Supporters at Long Island Game Farm fundraising event

WHO WE ARE

Holding a baby goat at Long Island Game Farm

Respecting and Protecting Wildlife for a Healthy Ecosystem

The Foundation for Wildlife Sustainability, Inc. was founded in partnership with the Long Island Game Farm in February 2023. Our mission is to connect people with wildlife and the natural environment through awareness activities, education, and engaging experiences.

This partnership will ensure the longevity of the Long Island Game Farm by introducing culture, education, and wellness programming, and special events to raise funds for these Wildlife Sustainability programs.

To date, the Foundation for Wildlife Sustainability has supported the dedication of the game farm’s Woodland Hall in memory of Sgt. Paul Ferrara, created a Memorial Bench program, developed a Volunteer Corp program, Summer internships, Scouts program and a Senior Social Club; expanded Camp Zoo, introduced an annual Fundraiser, and Family Fun Day, and coordinated Santa on the Farm scheduled for the first three weekends in December.

Currently, targeted programs include supporting the Long Island Game Farm’s development of a Universal Access Woodland Trail, the renovation of the Game Farm Amphitheater, and introducing a robust offering of educational programs.

MEET THE TEAM

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MEET THE TEAM ✻

PATRICIA SNYDER
Executive Director

  • Tricia has devoted the last 30 years to the advancement of the arts on eastern Long Island. Her legacy includes projects designed to attract a diverse audience through creative placemaking and cultural tourism, accessible arts education, and using the arts as a tool for community development.

    As the former executive director of East End Arts, Tricia is recognized for bringing the region several signature programs including Winterfest (formerly Jazz on the Vine); Community Mosaic Street Painting Festival; JumpstART; a professional development program for artists — Music Masters, a music intensive that partners professional musicians with highly motivated high school students; and the Teeny Awards, a beloved East End program recognizing the value of the high school theater experience for life skills.

    Tricia’s work has been recognized through multiple awards including East End Women’s Network Woman of the Year, Bank of America Neighborhood Builders Award, Vision Long Island Smart Growth Award, National Arts Destination Marketing Award, WEHM Radio Unsung Hero Award, Arts & Culture Imagine Award, Suffolk County Women of Distinction and more.

SHANNON SWANSON
Education Coordinator

  • Shannon Swanson has a dual undergraduate degree in Elementary and Special Education, as well as a master’s degree in Special Education. She is currently a Learning Specialist at Peconic Community School (PCS) in Cutchogue, where she has worked for the past four years. Prior to working at Peconic Community School, Shannon taught at the Ross School in East Hampton and in Florida schools. But it is Shannon’s first job that has brought her full circle.

    At the age of 14, Shannon worked for the Long Island Game Farm. Her family has been involved with the game farm for many years, and Shannon herself is the Camp Zoo Director. With the Foundation for Wildlife Sustainability, Shannon will put her 17+ years of experience working with children of all ages to work, serving as the education coordinator.

WHITNEY ROBERTS Educator

  • With 25 years of experience as a primary education teacher on Long Island, I am currently an Assistant Facilitator at Peconic Community School in Cutchogue, working with four and five-year-old children. I am passionate about fostering young learners’ natural curiosity and creativity through integrated, hands-on learning experiences that encourage confidence, kindness, and inquisitiveness.


    I look forward to having the exciting opportunity to work at the Long Island Game Farm for the winter wildlife camp program where elementary-aged children participate in nature-based exploration and hands-on activities. This aligns with my commitment to natural learning environments where children can explore, observe, and grow as part of a community enriched with experiential opportunities.


    I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree from Dowling College, studied social sciences and early childhood development at the State University of Stony Brook, and am certified to teach from pre-K through 6th grade. My love for animals, the natural sciences, and creative pursuits such as literature, music, and the arts inspires my work with children. Beyond the classroom, I enjoy organic gardening, hiking, sports, fishing, cooking, and traveling. I will forever be seeking meaningful connections and thought provoking learning experiences to spark children's natural curiosity and make the world a better place for future generations.

JAMES CAREY
Educator

  • James Carey has worked at the Long Island Game Farm since May 2021, first cleaning the trails and working in the nursery. The game farm quickly recognized his knowledge and passion for animals, and James became one of the top educators at the game farm.

    Putting his experience as an Eagle Scout to work, James built an outdoor communal space, including benches and a fire pit, for his local church that had sponsored his troop. He has a degree from Delaware State University with a degree in Natural Resources, with a concentration in Wildlife Management. During his time at Delaware State University, James conducted research with his professors and worked at the schools Aquaculture and Research Technician.

    James has joined the Foundation for Wildlife Sustainability as an animal education specialist.

BRYAN SMITH Educator, Camp Counselor

  • Bryan is a retired elementary school science teacher who loves animals and nature. He has over 15 years of teaching experience from schools in NYC to the Hamptons. He prefers making the great outdoors into his classroom and teaching kids by following their curiosities and senses of wonder. Lately, Bryan has been fortunate enough to be able to stay at home and raise his three wonderful children. He is eager to be an educator again and share his love of science and the natural world with the campers at The Game Farm.

Jenna Culbertson

JENNA CULBERTSON
Educator

  • Jenna Culbertson holds a BA degree from Westminster Choir College in Princeton, New Jersey. In 2019, she relocated to Long Island and has become a prominent figure in the North Fork and the Hamptons music communities, leading classes for families with young children. Jenna also serves as the music facilitator at Peconic Community School and offers voice and piano lessons to students of all ages. Fulfilling her dream, Jenna finds joy in teaching music and witnessing its impact.

Board of Directors
Steve Bard
Greg Drossel
Melinda Novak
Diane M. Philo
Wendy Turkington

Site photography generously provided by Steve & Lori Biegler of LSB Photography.