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Long Island Game Farm

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A Grant’s zebra at the Long Island Game Farm. Photo by Cayla Rosenhagen

The Foundation for Wildlife Sustainability has had a successful first year of connecting people with wildlife and the natural environment. From new internship and volunteer programs to specialized programs for children, seniors, and animal lovers of all ages, and more, the nonprofit’s mission is strengthened by their support of Long Island Game Farm.

In celebration of their achievements and to raise funds for upcoming initiatives, the foundation is hosting Twilight in the Wild gala on Thursday, September 12 at 5 p.m. at the game farm. Details and tickets for this second annual fundraising event are on sale now at wildlifesustainability.org/fundraiser.

The evening will feature music by the acclaimed Chicago tribute band, Make Me Smile, on the newly renovated Susan M. Novak stage, encounters with Long Island Game Farm animals, beer, wine, and hors d’oeuvres, an art auction with work created by some of the animals, and more.

“We’re looking forward to our second annual fundraiser at Long Island Game Farm, and we’re particularly excited to dance to the music of Make Me Smile on the Susan M. Novak stage,” shares foundation executive direction Patricia Snyder. “The stage renovation was made possible by a grant from Suffolk County as part of the JumpSMART Small Business Downtown Investment Program in 2023. We’re so thrilled to see the stage completed and being used now for a number of activities and performances.”

Since the foundation’s first fundraiser last September, the organization has accomplished many of its goals, including:

  • Introducing the Senior Social Club, a biweekly socialization program for senior citizens
  • Expanding Long Island Game Farm’s Camp Zoo program and introducing a scholarship program forlow-income families
  • Supporting the efforts of the Long Island Game Farm to renovate the amphitheater to a 300-500 seatstage suitable for concerts, animal shows, and performances, funded by Suffolk County as part of the JumpSMART Small Business Downtown Investment Program. A ribbon cutting ceremony for the stage was held on Thursday, July 18.
  • Supporting the efforts of the Long Island Game Farm to develop a Universal Access Trail, allowing for a woodland experience for all mobilities
  • Developing a summer intern program for college students pursuing, veterinary studies, biology, and environmental studies
  • Developing the Good Friends Volunteer Corps program to bring a diverse group of individuals to help with tasks at the Long Island Game Farm, including working with animals that have been rescued, rehomed, and rehabilitated
  • Welcoming Girl Scout and Boy Scout troops to develop and implement upper-level projects at the Long Island Game Farm
  • Hosting a Family Fun Day on August 22 with a full day of interactive activities, music, storytelling, and community information booths.

“The Foundation for Wildlife Sustainability’s work has created and expanded some incredible programs for the community,” shares Long Island Game Farm president Melinda Novak. “Being able to increase access to our senior citizens, low-income families, persons with limited mobility, and other individuals that love animals and nature as much as we do has been amazing to witness. All of these programs complement our own work in offering families a natural environment where they can learn about wildlife and animals through education and entertainment.”

Tickets are $150 per person. The lead sponsor is the Dobler Family Foundation. Additional sponsorships are available. Ticket sales support the Foundation for Wildlife Sustainability and its mission to connect people with wildlife and the natural environment through awareness activities and engaging experiences, and to support the work of the Long Island Game Farm. Learn more at wildlifesustainability.org/fundraiser.

ABOUT LONG ISLAND GAME FARM
Long Island Game Farm Wildlife Park and Children’s Zoo was founded in 1970 by Stanley and Diane Novak. As the largest combined children’s zoo and wildlife park on Long Island, they offer families a natural environment where they can learn about wildlife and animals through education and entertainment. A member of American Association of Zookeepers and Zoological Association of America, the farm is located at 489 Chapman Boulevard, Manorville, New York 11949. For more information, visit longislandgamefarm.com, email [email protected], or call 631.878.6644. Find Long Island Game Farm on Instagram and Facebook at @longislandgamefarm.

