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The Foundation for Wildlife Sustainability

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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 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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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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