Hoyt Farm Secures Two $15,000 Grants for Preserve

in Commack received a state grant last week that will go towards supplying natural and non-chlorinated water to one of the preserve’s man-made ponds.

Currently, the pond is filled by water from the Suffolk County Water Authority. According to Director of Town Parks Charles Barrett, the grant of $15,000 will be used to build a well that will maintain the water level of the pond and eliminate any chemicals or unnatural substances in the water.

“The pond hosts a myriad of wildlife, both aquatic and plant wildlife and migratory birds as well,” said Barrett. “Putting in the well will ensure that the water in the pond is just natural groundwater.”

Next year, the town will receive another $15,000 grant that will help fulfill the second phase of the project, in which the well will become solar powered and visitors will be able to learn about the benefits of the well and its natural water.

“After the second grant, we want to make the well run on solar power and energy so that it is completely independent and green,” said Barrett.

The pond is now used as a visual tool for various environmental and wildlife classes that take place on the preserve, which also hosts a , , and .

Hoyt Farm, located at 200 New Highway, is open to Town of Smithtown residents every day from 8 a.m. to dusk.