorry to say, at sunrise this morning I was startled to see, a shadow in the shape of … none other than me. I scurried back inside to return to my nap, not before reminding you to hold onto your mittens and cap. Spring will have to wait, Mother Nature is not through; six more weeks of winter you can look forward to!”

“I’m always hopeful Hal will predict an early spring and assist with my snow removal budget, but if his prediction proves to be correct, the Brookhaven Highway Department remains ready to handle whatever Mother Nature sends our way,” said Superintendent Losquadro. “I want to thank everyone who took the time to come out and take part in this fun, annual tradition.”

After the event, festivalgoers were treated to bagels courtesy of Bagel Lovers and hot chocolate from 7-Eleven and were able to visit the 100 animals that call the Ecology Site home including deer, horses, goats, llamas, hawks and its newest addition, Leo the Lynx. The center, which is open all year-round, also includes greenhouses, gardens, and jogging and exercise trails. For more information, visit www.brookhavenny.gov or call 631-451-5330.

Holtsville Ecology Site hosts Town of Brookhaven’s annual tree lighting

by TBR Staff - December 15, 2021

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By Erin Hoeler

Looking for a new holiday tradition that the whole family can enjoy? Every year, the Holtsville Ecology Site transforms the main entrance leading to the zoo into a winter wonderland. On Dec. 10, the ecology site hosted the Town of Brookhaven’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony.

As visitors walked through the decorated area, they were welcomed with hundreds of lights and a beautiful Christmas tree ready to be lit. Sponsors of the event such as WALK 97.5, WBAB 102.3, My Country 96.1 gave guests the opportunities to win prizes, while restaurants such as Moe’s Southwest Grill and Texas Roadhouse gave chances for free food.

When people entered the Harold H. Malkmes Wildlife Education and Ecology Center, they were greeted with lights and garlands swirled around the entranceway and the room. Many used this area to take festive family photos to use for their holiday cards.

“I’m joined with Councilman Kevin LaValle [R-Selden], and we are all here with one thing — to wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas, a happy holiday and celebrate despite the pandemic and this virus,” said town Supervisor Ed Romaine (R). “We’re still here and we’re still going strong — and we’re going to have a great Christmas.”

Prior to the anticipated tree lighting, children were greeted by characters including Frosty the Snowman, Chase from “Paw Patrol,” Olaf from “Frozen,” and Mickey and Minnie Mouse with whom they could take pictures with. Vendors sold light-up swords and lightsabers for kids to enjoy and play with while they awaited the arrival of the guest of honor: Santa Claus.

The ecology site welcomed dancers from Michelle Ferraro’s Dance USA and Inishfree School of Irish Dance to the stage to help get the crowd ready for Santa’s big helicopter entrance. For musical pleasure, Laura Lorenzo sang “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” and encouraged the audience to sing along.

“Every year, Peter Boardman donates his helicopter to go up to the North Pole, pick up Santa and bring him back here,” said Dan Losquadro (R), town superintendent of highways. “You want to know why? Because we don’t want the reindeer to get tired.”

Santa’s helicopter circled above the crowd many times, getting the children excited for his grand entrance. He later arrived on his sleigh accompanied by the Holtsville Fire Department with many lights and sirens. Then it was time to light the big tree.

At the closing of the event, LaValle added, “It’s great to be back, like the supervisor said. I want to wish everybody a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Be safe and enjoy the time with your family.”

Celebrate the arrival of spring at the Brookhaven Home & Garden Show

by Heidi Sutton - March 22, 2019

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Brookhaven Home and Garden Show — Thousands of residents came out to enjoy the exhibits, including this one courtesy of Bloomin Haus Nursery, at last year’s Home & Garden Show. Photo courtesy of Town of Brookhaven

It’s back! The Town of Brookhaven will present its annual Home & Garden Show at the Holtsville Ecology Site, 249 Buckley Road, Holtsville on March 23 and 24 and March 30 and 31 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m..

