Brookhaven Wildlife center offers free fun on Long Island

Anyone who wants to see a pair of black bears or stately bald eagles probably anticipates taking a drive to the Bronx Zoo.

Not so fast. You can go to Holtsville to get an up-close look at these and nearly 100 other exotic and native animals at the Brookhaven Wildlife, Ecology and Education Center. Even better: At this time of year, it's free.

The 80-plus-acre center, open since 1980, counts animal rehab and a preserve among its many offerings. The year-round facility also has a paved walking trail, greenhouses, horticulture classes and a playground. Safety Town — a child-size replica of a town complete with stoplights, a bridge and buildings — is open to schools and groups visiting during the year.

"There's enough to do that you can bring snacks and stay the whole day," says Annie Hodgins, 31, of Center Moriches, who was spending time with her 3-year-old nephew, Charlie Vigliante, there last week. "It doesn't cost anything, so there's no pressure to get your money's worth."

ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS

"There is a story behind each of our animals here," says grounds superintendent April Perry, who has worked at the center for 26 years. "Some are here because of injuries, and some because someone had kept them as pets and they can't be reintroduced into the wild."

Along with a sister-brother pair of shaggy black bears, visitors can say hello to Holtsville Hal, the resident groundhog, an exotic-looking binturong (think bear-meets-raccoon), a bobcat, an emu and even wild mustangs.

"I was expecting to see some cows and a bunch of goats," says first-time visitor Kelly Welch, 31, of Riverhead, who was meeting Hodgins there for the afternoon.

The center has other surprises for visitors.

WHILE YOU'RE THERE

The 1¼-mile paved walking path winds through a wooded area. It also has fitness stations along the trail. Bernie Jackson, 66, of Holtsville walks the track daily.

"I do about 5 miles," says Jackson, who regularly brings his grandson to the park to see the animals. "There aren't many nice walking places like this left. It is so quiet and tranquil here."

In addition to what you can see, visitors can take gardening classes ($50 for a six-week session) in the spring and fall. Classes are geared to both adults and children, covering topics ranging from what to plant and when, to how to use dried flowers and plants in flower arrangements.

"We start with propagation in the spring and in the fall talk about fall plantings and even flower arrangements using things in your backyard," says Perry. "We want to teach people to use things they usually might discard."

FAMILY TRADITION

After decades in existence, it is no surprise the center has taken root with multiple generations. It is common to see moms and dads pushing strollers along the fitness trail. Or see grandparents holding the hand of a little one as he or she takes tentative steps toward the friendly — and hungry — Nubian goats, which tend to stick their heads between the fence planks in hopes of a gentle pat or some welcome grains.

"I used to bring my kids here," says Nancy O'Connell, 65, of Holtsville. "Now, I bring my grandsons, my daughter's sons, here."

Brookhaven Wildlife, Ecology and Education Center

WHEN | WHERE 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. weekends through Dec. 30 (closed holidays and weekends Jan. 2-March 30), 249 Buckley Rd., Holtsville

INFO 631-758-9664, nwsdy.li/wildlife

ADMISSION Free ($5 parking Memorial Day-Labor Day)

Holiday events

WHEN | WHERE Christmas tree lighting ceremony at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 28; Santa arrives by helicopter at 6, free; Holiday Spectacular runs 5:30-9:30 p.m. Nov. 29-30, continues Friday-Sundays Dec. 5-21, 249 Buckley Rd., Holtsville

ADMISSION $5, younger than 3 free. Put the Brookhaven Wildlife and Ecology Center on your holiday to-do list for its decorated greenhouse walk.