Sweetbriar Nature Center — Attraction in Town of Smithtown

The property itself is very nice. However, the staff is horrible. My son had a class trip here and the volunteer they had leading our group spoke to 6 year old children as if they were adults. She spoke to the kids about a fox having cancer, so inappropriate. They have a loose friendly deer roaming the property. We received no warning about there being a deer and how we may come in contact with it. The deer of course approached the class and the volunteer yelled at the kids, telling them to stay away and not to overreact... Again these are 6 year old kids, how do you expect them not to react when a deer is following them? Another staff member addressed a group of kids as animals, his exact words to the group were, "so you're here to see the animals, no, you're not, because you're the animals." I get the sarcasm, but again not age appropriate... they have a butterfly house, which they pretty much want you to be a statue when entering, again yelling at the kids because they were scared when the butterflies would land on them... The experience overall was terrible, my child left highly upset from that place as did...

Ever changing depending on the season, Sweetbriar is a charming local place to experience nature up close and personal. There are habitats for the all sorts of rescued and saved animals in various stages of rehabilitation and for those that are permanent residents who can not be returned to the wild due to disabilities. The habitats are scattered throughout the lovely grounds so you must walk about and explore. Ask anyone you see whatever questions you have, I have never met anybody there who has not been super friendly and helpful, too.

To me, the grounds are really the highlight of Sweetbriar! They are wonderful because they are not done up like an arboretum. It's classic North Shore, Long Island which means the perfect mix of hills and woods and fields and trails, and all the critters that are there. It's a beautiful place for a hike, a Geocache trip, to take the kids, or just because maybe you've always wondered about it. And yes, they do need those donations so although it may be free to visit, feel free to donate - caring for all those animals must get pricey. Thank you Sweetbriar. ...

Found a baby squirrel in the backyard that was lethargic, cold and had a few scratches to his paws and neck. Wrapped him with a warm pack and towel and he began to perk up. Then I got on the phone to find somewhere to take him. I was surprised to find that I had very poor luck with responses ranging from "we're full" to "we don't take squirrels". I was nearing a panic when I was referred to sweet briar by another wildlife shelter. I phoned and was told I could bring him in, even though it was close to closing time. I arrived and someone rushed out to scoop him up. I was told his prospects were not good but they would do their best and that yes, I could call and check on him. I filled out a short form then was on my way. I was so relieved I found a place for him as I have a very curious dog and couldn't imagine how I could nurse the little one back to health in my home if nobody would have taken him. Hoping he pulls through and so grateful to know the folks at sweet briar are around for even the smallest critters. Thank you!

*Update! Baby squirrel turned out fine after a...