ABOUT THE FOUNDATION FOR WILDLIFE SUSTAINABILITY
The mission of the Foundation for Wildlife Sustainability, Inc. is to connect people with wildlife and the natural environment through awareness activities and engaging experiences, and to support the work of the Long Island Game Farm. For more information, visit wildlifesustainability.org, or contact executive director Tricia Snyder at [email protected].

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Photo courtesy of Long Island Game Farm

The Foundation for Wildlife Sustainability has announced it will host its first Family Fun Day at the Long Island Game Farm, 489 Chapman Blvd., Manorville on Thursday, August 22 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. [Rain date is Friday, August 23].

The day will feature engaging nature-themed experiences and encourage families to deepen their appreciation for wildlife and the natural environment. Brady Rymer and The Little Band That Could will perform.

“The Foundation for Wildlife Sustainability was formed in 2023 to connect people of all ages and abilities to the environment,” shares foundation executive direction Patricia Snyder. “This Family Fun Day encourages families to experience nature and wildlife in a fun, engaging, and informative manner that the Long Island Game Farm isrecognized for.”

The day’s events will include a celebration of the beloved capybaras with a “Happy Capy Day” theme, including games and challenges, a camel meet-and-greet, storytelling by Long Island authors, tortoise talk, interactive sing-a-long with singer songwriter Anne O’Rourke, face painting, scavenger hunt, family holiday photo station, and more.

“We are so excited to round out the summer with this incredible all-day event,” shares game farm president Melinda Novak. “The capybaras have become the top attraction this summer, and we’re looking forward to offering an engaging and educational experience for families to learn more about this fascinating species, as well as other game farm resident animals.”

Tickets for a family of four are available online in advance at wildlifesustainability.org/special-events for $31.25 per person or $37.50 per person at the door. Additional family members are $29 per person in advance, $30 at the door. Ticket sales support the Foundation for Wildlife Sustainability and its mission to connect people with wildlife and the natural environment through awareness activities and engaging experiences, and to support the work of the Long Island Game Farm.

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Photo by LSB Photography

The Long Island Game Farm in Manorville unveiled its newly renovated amphitheater with a special ribbon cutting ceremony in honor of the late Susan M. Novak on Thursday, July 18. 

 

From left, Steve Bard, Melinda Novak and Patricia Snyder at the ribbon cutting ceremony. Photo by LSB Photography

Alongside the game farm’s nonprofit arm, the Foundation for Wildlife Sustainability, the afternoon featured remarks from Long Island Game Farm president Melinda Novak, Foundation for Wildlife Sustainability executive director Patricia Snyder, and special guests. The game farm also announced upcoming programs, followed by a special performance by Aim High Canines, featuring rescue dog SuperNova. 

In winter 2023, Long Island Game Farm had received a $568,000 grant from Suffolk County as part of the JumpSMART Small Business Downtown Investment Program, which provides funding to support downtown growth and to help local businesses and institutions to remain economically competitive. The funds were used to renovate the amphitheater, which was completed by East Bay Builders, and will also be used to create a universal access trail.

In addition to Long Island Game Farm president Melinda Novak and Foundation for Wildlife Sustainability executive director Patricia Snyder, guests included Steve Bard, Foundation for Wildlife Sustainability board member; Wendy Turkington, Foundation for Wildlife Sustainability board member; Jay Naurek, Manorville Chamber of Commerce president and Manorville Fire Commissioners chairman of the board; Karen Dunne Kesnig, Brookhaven Town Councilwoman; Catherine Stark, Suffolk County Legislator District 1; Jodi Giglio, New York State Assemblywoman District 2; and Greg Drossel, Long Island Game Farm director.

The amphitheater stage was named after in honor of president Melinda Novak’s sister, Susan M. Novak, who passed away in 2001. Susan had worked in the family business and had loved performing. The game farm plans to host several performances and events throughout the season.

More information about upcoming programs can be found at longislandgamefarm.com/events.