The indoor event will feature dozens of vendor exhibits including landscaping, garden centers, stonework, garden structures, siding and windows, interior décor, gutters and more.

In addition, with paid admission, visitors can participate in free educational workshops and hands-on classes for children, as well as photos with the Easter Bunny. Classes and workshops are subject to change; a comprehensive schedule of seminars is available at www.brookhavenny.gov.

“The Home and Garden Show is an excellent opportunity for residents to support local businesses and reinvest in our local economy, while getting some unique ideas from our vendors’ displays,” said Brookhaven Highway Superintendent Daniel P. Losquadro.

“From building outdoor fireplaces and getting more creative with landscaping design to replacing fencing and walkways or even going solar, the Home & Garden Show features innovative ways to enhance your home, garden and property this spring,” he added.

The cost of admission is $6 for adults; children 16 and under are free. Discounted tickets are available for prepurchase at www.brookhavenny.gov. Parking is free, as is the opportunity to visit with the Easter Bunny and walk through the animal preserve, which is home to more than 100 injured or nonreleasable wild and farm animals. In addition, each day attendees will have the opportunity to win services or merchandise raffled off by vendors.

For further information, contact the Ecology Site at 631-758-9664.

Holtsville Ecology Site offers horticulture classes

by Heidi Sutton - March 19, 2018

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brookhaven-ecology-center-childrens-gardening-program — Children can discover the wonder of plants the Brookhaven Ecology Center next month. Photo from Town of Brookhaven

Spring Pee Wee Gardening

The Town of Brookhaven Highway Department offers Spring Pee Wee Gardening classes for ages 3 to 5 at the Wildlife Education & Ecology Center, 249 Buckley Road, Holtsville on Thursdays, April 12, 19 and 26, May 3, 10 and 17 or Fridays, April 13, 20 and 27, May 4, 11 and 18 at either 10 to 11 a.m. or 1 to 2 p.m. The children will learn about the environment, animals and plants through crafts and stories. $50 for six-week session. For more information, please call 631-758-9664, ext. 10.

Adult Horticulture Classes

The Town of Brookhaven’s Department of Highways will present Adult Horticulture Classes at the Holtsville Ecology Site, 249 Buckley Road, Holtsville on Wednesdays, April 11, 18 and 25 and May 2, 9 and 16. Participants will learn about starting plants through propagation, growing vegetables from seeds, spring gardening techniques and unique gardening crafts. Fee is $50 for six-week session. Deadline to register is March 29. For more info, call 631-758-9664, ext. 10.

Brookhaven groundhog predicts early spring despite snowfall

by Sara-Megan Walsh - February 2, 2018

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Holtsville Hal did not see his shadow this year, forecasts winter to come to an end soon

GroundhogsDay_020218_Sara-MeganWalsh-21 — Brookhaven's famous groundhog, Holtsville Hal, predicted an early spring on Groundhogs Day. Photo by Sara-Megan Walsh.

The snowflakes stopped falling moments before Brookhaven’s famous groundhog offered this year’s prediction — it was a good omen of what is to come.

More than 100 residents cheered as the famed Brookhaven Town groundhog Holtsville Hal did not see his shadow, an indicator that spring would come early this year.

“I’m happy,” said Dan Losquadro (R), Brookhaven superintendent of highways. “We love winter
here on Long Island. We love the kids to be able to play in the snow, but we don’t want winter
to last any longer than it has to.”

Hal made his 22nd annual Groundhog Day prediction at Holtsville Wildlife and Ecology Center Animal Preserve at 7:25 a.m., as per tradition, according to the master of ceremonies Wayne Carrington.

Tradition says that if Hal — or, as he’s known in the Town of Brookhaven as a throwback to
the classic Bill Murray movie “Groundhog Day,” the Great Prognosticator of Prognosticators
— sees his shadow when he wakes from hibernation, the community is in for six more weeks of winter.

