The Environmental Centers of Setauket-Smithtown, Inc.'s Sweetbriar Nature Center is a private not-for-profit educational organization located in Smithtown. Our mission is to provide natural science education and native wildlife rehabilitation services for Long Island residents of all ages. Program costs are kept low due to supplemental funding from our members, corporate members, grants, donations and fund raising events. Members receive the quarterly newsletter, the Snail Trail and other benefits. School and scout program information is available upon request.

The Sweetbriar Farm-Vail Blydenburgh Preserve is a fifty-three acre property managed by the Environmental Centers of Setauket-Smithtown, Inc., for the Nature Conservancy and the Town of Smithtown.

The preserve was once part of an earlier farm which produced hay and supported several cows, an apple orchard and a large vegetable garden. Vail Blydenburgh and his wife Edith bought the property in the 1920s, built their home and gardens and continued to operate a small farm. Edith's love for nature prompted her to donate the property to the Nature Conservancy and the Town of Smithtown with the stipulation that it be used for environmental education and preservation purposes.

The preserve encompasses a variety of natural habitats including mixed hardwood forests, fields, tidal and freshwater marshes and the Nissequogue River itself, all supporting a large diversity of wildlife species.

Our office is located at the Edith & Vail Blydenburgh House, 62 Eckernkamp Dr. in Smithtown. Phone: 979-6344 The Sweetbriar Farm (barn) driveway is a one-way drive which is entered from Landing Ave. The entrance and exit for the ECSS office is located at 62 Eckernkamp Dr., and you may park in the lot near the red garages.

Please feel free to visit the Blydenburgh Gardens located near our office.