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Photo courtesy of Long Island Game Farm

The Foundation for Wildlife Sustainability continues the second season of its Senior Social Club at the Long Island Game Farm, 489 Chapman Blvd., Manorville on Fridays, July 26, August 9 and August 23 at 10:30 a.m. 

“We’re excited to bring back our Senior Social Club for another season,” shares Long Island Game Farm president Melinda Novak. “We introduced this program last year and it was a hit! Now working with our new nonprofit arm, the Foundation for Wildlife Sustainability, we can expand our educational programming across the game farm. It’s very special to have a social club for our senior community and offer ways for them to connect with nature, animals, and each other.”

Senior citizens (65 years+) will begin the morning exploring the grounds, visiting animals, and learning more about the various species at the game farm. A presentation in Woodland Hall will follow, with topics varying each week from rescued animals to wonders of wool, birding to nature photography, and more.

Seniors will enjoy a discounted admission of $10 to Long Island Game Farm on Senior Social Club days. For reservations, call 631-878-6644. 

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Vinny with rescued Lincoln an African Sulcata Tortoise. Photo from Long Island Game Farm

New “Good Friends Volunteer Corps” Supports the Long Island Game Farm 

The Foundation for Wildlife Sustainability, Inc. has announced the launch of the Good Friends Volunteer Corps, which supports programming and events at Long Island Game Farm in Manorville. Individuals with a love of nature and animals and a desire to expand their community can get involved, enjoy the outdoors, and meet new like-minded friends. In honor of National Volunteer Month, the organizations are highlighting the work of one stalwart volunteer who has made great strides to support the resident game farm animals and promote a sense of responsibility for the natural world.

Vinny Scandariato is a school teacher on Long Island. He first fell in love with the rescued African sulcata tortoises at the game farm, and expressed an interest in teaching visitors to the game farm about the species.

“Vinny is an encyclopedia of information,” shares president Melinda Novak. “He’s also very patient and very kind, making him a great educator. Vinny would volunteer almost every weekend in the summer. When he saw there were school groups booked on certain days, he would offer to come and teach.”

Vinny says,” Volunteering at the Long Island Game Farm has been a pleasure. Each animal has a distinct personality. Every day that I volunteer brings new insights into the lives of these beautiful creatures. Equally important, I leave the Game Farm eagerly anticipating my next volunteer experience. I feel lucky to have the opportunity to volunteer here and interact with such great people.”

Last September, the Foundation for Wildlife Sustainability hosted its first fundraiser to support the work of Long Island Game Farm. Scandariato was honored at the event as the Volunteer of the Year.

The new “Good Friends Volunteer Corps” offers many opportunities for those looking to get involved, including maintenance, gardening, guest services, animal education, story time, and helping at special events. All opportunities will take place at the Long Island Game Farm. Volunteers must be 16 years of age or older. Advance registration is requested by calling the game farm at 631.878.6670 or emailing Foundation for Wildlife Sustainability executive director Tricia Snyder at [email protected]. 

ABOUT THE FOUNDATION FOR WILDLIFE SUSTAINABILITY

The mission of the Foundation for Wildlife Sustainability, Inc. is to connect people with wildlife and the natural environment through awareness activities and engaging experiences, and to support the work of the Long Island Game Farm. For more information, visit wildlifesustainability.org, or contact executive director Tricia Snyder at [email protected]. 

ABOUT LONG ISLAND GAME FARM 

Long Island Game Farm Wildlife Park and Children’s Zoo was founded in 1970 by Stanley and Diane Novak. As the largest combined children’s zoo and wildlife park on Long Island, they offer families a natural environment where they can learn about wildlife and animals through education and entertainment. A member of American Association of Zookeepers and Zoological Association of America, the farm is located at 489 Chapman Boulevard, Manorville, New York 11949. For more information, visit longislandgamefarm.com, email [email protected], or call 631.878.6644. Find Long Island Game Farm on Instagram and Facebook at @longislandgamefarm.

