“ECSS: Sweetbriar Nature Center is a 501c3 not-for-profit located in Smithtown, NY. Its focus is natural science and outdoor education. The center is also a fully operational wildlife rehabilitation center. With no government funding (no wildlife rehab center is), funds are collected to run the center through programs, donations, and the occasional grant.

The non-profit started around 50 years ago by teaching nature and natural science education to residents around Smithtown and Setauket. Approximately 30 years ago, the ECSS moved into the old Blydenburg house, leasing it from the town of Smithtown. Over the past 20 years, the center has grown substantially. They have expanded education programs, care for about 100 permanent resident animals, and developed a full licensed wildlife rehabilitation center. ”

““The 54-acre estate hosts hiking trails through gardens, woodlands, field and wetland habitats situated on the Nissequogue River. In addition to the myriad of wild flora and fauna species on the preserve, over 100 animals reside here and are cared for by dedicated staff and volunteers. Many of these resident creatures are native to Long Island, and are being treated for injuries and illnesses, which are unfortunately caused by human impact. Sweetbriar Nature Center works to decrease these human-wildlife conflicts by educating the public about conservation, respect and appreciation, and responsible decision making regarding the unique ecosystems of Long Island and their inhabitants. 

            The house which serves as the main building of the nature center was built in 1930 and was inhabited by the Blyndenburg family, whose name has been a part of the town history for 300 years prior. The house belonged to Vail and Edith Blydenburgh. Vail was a descendant of Richard “Bull” Smythe, a founder of Smithtown (as a remembrance of him, a statue of a bull can be found in town), and Blydenburgh County Park was named after Vail. Edith loved children, and was said to have a chest of toys for kids to take home when they visited. It is said that the couple was unable to have children, they adopted Ediths two nephews after their parents passed away in an accident, and a second smaller cottage was added for the boys and their nanny. There is another cottage on the property which was built in 1800 by Whitman Jayne, where the caretakers stayed. Edith loved nature and supported environmental education programs. The Blydenburgh family had a working farm until the 1940s, complete with a barn, cows, timothy hay harvesting, a cider mill, and large vegetable garden (Sweetbriar Nature Center Archives). 

            Vail Blydenburgh passed away in 1940, but Edith remained in the Blydenburgh house until her death in 1981 at the age of 96. However, in 1966, while she was still living in the house, she donated 26 acres to the town of Smithtown and The Nature Conservancy. Mrs.Oakes, a local teacher and housewife, wanted to develop educational programs which focused on natural sciences. In 1969, the program launched with 150 elementary students enrolled with 20 volunteer leaders. These enriching programs continued to grow, and soon caught the attention of adults as well. In 1970 a year-round program was implemented, thus the beginning of Sweetbriar Nature Center as it is known today. In 1975, Mrs.Blydenburgh allowed E.C.S.S., or the Environmental Centers of Setauket-Smithtown, to use the barn and farm area for continuing environmental educational programs (Sweetbriar Nature Center Archives, Marie Smith)

            One of Edith’s nephews/adopted sons inherited the remaining property when she passed. Upon his passing in 1985, the rest of the land was willed to the Town. Edith requested the land be protected from overuse and continue to aid in conservation efforts, and to be a place of public education. Sweetbriar Nature Center has continued that mission for the last 50 years. Today, in addition to caring for sick and injured wildlife, the center continues to host a myriad of programs to the public for all ages. These programs educate on conservation, responsible decision making, reducing human impact, and creating a sense of love and respect for nature. 

Over the last 50 years, the Nature Center has morphed into a center for education as well as a licensed wildlife rehabilitation center. Over 100 animals reside at Sweetbriar, with some being “ambassador animals”, individuals who are non-releasable, and are used on programs; non-releasable individuals who will live out their days at the refuge, and many others who are being rehabilitated and will soon be released back into the wild. The staff receive and rehabilitate many injured or sick animals every day, accounting to about 2000 every year”
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