“So he exited the ground, not a creature was stirring and not a shadow was found,” read
Losquadro from a large scroll to the cheers of onlookers. “I cannot tell a lie, my prediction so
accurate does not come from the sky. I saw what I saw in a blink of an eye.”

Those who attended were treated to free hot cocoa to warm up and celebrate the good
news. Both Losquadro and Carrington asked residents to make donations to the ecology
center to help support care for its animals and programs.

Residents walk to raise money for children with serious illnesses

by Victoria Espinoza - September 22, 2016

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Participants from the Walk a Day in Our Shoes event Sunday, Sept. 18, smile as they start their trek. Photo from Angela’s House

By Victoria Espinoza

More than 700 people walked a day in someone else’s shoes this past weekend.

Angela’s House, a Hauppauge-based nonprofit organization that offers support for families and children living with severe medical conditions, hosted its second annual Walk a Day in Our Shoes 3K Walk fundraiser at the Holtsville Ecology Center Sept. 18.

$45,000 was raised to help bring awareness to the organization’s cause. Limited options exist for families with children born and diagnosed as being medically frail, chronically ill or suffering from any type of life-threatening conditions when or if they leave the hospital.

Bob Policastro, founder and executive director of Angela’s House, said he was unaware of the limited options parents have until his daughter, Angela, suffered severe brain damage during birth, which left her very medically frail and in need of nursing care.

“The process is incredibly painful,” Policastro said in a phone interview. “You’re in this situation no one wants to be in, and you need to figure out how you’ll be there as a parent for your child.”

Policastro said he and his wife, Angie, had a hard time finding a specialized home or facility near where they lived in Hauppauge and eventually settled on a specialty hospital in Connecticut. The lack of services locally put additional emotional and physical strain on the parents because they were forced to travel more than two hours to spend time with their daughter in Connecticut. Angela eventually succumbed to her illnesses and died shortly after her first birthday.

The Policastros created the nonprofit in 1992 and since then have opened three homes in East Moriches, Smithtown and Stony Brook where children with serious medical conditions live and are cared for 24 hours a day.

The funds raised from the event will help continue the care in these three homes, as well as programs to help other families learn about the resources available for them and their loved ones who are struggling with life-threatening medical issues.

One mother wrote about her experience with Angela’s House. Her son Johnny required a tracheotomy and a feeding tube around five years old. She said as his condition worsened, she was no longer able to take care of him at home, and that’s when she found Angela’s House.

“Bob and his wife Angie have been working tirelessly to have a home built for children [whose] medical needs were too great for families to care for their child at home but whose family is on Long Island,” she wrote. “Johnny spent nearly 16 years at Angela’s House and during that time he has received excellent medical care and a tremendous amount of LOVE. The wonderful nurses and aides tirelessly provided Johnny with kisses, hugs and jokes. Johnny rewarded them with the simplest of gestures … his smile.”

The day included face painting, a D.J., a zoo and lunch provided by Applebee’s.

Have a bowl for the animals at Holtsville ecology center

by TBR Staff - October 23, 2015

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Bobcat-Surabi-w — This female bobcat, named Surabi, lives at Holtsville Wildlife and Ecology center. Photo from Brookhaven Town

Proceeds raised at a bowling event on Sunday will be used to feed and care for the more than 100 animals that live at Brookhaven Town’s Holtsville Wildlife and Ecology center.

Halloween Bowl for Animals will run from 4 to 7 p.m. at Bowl Long Island at Patchogue, and will cost $30 for adults, $20 for children and $10 for non-bowlers who attend. That price includes unlimited bowling, shoe rental, a buffet and dessert. Reservations are required.

“This is a great event for the entire family that will help to ensure the animals at the ecology site continue receiving the proper care,” Highway Superintendent Dan Losquadro said in a statement.

The spooky bowling fundraiser will include a costume contest — children are encouraged to dress as their favorite animal — and a 50/50 raffle.

To reserve lanes, register online at www.brookhavenwildlifecenter.org or call 631-758-9664 x11.

The bowling alley is located at 138 West Ave., Patchogue.

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