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Photo courtesy of LI Game Farm

The Foundation for Wildlife Sustainability will kick off a new season of the Senior Social Club at Long Island Game Farm, 489 Chapman Blvd. in Manorville on Friday April 12.  Senior citizens (65 years+) can visit the animals, explore the trails, attend a presentation in Woodland Hall, and enjoy a beverage and snacks with fellow seniors. This event will take place on the second and fourth Friday of the month from 10:30 a.m. to noon.

“We’re excited to bring back our Senior Social Club for another season,” shares Long Island Game Farm
president Melinda Novak. “We introduced this program last year and it was a hit! Now working with our new
nonprofit arm, the Foundation for Wildlife Sustainability, we can expand our educational programming across
the game farm. It’s very special to have a social club for our senior community and offer ways for them to
connect with nature, animals, and each other.”

Each week guests will begin by exploring the grounds, visiting animals, and learning more about the various
species at the game farm. A presentation in Woodland Hall will follow, with topics varying each week from
rescued animals to wonders of wool, birding to nature photography, and more.

Tickets are $10 per person and for seniors only. Please do not bring grandchildren. Pets are not allowed. Reservations are strongly encouraged and can be made by calling 631-878-6644. Learn more at wildlifesustainability.org/events.

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Lemurs at the Long Island Game Farm.

Volunteer Program, Flea Market, 55th Anniversary for Long Island Game Farm and More

The Foundation for Wildlife Sustainability, Inc. [wildlifesustainability.org] is hitting the ground running in 2024 with new programs and events at Long Island Game Farm planned throughout the year.

The Good Friends Volunteer Corps launches in March, followed by spring programs including the Senior Social Club for the 62+ community and Wild Treasures Market featuring a variety of artisans, and summer programs like the popular Camp Zoo, a family fun day, and fundraising event, which will support the Game Farm as it heads into its 55th year in 2025. All events will take place at Long Island Game Farm, located at 489 Chapman Boulevard, Manorville. Additional details below and at wildlifesustainability.org.

“The Foundation for Wildlife Sustainability is geared up for a successful 2024 to support the work of Long Island Game Farm,” shares foundation executive director Tricia Snyder. “With so many new projects, we are in need of many volunteers! There are meaningful and fun tasks for all looking to get involved. Together, we will bring exciting programs to the community and all lovers of Long Island Game Farm.”

Good Friends Volunteer Corps Orientation – Saturday, March 23

Individuals with a love of nature and animals and a desire to expand their community can get involved, enjoy the outdoors, and meet new like-minded friends. The first volunteer orientation will take place at the Game Farm on Saturday, March 23 at 11 a.m.

Volunteer opportunities include maintenance, gardening, guest services, animal education, story time, and helping at special events. Volunteers must be 16 years of age or older. Advance registration is requested by calling the Game Farm at 631.878.6670 or emailing foundation executive director Tricia Snyder at [email protected].

Senior Social Club – Returns Friday, April 12

Senior citizens ages 62 and older are invited to Long Island Game Farm to visit the animals, explore the grounds, and attend presentations on rescued animals, wonders of wool, birding, nature photography, and more in the newly renovated Woodland Hall. This program will take place on the second and fourth Friday of the month from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. beginning April 12. Seniors enjoy a discounted admission of $10 on Senior Social Club days.

Wild Treasures Market – Begins Sunday, June 9

Beginning June 9, a unique monthly flea market is coming to Long Island Game Farm. The Wild Treasures Market will feature vendors selling their vintage and not-so-vintage antiques, crafts, art, home and garden items, and more. The market will take place on the second Sunday of each month through October. Early bird buyers can visit from 8 to 9 a.m. The general public is invited to visit from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. No admission after 3 p.m.

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Camp Zoo – July and August

Children ages 4 to 13 are introduced and immersed in nature through outdoor exploration, games, crafts, and other educational hands-on activities. Camp sessions including Animal Tales Through Picture Books, Zoolympics, Be a Zookeeper, and Young Explorers. Camp runs in multi-day sessions in July and August.

