Holtsville Ecology Site and Animal Preserve

While the snowstorm that has been battering Brookhaven Town for the past 36 hours necessitated the canceling of our virtual Groundhog Day ceremony, that didn’t stop Suffolk County’s most famous weatherman from revealing his prognostication. In the early morning hours of Feb. 2, Holtsville Hal awoke from his slumber, brushed the snow aside to emerge from his burrow and did not see his shadow, predicting an early spring for the snow-covered Town of Brookhaven. According to trad...ition, if a groundhog sees its shadow on Groundhog Day, there will be six more weeks of winter weather; if not, spring should arrive early. After this week’s storm, I’m sure we are all looking forward to an early spring and keeping our fingers crossed that our resident weatherman maintains his accuracy.

Happy new year from your friends at the Holtsville Ecology Site & Animal Preserve! All of the animals are doing well and are accommodated for the cold winter months, whether it’s extra straw, boarded/closed/insulated siding on enclosures, heat lamps, or blankets. They all have heated water sources to ensure they always a have fresh, unfrozen water source throughout winter, as well. The Holtsville Ecology Site & Animal Preserve will be closed to the public until this spring. Stay safe and stay warm...and we'll see you next year.

Thank you to Girl Scouts Kayla Corso, Erin Cahill and Elysa Corso from Troop 1550. They created enrichment boards for our smaller wild mammals, including the foxes, bobcat and coatimundi, to enjoy.

www.BrookhavenNY.gov/Holiday

www.brookhavenny.gov/holiday

Don't miss your last chance to receive a personalized video message from Santa. All proceeds benefit the 100+ animals residing at the Holtsville Ecology Site. www.brookhavenNY.gov/Holiday

Don't miss the opportunity to receive a personalized video message from Santa. Deadline to order is Dec. 7; order today at www.brookhavenny.gov/holiday!

Order your personalized video message from Santa today at www.brookhavenNY.gov/holiday!

In lieu of the Holtsville Ecology Site’s Annual Holiday Light Spectacular that featured in-person visits with Santa, this year parents and loved ones can purchase a personalized video from Santa. All proceeds go directly to the feeding and care of the more than 100 animals residing there. www.brookhavenny.gov/holiday