WHO WE ARE
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 programs. Education & Research Programs, expanded Camp Zoo, coordinated Santa on the Farm, introduced Songbird Sessions Concert Series. and supported the development of the Universal Access Woodland Trail.
Your support helps us offer more! DONATE HERE
MEET THE TEAM
✻
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.
Email Tricia at psnyder@wildlifesustainability.org
TONITO VALDERRAMA
Educator
-
Tonito Valderrama is an international exhibiting environmental artist and educator.
He has had a focus on local enviromental issues such as deforestation and endangered species. For decades he worked closely with birds of prey, rescued wildlife, botany and Long Island's varied eco-systems. Tonito shares with us his passion for art and nature through multiple mediums including wood, clay, paint and recycled materials.
He creates works inspired by the human-nature connection with the goal of solidifying our respect for Mother Earth. Highly influenced by his indigenous Taino ancestry, he explores the traditional methods of the native arts and symbolism. This message of interconnection is incorporated into his large scale art sculptures, murals, and nature installations. According to Tonito, “Art lives in the elements of all living things and is communicated through the universal language of creative expression”.
While studying art education at CW Post L.I.U., he began working at Hillwood Art Museum as the director of museum education.
During this time, he was able to work directly with pre-Columbian antiquities and modern masterpieces that shaped his artistic future.
He later became the lead environmental artist and educator at the Quogue Wildlife Refuge for over 14 years. This opened the doors to educating all ages and demographics about wildlife and the beauty of our local environment. Many of his artworks and installations can be experienced there.
Tonito created The Artist’s Nest business to bring his passions for art and nature to whole new level. He became an artist in resident, teacher, consultant and commissioned artist that continues to bring creativity to thousands. His classes and art have been shared on campuses, schools, libraries, museums and galleries across the globe. From Stockholm, Sweden to Costa Rica, he has exhibited sculptures and created his mural paintings. Many works were selected by venues such as the Southampton Arts Center, Heckscher Art Museum, Tilles Performance Center, Humes Japanese Gardens, Suffolk Legislature, Petite Gallery, and many private collections. His nature installation projects have received multiple awards and grants such as the JP Morgan Chase, SOS grant and Huntington Arts initiative.
He is an active member of the East End Arts Council and was the past exhibition committee chair at the Huntington Arts Council and member of the New York City Sculptor’s Guild. It has been his recent passion to work with nonprofit organizations such as Wildlife Sustainability, Group for the East End, Shinnecock Boys and Girls club, CEED and East End Arts. Tonito is currently the Director for the Wilderness Traveling Museum, which brings indigenous arts and culture across Long Island!
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
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
Toni Cesta
Greg Drossel
Nick Jacinto
Melinda Novak
Wendy Turkington
Site photography generously provided by Steve & Lori Biegler of LSB Photography.