Family Fun Day – Thursday, August 22 (rain date August 23)

Enjoy a day of fun for the family as you wind down your summer vacation. The Game Farm will have a full array of special activities, shows, and surprises. The event will take place on Thursday, August 22 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Rain date is Friday, August 23. Ticket sales opening on the website soon.

Annual Fundraiser – September

The second annual fundraiser will enable the Foundation for Wildlife Sustainability to support the work of the Game Farm as part of its own missing, deepening the connection and understanding between humans and nature. Date and details to come at wildlifesustainability.org.

55 YEARS in 2025! The Long Island Game Farm will be celebrating 55 years of offering families a natural environment where they can learn about wildlife and animals through education and entertainment in 2025. Many people have visited the Game Farm throughout the course of its long history, and everyone has a story. The Foundation for Wildlife Sustainability is collecting these stories and photos on behalf of the Game Farm, with some selections to be included in a commemorative book. Stories can be submitted online at wildlifesustainability.org.

For more information on the foundation and these events, please visit wildlifesustainability.org.

ABOUT THE FOUNDATION FOR WILDLIFE SUSTAINABILITY

The mission of the Foundation for Wildlife Sustainability, Inc. is to connect people with wildlife and the natural environment through awareness activities and engaging experiences, and to support the work of the Long Island Game Farm. For more information, visit wildlifesustainability.org, or contact executive director Tricia Snyder at [email protected].

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From left, Patricia Snyder and Melinda Novak. Photo courtesy of LI Game Farm

The Foundation for Wildlife Sustainability, Inc. has announced their launch in partnership with the Long Island Game Farm to engage, educate, and encourage the public to foster an understanding and respect for wildlife, and inspire action to protect wildlife for a healthy ecosystem. 

Founded in February 2023, FWS gained nonprofit status this past October. Helmed by executive director Patricia Snyder, the organization is formally launching cultural, educational, and wellness programming this month, with much more planned for the year, ensuring the longevity of the Manorville game farm.

“The Long Island Game Farm has benefitted so many people and animals over its nearly 55-year history, it’s important to ensure its future,” said Snyder. 

“The mission of the Foundation for Wildlife Sustainability is to connect people with wildlife and the natural environment through awareness activities and engaging experiences that support and complement the work of the game farm. We have programs scheduled for learners of all ages, summer camps, art classes, music classes, and more, as well as the return of the popular Senior Social Club. Volunteer and fundraising opportunities will also be a priority to advance our mission,” she said.

The foundation’s education team includes education coordinator Shannon Swanson, a learning specialist at Peconic Community School, educator James Carey, who has also worked at the game farm since 2021, and educator Jenna Culbertson, a music facilitator at Peconic Community School. Swanson will also serve as director of Camp Zoo, a summer program that introduces and immerses children ages 5 to10 in nature through outdoor exploration, games, crafts, and other educational hands-on activities.

To date, the foundation has coordinated a number of initiatives at the game farm, including the dedication of Woodland Hall in memory of late Sergeant Paul Ferrara, a memorial bench program, volunteer corps program, and an inaugural yearly fundraiser. The foundation also worked with the game farm to secure critical funding through Suffolk County’s JumpSMART Small Business Downtown Investment Program to renovate the game farm amphitheater and create a universal access woodland trail.

“2024 is going to be an exciting year,” said game farm president Melinda Novak. “Having a supporting non-profit is an important step in keeping the game farm sustainable. I’m so happy to see this long-held idea come to fruition.”

The foundation is also preparing to celebrate the Long Island Game Farm’s 55th anniversary in 2025. More information on how the community can get involved will become available in the coming weeks. Learn more at the foundation’s new website at wildlifesustainability.org.

