The local animal population plays an important role in our lives. This not only includes the love and companionship of domestic pets and the daily assistance of highly trained service animals, but also our local wildlife population that shares our habitat and contributes to the local ecosystem. Broadway Stages is proud to make a positive impact on the local environment with our bird and insect friendly green rooftops in Brooklyn at Kingsland Wildflowers and Eagle Street Rooftop Farm. In this series, we shine the light on other area organizations that are helping our local animals in need.

Today, we venture out to Locust Valley, a small town nestled on the North Shore of Long Island and the Town of Oyster Bay – a quaint, unincorporated hamlet that is just one square mile in size but rich in history — to learn about an organization dedicated to helping Long Island’s native wildlife. Volunteers for Wildlife is a 501(c)3 non-profit wildlife hospital and education center established in 1982 and “dedicated to the preservation of Long Island's wildlife and natural habitats through education and rehabilitation.” This wildlife includes native Long Island birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. Seeing more than 2,000 patients each year, they’ve helped “over 30,000 animals representing more than 300 species” over the organization’s life. They are located on the grounds of Bailey Arboretum, at 194-A Bayville Road in Locust Valley, New York.

As a wildlife hospital, the organization stands ready to assist those who come across injured or orphaned wildlife; likely a new experience for many with little or no understanding of how to help an animal in need. Volunteers for Wildlife’s website contains step-by-step information about what to do if you find yourself in this situation. They also provide general wildlife information. As an education center, they offer programs for various age groups (3+) to teach the public about Long Island’s wildlife and how to preserve it. Key members of the education team include resident animal ambassadors who have disabilities that prevent their release into the wild but help educate the public about Long Island wildlife.

As with other non-profits, demand for Volunteers for Wildlife’s services did not stop during the difficult pandemic period. We encourage you to consider supporting this worthwhile organization; there are various ways you can help:

Make a financial donation to support care and treatment for patients and resident animal ambassadors.

Symbolically adopt a resident Wildlife Ambassador animal or sponsor a Wild Baby to support its care.

Consider volunteering your time. Volunteer opportunities (for ages 18+) include resident animal care, education program participation, patient rehabilitation, and patient rescue and transport. Their website also includes suggestions for ways kids under 18 can volunteer, including bake sales, donation drives, and other projects.

You can also support the organization by attending their Walk for Wildlife event on October 2; this family-friendly event will be their only fundraising event of 2021.

You can find more information about the organization on the Volunteers for Wildlife website and in this ABC7NY piece that includes a video interview.