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Stanley the Fox. Photo from Long Island Game Farm
New education programs connect kids to nature
As schools are preparing for their first long break of the year, the Long Island Game Farm in Manorville is inviting families and visitors of all ages to spend time at the farm with the animals, like Nala the African serval cat, Stanley the fox, lemurs, goats, and more.
Nala the African serval cat. Photo from the Long Island Game Farm

The game farm is also offering special programming for infants to children age 12 during the break, beginning February 19. Kids can learn how animals prepare for winter, including adaptations, migration, and hibernation; sketch some of the resident animals; and engage in imaginative play using stuffed animals, music, and dance.

These programs will be presented by the Foundation for Wildlife Sustainability, the game farm’s nonprofit arm that aims to connect people with wildlife and the natural environment through awareness activities and engaging experiences.

“We’re thrilled to offer families educational and fun experiences during February break this year,” shares Long Island Game Farm president Melinda Novak. “The Foundation for Wildlife Sustainability’s programming at the game farm encourages children and adults alike to foster an appreciation for nature through engaging experiences. We also have a great education team to lead these programs, so we’re very excited for all to come this year.”

Animals in Winter – Monday, February 19 @ 9 a.m.

In this program for children ages 5 to 7, educator James Carey will discuss how animals prepare for winter using adaptations, migration and/or hibernation. The fee is $35 per child.

Animals in Winter – Monday, February 19 @ 1 p.m.

In this program for children ages 8 to 12, educator James Carey will discuss how animals prepare for winter using adaptations, migration and/or hibernation. The fee is $35 per child.

Sketch the Animals – Wednesday, February 21 @ 10:30 a.m.

Bring your sketch pad and drawing tools to the Long Island Game Farm’s Woodland Hall to see and sketch select resident animals up close. For ages 8 and up. The fee is $25 per person.

Make Music with Ms. Jenna – Friday, February 23 @ 10:30 a.m.

Spark imagination and create music using stuffed animals, song, and dance in this program for children up to age 5. The fee is $20 per child and adult. Each additional child is $10.

Registration is required and can be booked online at longislandgamefarm.com or by calling 631-878-6644.

For those that wish to spend more time at the game farm, attendees to these classes will receive half-off admission for the day of class. The teacher or staff will meet students at the ticket booth.

Long Island Game Farm, 489 Chapman Blvd., Manorville will be open on weekends in February and for winter break from Monday, February 19 through Sunday, February 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. All paying guests will receive a free cup of animal food in February. For more information, call 631-88-6644 or visit www.longislandgamefarm.com.

 

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Suffolk County officials present a check to the staff at the Long Island Game Farm on December 15. Photo by Lori and Steve Biegler
Chela Novak and Steve Bellone at the check presentation. Photo by Lori and Steve Biegler

The Long Island Game Farm in Manorville was awarded a $568,000 grant from Suffolk County in December as part of the JumpSMART Small Business Downtown Investment Program, which provides funding to support downtown growth and to help local businesses and institutions to remain economically competitive. 

“I am sincerely grateful for the generous support from Suffolk County and JumpSMART program awarded to the Long Island Game Farm,” shares Melinda Novak, president of the game farm. “This grant will enable us to renovate our amphitheater and develop a universal access trail, which has been a long-time dream for us to be able to share with all members of our community. This expansion coincides with the efforts of our new nonprofit arm, the Foundation for Wildlife Sustainability, as it develops programs in the cultural, educational, and wellness categories. Knowing Suffolk County believes in us gives us great hope for our future aspirations as the Long Island Game Farm continues to grow.”

Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone, Legislator James Mazzarella, Legislator Nick Caracappa, and Legislator minority leader Jason Richberg visited the game farm on December 15 to present the check to Novak, Foundation for Wildlife Sustainability Tricia Snyder, game farm staff, and even two of the resident goats. Many of those in attendance agreed that the game farm is an iconic piece of Long Island’s history, dating back to 1970, and have fond memories of visiting in their childhood. For more information, visit longislandgamefarm.com or call 631-878-6644. 

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